This episode explores the role of digital technologies in early childhood education with experts Dr. Jubilee Smith and Dr. Amanda Levido. They discuss the impact of digital tools on children's learning, specific applications, and professional development for educators.
Key Points:
•	Importance of digital technologies in early childhood.
•	Impact on children's learning and development.
•	Specific digital tools and their benefits/drawbacks.
•	Training and professional development for educators.
•	Involving parents in the digital learning process.
•	Preparing for emerging technologies.

Further Reading and Links
Commonsense media https://www.commonsensemedia.org/
eSafety Commissioner:  https://www.esafety.gov.au/ and  https://www.esafety.gov.au/educators/training-for-professionals/early-years
ECA Australia https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/
Digital Stories Contest (The Digital Child): https://digitalchild.org.au/stories-by-digital-children/

This podcast has been created for the Faculty of Education at Southern Cross University. It is hosted by Dr Katie Hotko, and produced by Professor Alexandra Lasczik. Executive Producer is Professor Amy Cutter-Mackenzie-Knowles. All rights reserved.

Episode 1: Digital Technologies with Dr Amanda Levido and Dr Jubilee Smith

In this episode Madison Rybka, a proud Arrernte woman and experienced teacher, discusses integrating Indigenous perspectives into early childhood education. The episode covers practical strategies for educators, the importance of cultural knowledge, and how to approach this work respectfully.
Key Points:
•	Importance of embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives.
•	Effective incorporation of these perspectives into daily practices and curriculum.
•	Addressing educators' concerns about doing things wrong.
•	Respectful approaches for non-Indigenous educators.

Further Reading and Links
Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre (Gold Coast): https://www.jellurgal.com.au/ 

Koori Curriculum - Founded by Jessica Staines, a proud Wiradjuri woman and an early childhood teacher, our consultancy is dedicated to empowering educators like you right across Australia. We provide professional development, programming, coaching, workshops, and an array of resources designed to enhance your cultural capacity and confidence in teaching First Nations history and culture.

Narrangunnawali: The Narragunnawali program has tools and resources for schools and early learning services to take action towards reconciliation between non-First Nations Australians and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This podcast has been created for the Faculty of Education at Southern Cross University. It is hosted by Dr Katie Hotko, and produced by Professor Alexandra Lasczik. Executive Producer is Professor Amy Cutter-Mackenzie-Knowles. All rights reserved.

Episode 2: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Perspectives with Madison Rybka

In this episode, Professor Alexandra Lasczik, an expert in Visual Arts education with more than 40 years of teaching experience, discusses the importance of Visual Arts in early childhood settings. The episode covers her experiences, the concept of enabling constraints, and the significance of materials in artmaking.
Key Points:
•	Importance of setting up conditions for making art.
•	Concept of "Enabling Constraints" in art education.
•	Significance of high quality materials in artmaking.

Further Reading and Links
Lasczik, A., Cutter-Mackenzie-Knowles, A., Osborne, M., Malone, K. & Knight, L. (2024). Engaging visual diaries in early childhood nature play as pedagogical arousal. Australasian Journal of Early Childhood 50(2),188-210. DOI:10.1177/18369391241276885  

Cutcher, A., & Boyd, W. (2016). Children as artists: The preschool as a community of creative practice. Journal of Curriculum and Pedagogy, 13(1), 5-17. https://doi.org/10.1080/15505170.2016.1143893 

This podcast has been created for the Faculty of Education at Southern Cross University. It is hosted by Dr Katie Hotko, and produced by Professor Alexandra Lasczik. Executive Producer is Professor Amy Cutter-Mackenzie-Knowles. All rights reserved.

Episode 3: Visual Arts Learnings with Professor Alexandra Lasczik and Dr Katie Hotko

In this episode, Lucia Stacchiotti, an experienced educator and psychotherapist, discusses the concept of 'slowness' in early childhood education. The episode highlights the benefits of slowing down, Reggio practices, reflective practice, and the impact of rituals on learning.
Key Points:
•	Rationale for 'slowness' in early childhood education
•	Inspiration for exploring slowness and rituals
•	Contribution of slowness to deeper reflection and learning
•	Role of reflective practice in slow pedagogy
•	Personal experiences and stories
•	Advice for educators exploring slowness.

Further Reading and Links
Articles:
This article contains a section where Carlina shares her reflection about the challenges mentioned in this episode
Rinaldi, C. (2004). The relationship between documentation and assessment. Innovations in Early Education: The International Reggio Exchange, 11(1), 1–6. 
Other Publications
Ashworth, D. (2023). Wild hope: Healing words to find light on dark days. Mango Publishing.
Clark, A. (2022). Slow Knowledge and the Unhurried Child. Taylor & Francis.
Moss, P. (2017). Power and resistance in early childhood education: From dominant discourse to democratic experimentalism. Journal of Pedagogy, 8(1), 11-32. https://doi.org/10.1515/jped-2017-0001
Rinaldi, C. (2004). The relationship between documentation and assessment. Innovations in Early Education: The International Reggio Exchange, 11(1), 1–6. Merrill-Palmer Institute, Wayne State University.
Rinaldi, C. (2005). In Dialogue with Reggio Emilia: Listening, researching and learning (1st ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203317730
Links:
Piazza Piazze: https://youtu.be/g65ZO7zbVKI?si=Ykb5sk_DLJmOWLPg 
Prof Carla Rinaldi on 'Reclaiming Childhood': https://youtu.be/dqgvW-IRXKg?si=1s7vLTmcw-2qKh1o 

This podcast has been created for the Faculty of Education at Southern Cross University. It is hosted by Dr Katie Hotko, and produced by Professor Alexandra Lasczik. Executive Producer is Professor Amy Cutter-Mackenzie-Knowles. All rights reserved.

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