Developing ways of using modern technology to improve learning about Indigenous cultures has earned a Charles Sturt University (CSU) academic the Microsoft Outstanding Educational Leader Award for 2003 from the NSW branch of the Australian Council of Educational Leaders (ACEL). 

Education lecturer Jenni Munday was recognised for her “Indigenous Studies though Technology” project, which incorporates the study of teaching technologies with Indigenous Australian studies by CSU education students.

The project has evolved over the past five years to provide extensive learning opportunities for early childhood education students at the University’s Albury-Wodonga Campus, as well as local primary and pre-school children. 

“Without a subject or topic to explore, technology is empty,” Ms Munday said. “So by incorporating teaching technologies with Indigenous Australian studies, the students devise their own fun learning experiences for young children.

“The project culminates each year in a technology day which is run only by the CSU students. Since its inception, several thousand primary and pre-school aged children have explored the annual learning centres, which have included visiting pupils being involved in finger painting, tasting bush tucker, interacting with computer programs and listening to taped traditional stories, all developed and presented by our students,” Ms Munday said.

“The project has forged strong goodwill with the Indigenous community as well as within the general education community, with some local school teachers using the day as a springboard for further learning about Indigenous Studies in their classrooms.”

Microsoft’s Don Carlson will present the Microsoft award today, Tuesday 17 June, to Jenni Munday at a ceremony hosted by ACEL in Sydney. Ms Munday is a lecturer in the Murray Education Unit on the University’s Albury City Campus.