The Shifting Landscape
Face-to-Face Event – Saturday, 11 October 2025
Many of us wondered towards the end of the COVID era just how quickly things would return to ‘normal’ in the ELICOS sector. However, what has transpired in the 2+ years since borders reopened has proven Heraclitus’ timeless adage that no one ‘ever steps in the same river twice’. Indeed, change has been visited on our sector on a scale that we could never have expected, banishing any thoughts of ‘going back’ to pre-COVID conditions.
Some of this change appears to be closely related to the pandemic experience. The students we see in our classrooms now are more tech-savvy (or tech dependent?) than ever, but have their levels of engagement and even social skills been impacted? Teachers, too, have upskilled considerably, and their needs and abilities have evolved accordingly.
Other changes seem more independent. The explosion of generative artificial intelligence has brought a wealth of opportunities, but has also caused concern, particularly in relation to academic integrity. And just as recovery in international education in Australia appeared to be well underway, the policy landscape shifted in a way few could have anticipated, affecting the mix of students we receive.
Despite these shifts, hope certainly remains for the future of ELICOS, with our history of overcoming similar challenges through ingenuity, adaptation, and collaboration. As the landscape continues to evolve, how can we as educators ensure that we’re addressing the needs of our students, ensuring integrity in our courses, and supporting our staff?
Date: Saturday, 11 October 2025
Time: 9:15am – 4:00pm
Location:
Hawthorn-Melbourne
Level 1, 333 Exhibition Street
Melbourne 3000
