In Semester Two this year, our College community was delighted to welcome Christopher Bell as the Head of Learning Technologies in the Secondary School. Christopher brings a wealth of global expertise that will directly benefit our students and staff, elevating the teaching and learning experience here at 蜜桃 Flinders Anglican College.
With a distinguished career dedicated to leading technology integration across the curriculum in international schools, Christopher is well-equipped to guide our students into the digital future.
We sat down with Christopher to learn more about his career journey, vision for learning at Flinders and life on the Sunshine Coast.
Q: Christopher, please share a little of your career journey with our community.听听
As a lifelong learner, my educational journey has taken me across the globe. From my roots in America to international schools, and now to the wonderful community of 蜜桃 Flinders Anglican College. This year marks my 25th in education, with 20 of those years dedicated to leading technology integration across the curriculum.
Recently, my focus has been on the research behind and frontier of Artificial Intelligence in education. Specifically, I have been exploring, prototyping and instructing school communities on how to effectively leverage AI to elevate both academic and athletic performance. Over the course of my career, I鈥檝e had the privilege of presenting for Google and Apple globally, as well as launching a successful EdTech startup.
I fundamentally believe that technology, much like pencil and paper, is a critical learning tool. My mission is to help students, teachers and parents transition from passive consumers of technology into active, conscientious and witty creators.
My blog is titled and I have an educational
Q: What is your vision for your role here at Flinders?听听
In my discussions with senior administrators, I hope to bring three big categories of improvements to Flinders:
Improved Technology Efficiency:鈥�
- To articulate the technology skills students receive from P鈥�12
- To reduce the administrative technology load for teachers
- To improve the data analysis used by teachers and administrators
Artificial Intelligence Development:
- To infuse and integrate valuable AI technologies into the existing curriculum P鈥�12
- To leverage AI technologies to enhance engagement
- to provide the necessary skills to students as they leave Flinders to be prepared for whatever future they face.
Establish Flinders as a Technology Learning Hub:
- To upskill all members of the Flinders community in using technologies, including parents, students, teachers and administrators
- To establish a training series for other Queensland and eventually Australian teachers to learn how to successfully integrate AI and technology into the curriculum
- To create and connect with local and international technology industry partners
- To develop opportunities for Flinders students
Q: What do you enjoy most about working within a school community?听
I especially enjoy learning and the community itself. In my experience, working in schools requires that I constantly learn new techniques and strategies, and develop new skills. I love to learn. Additionally, I find that school communities are full of life and energy that is all focused on the altruistic ideal to support students to achieve great things. I believe this to be a challenge that requires, as they say, the 鈥渨hole village鈥�, and I love being part of that village.
Q: What are your hobbies, and what are you enjoying about living on the Sunshine Coast?听
I came to Australia via Thailand, but I am originally from Colorado in the United States. I鈥檝e lived and worked overseas for 15 years now, most recently in Thailand. I came to Flinders with my wife, Nattawee, who is Thai. We arrived here to get out of the big city and enjoy the natural environment. I am an avid runner, swimmer and cyclist. I love mountain biking and road biking. I am really excited to develop my surfing skills. Added to this, we both are looking to get into camping and hiking in the region.
Q: Do you have a favourite quote or piece of wisdom that inspires you?听
While technology will be my focus at Flinders, I am also a librarian. I love to read so I constantly collect quotes and ideals that I find in my reading. Most recently, I have been thinking about the quote by Goethe:
"Whatever you do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.鈥�
