At present, I am being shadowed by Linno to move into doing more of the President’s tasks. Thanks, Linno.
I want to acknowledge the great attendance at VALBEC’s PL sessions that are capably planned by Manjit and supported by others on our team. Last week’s event, which focused on AI, had 62 attendees. It’s obviously a most interesting area for our teaching and research work.
We have several more PL sessions being planned so please make sure you put them in your calendar, so you don’t miss out.
As the years roll by – did you know it is almost 50 years of the Adult Literacy educational involvement in Australia?
ACAL are hosting a very special symposium day in Canberra on Tuesday September 8th for anyone who wishes to attend the forum. Look at the VALBEC website for the Symposium Day details. It will be very special occasion with key people who championed Adult Literacy education here in Victoria. You will need to register so please consider representing your organisation at this ACAL event with attendees from all the other states.
Deborah Mullan
Did it slip your mind? There's still time to renew!
You can join or renew online. It's still not too late to join for 2026. Click here to join or renew your membership.
If you join in August, September or October, deduct 50%. Renewal falls due the following February.
Members receive:
- Fine Print two issues per year – a high quality journal for discussion and debate about good practice, theory and policy issues. Feedback and contributions are actively sought from members about content and issues.
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eVALBEC – our e-mail communication keeping members informed of professional development activities, general committee activities and more up to date policy changes.
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Discounts for the Annual Conference and other VALBEC statewide professional development.
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Issues-based forums.
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Focus on significant policy issues impacting on the field.
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Free numeracy resources.
ACAL is 50!
Join past and present members of ACAL on Tuesday 8 September 2026 to celebrate 50 years of ACAL with a special symposium from 9:30am to 2:30pm at the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra, followed by a commemorative tree planting and afternoon tea at 3:15pm at Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) Bruce Campus, Block H. Designed for everyone working in education spaces, the symposium will provide the currency needed for 2026 and beyond, with updates on the National Strategy, new research, current data and future trends, alongside plentiful networking opportunities to meet passionate and informed people who can expand your LLN world.
Retired members and long-time supporters are warmly invited to join us to reflect on 50 years of ACAL advocacy, celebrate the highs and lows, share memories, honour the volunteers who have supported adult literacy and numeracy learners and educators under the ACAL banner, and add their voice to the collective knowledge as we look to the next 50 years.
Registrations are now open. Follow this link to the ACAL website to find out more and to register for this event.
VALBEC Professional Learning Forums
We're excited to bring you two professional learning opportunities this month, each offering practical ideas and strategies to support your teaching practice.
We encourage you to register for one or both sessions.
Past Literacy, Future Literacy/AI: Session 1 by Rob McCormack
A VALBEC (Victorian Adult Literacy and Basic Education Council) Professional Learning session presented by Rob McCormack.
This interactive session explores the relationship between language, literacy and artificial intelligence by first examining the history of Adult Literacy and Adult Basic Education (ABE) from the 1980s to 2015.
Participants will consider how the increasing emphasis on competency-based vocational education has shaped literacy teaching and narrowed our understanding of language and literacy as rich cultural and social practices. The session will encourage discussion and reflection throughout, with an extended opportunity for participants to share ideas and perspectives during the final 20 minutes.
Who: Rob McCormack
When: Wednesday, 12th August 2026 5.30 pm – 6.30 pm AEST
Where: Zoom
Cost: VALBEC Members Free. Non-Members $10
Register here.
Past Literacy, Future Literacy/AI: Session 2 by Rob McCormack
Building on the first session, this interactive workshop explores the impact of artificial intelligence on adult literacy pedagogy and the broader education sector.
Participants will examine the history of AI, its relationship to human language, and its implications for teaching and learning. The session also introduces the work of Mary Kalantzis and Bill Cope, highlighting how their pedagogy has evolved alongside digital technologies and AI while maintaining a strong commitment to equity, ethics and social justice in education.
Who: Rob McCormack
When: Wednesday, 19th August 2026 5.30 pm – 6.30 pm AEST
Where: Zoom
Cost: VALBEC Members Free. Non-Members $10
Register here.
Rob is a retired independent academic with decades of experience researching and developing pedagogies for Second Chance Education, particularly in Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital (LLND) education. Throughout his career, he has worked across schools, TAFE, the community education sector and higher education, bringing a wealth of knowledge and practical insight to adult learning.
Rob is passionate about exploring how language, literacy and emerging technologies shape teaching and learning, and how educators can respond thoughtfully to these changes.
Conference Opportunities
The 2026 VDC (VET Development Centre) National Teaching & Learning Conference is a premier two-day event for the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector, running from August 13 to August 14, 2026.
Click on the link to learn more about the trauma aware education conference.
ACDEVEG
ACDEVEG: Call for Abstracts for this year’s Australian Council of Deans of Education Vocational Education group Annual Conference, ‘ Leading Learning at the Frontiers of Change: The Essential Role of the VET Teaching Workforce’ on 3rd-4th December will be held in Ballarat on 3rd and 4th December 2026.
The theme this year is ‘Leading learning at the frontiers of change: The essential role of the VET teaching workforce’.
Please email acdeveg2020@federation.edu.au to add your name to the conference mailing list.Fine Print issue 1/2026 is out now. To receive your copy, please consider becoming a member of VALBEC. If you are yet to receive your copy or would like to change how you receive it (hard or soft) please let us know: info@valbec.org.au subject line Fine Print
Teaching Digital Natives with Technology
Coined by Marc Prensky, the term digital native is one who was born during and after the information age. However, Kirschner & De Bruyckere (2017) mentioned that it is incorrectly assumed that learners automatically possess necessary digital skills solely from being immersed within the digital world. They argued that learners know how to use digital technology for entertaining, while lacking skills for creating and educational purposes. Hence, in the context of learning, teachers can be considered more capable of navigating applications in instructional design compared to their learners.
With this in mind, reflect on the following points when considering technology in learning.
Identify the embedded digital skills
Take time to understand which digital literacy skills are required and devise a plan to teach them.
Budget time to acquire digital skills
Allow time for troubleshootingAllow time for learners to gain familiarity with the application you are implementing prior to using it for educational purposes. Depending on the complexity of the platform, this may include time to explore using a scavenger hunt activity.
Issues with connection and navigation can occur, which are all part of the process of digital literacy
Clarify your learning intentions when using technology.
Reflect on the learning objectives that you hope to achieve and why this particular technology.
Reference: Kirschner, P. A., & De Bruyckere, P. (2017). The myths of the digital native and the multitasker. Teaching and teacher education, 67, 135–142
8. Learn Local News
ACEVic/Learn Local Conference - Save The Date
ACEVic (Adult & Community Education Victoria) is partnering with the ACFE Board to deliver the 2026 ACEVic/Learn Local Conference.
The conference will be a collaborative two-day event for people across Victoria’s adult and community education sector and will provide opportunities to connect, share ideas, hear from inspiring speakers and explore practical strategies to support organisations and learners.
The event will be on Wednesday, October 21 and Thursday, October 22 at Pullman Albert Park, 65 Queens Road, Melbourne. More information will be shared over coming months.
Opportunity for free professional developnment for Learn Local practitioners
Working with Koorie Learners
Working with Koorie Learners is a 5-hour self-paced online program that explores cultural understanding and safety, Indigenous pedagogies, Aboriginal ways of knowing, inclusive teaching practices, Aboriginal English, and working effectively with Koorie adult learners..It offers access to some of the essential knowledge described in Practice domain 1: Engaging learners and Practice domain 2: Teaching LLNED skills.
This course introduces the following concepts:- · cultural understanding and safety
- · Aboriginal ways of knowing
- · indigenous pedagogies
- · inclusive teaching practices
- · Aboriginal English
- · and working effectively with Koorie adult learners
The program was developed in partnership with the Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Inc (VAEAI) and is being delivered by Adult Learning Australia (ALA).
Learn Local practitioners can register FREE now by following this link.VDC announces VSA Grant Opportunity
The Victorian Skills Authority (VSA) funds the VDC to provide opportunities to the Victorian workforce at Skills First providers and Learn Local providers.
Semester 2 grants are open to Victorian Private RTOs with a Skills First contract & ACFE Learn Local providers.
The projects applicants will be encouraged to focus on areas of organisational workforce capability. Projects may range from general teaching and learning practice, staff induction and ongoing support, and development of emerging coordinators and leaders, and appropriate onboarding mechanisms.
More information is available here.
4 August
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day
A day to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and recognise the vital role of culture, family, community and Country in helping children feel strong, proud and connected.
The 2026 theme, Living Our Truth, highlights children’s voices, stories and cultural knowledge, and honours the Elders and communities who pass this knowledge on.
10 August
National Science Week
National Science Week runs from 15–23 August 2026 and celebrates curiosity, discovery and the many ways science shapes our everyday lives.
The 2026 school’s theme, Seeds of Science: Nurturing Knowledge for All, encourages students to plant ideas, ask questions and grow their understanding through hands-on learning.
12 August
World Elephant Day
World Elephant Day raises awareness of the threats facing elephants and the importance of protecting them and their habitats.
It is a chance to appreciate these remarkable animals and support efforts that help them survive for future generations.
14 August
World Lizard Day
World Lizard Day celebrates the amazing variety of lizards, from tiny geckos to large monitors, and the clever ways they survive in different environments.
Fun fact: some lizards can drop their tails to escape danger and later grow them back.
19 August
World Humanitarian Day
World Humanitarian Day honours people who provide life-saving help during crises and recognises the courage of those working in difficult and dangerous conditions.
It also remembers humanitarian workers who have lost their lives and reminds us of the importance of compassion and shared responsibility.
21 August
Daffodil Day
Daffodil Day supports Cancer Council’s work to fund cancer research, prevention and support services. In 2026, the national campaign day is 20 August.
The daffodil is a symbol of hope, and every donation or fundraising effort helps make a difference for people affected by cancer.
28 August
World Sanskrit Day
World Sanskrit Day celebrates Sanskrit, one of the world’s oldest classical languages, and its lasting influence on literature, learning, philosophy and culture.
The day is usually observed on Sravana Poornima, the full moon day in the Hindu month of Sravana, which often falls in August.
Look out for the NTEU branch executive elections. We ask all members to consider putting their hands up this year. It’s not a huge commitment and it’s a satisfying and enriching role. And you will be helping build a strong branch and a healthy sector.
Until then, your NTEU ACE Branch Executive contact is Bill Daly (Secretary) Email: bdaly@nteu.org.au or phone 0431 075 534.
Literacy in Community Course
Victoria University
4 week unit starts - 28 September 2026
Have you considered undertaking post- graduate studies in education?
This unit has been specifically designed for teachers and other staff in the Learn Local sector. It has a particular focus on 21st century literacy including critical engagement with AI.
Scholarships are available from the Victorian Government to pay the fees for this unit (valued at $3,250). It provides credit and a point of entry into post-graduate quallifications.
Register your interest here.
For more information, contact:
Dr Sally Thompson, Victoria University
Email: sally.thompson@vu.edu.au
Foundation Scholarship Opportunity
Do you work in Learn Local or would like to, but need some more professional development or qualifications?
The Commonwealth and Victorian governments are investing $4.5 million into professional development for the ACE sector in recognition of the high need for more qualified teachers.
The Adult Community Education (ACE) scholarships are provided by the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions to people pursing a rewarding career as an adult literacy and numeracy educator delivering pre-accredited training with Learn Local providers in Victoria. The aim is to build the capacity and capabilities of pre-accredited teachers to undertake qualifications, specialist training and upskilling in language, literacy and numeracy.This scholarship is only available to Victorian students. Applications are now open and close at 11:59pm 31 December 2026.
Scholarships are available to commencing students only and are valued at up to $20,000 to be used whilst undertaking studies.
Interested: Follow the link to The Victorian Adult Community Education (ACE) Scholarship to learn more.
eVALBEC
eVALBEC is the monthly electronic newsletter of (VALBEC) the Victorian Adult Literacy and Basic Education Council and is sent to about 1000 practitioners on the first of each month (other than January). It is also available in the ‘News’ section of our web site.
Disclaimer
The activities, goods and services mentioned in eVALBEC are not endorsed by Valbec in any way. People should make their own judgment about the suitability of each item.
How to submit items: https://www.valbec.org.au/evalbec