Winner, CORE Teaching Award
A/Prof Nicole Herbert for her exceptional contributions to authentic, industry-focused curriculum development. Her strong commitment to creating inclusive and culturally aware programs ensures the preparation of outstanding computing professionals for Australia’s future. For example, A/Prof Herbert adopted an Action Research approach to embed Aboriginal content into the curricula balancing ICT content with Indigenous perspectives, transforming her curriculum and leading other discipline teams to Indigenise their curriculum as well. Her commitment to student outcomes has led to redesigned a Masters program to address low student satisfaction and poor employment outcomes by integrating Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) and authentic assessment approaches increasing student satisfaction and graduate employment outcomes. She has further established WIL opportunities for final year ICT students leading to students winning industry awards on their projects. Her curriculum reform and teaching and learning initiatives has been widely published and cited leading to impact across the discipline sector.
Presentation Title: Teaching Excellence: A Journey of Innovation, Inclusion, and Resilience
Abstract: In the ever-evolving world of academia, our stories are shaped not just by triumphs but also by the challenges we overcome. In this presentation, I invite you to join me on a reflective journey spanning 25 years in ICT education—years marked by passion, perseverance, and purpose.
From my first days in the classroom to shaping national ICT curricula, my path has been one of relentless pursuit of innovation in teaching and curriculum design to bring global best practice to Tasmania. Through strategic initiatives, I’ve worked to foster engaging, inclusive learning environments that prepare students—not just for jobs—but for professional practice in an ever-changing, diverse industry.
With a focus on nurturing professionalism, I’ll explore how my classroom practices have driven initiatives to embed authentic assessment and work-integrated learning, blending technical expertise with essential professional skills. I’ll share my aspirations to influence the future direction of the ICT profession and foster an industry that values inclusiveness and diversity, addressing the underrepresentation of women, First Nation peoples, and other minority groups.
My journey highlights the importance of reflective practice and scholarly contribution, underscored by the many awards I have received along the way. But behind the accolades lies a narrative that resonates with many academics: grappling with gender inequity, career failures and rejections, imposter syndrome, and burnout. These experiences have shaped my journey and, more importantly, my commitment to nurturing resilience and supporting others.
Together, we’ll reflect on the challenges and celebrate the joys of a journey towards teaching excellence.