ACMI & ABC present
Play School Talks: Children's Media and Technology as a Tool in Playful Parenting/Caring
Tickets
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When
Thu 17 Sep 2026
6.30pm
A playful, expert-led talk on using children’s media and technology to support curiosity, connection and learning through play at home and in early education
Screens are part of everyday life, but how can families and early childhood educators use them in ways that genuinely support learning, creativity and connection? Join us at ACMI for a warm, practical conversation on how children’s media and emerging technologies can enrich play-based learning in the early years. Hosted by Derek McCormack, Director of the Raising Children Network, this expert panel brings together researcher Lisa Kervin, The Parenthood CEO Georgie Dent, and beloved Play School presenter Alex Papps. Together, they’ll unpack how thoughtfully designed media can help nurture language, social skills and imaginative play — and how adults can guide children’s digital experiences with confidence and care. Drawing on insights from iconic early childhood programs like Play School, the panel will explore positive approaches to tech that complement playful parenting and early learning environments.
Derek McCormack
Derek McCormack is director of the Raising Children Network where he leads a team in practising knowledge translation and delivering evidence-based online resources supporting parents and carers around the healthy development of children. For 20 years he has lead collaborations with federal and state governments, non-government organisations and community organisations on behalf of the two organisations that contribute to the Raising Children Network: the Parenting Research Centre and the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute.
Prof Lisa Kervin
Professor Lisa Kervin AM is a leading Australian scholar whose work spans literacy, play, children’s museums, and children’s digital practices. Based at Monash University, she investigates how young children engage with literacies and technologies across home, community, and educational settings, with a particular focus on intergenerational play. Her research has significantly shaped national understandings of early childhood digital literacy, informing policy, practice, and cross sector collaboration. She works extensively with partners across academia, industry, and community organisations to advance innovative approaches to children’s learning. In recognition of her contributions to early childhood research, she was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2024.
Georgie Dent
Georgie Dent is the CEO of The Parenthood, Australia’s leading parent advocacy organisation representing over 80,000 parents, carers and supporters. She is a best-selling author, former lawyer and prominent advocate for children, families, gender equity and mental health. The Parenthood champions paid parental leave, access to quality early childhood education and care and family-friendly workplaces. She is a mum of three and lives in Sydney with her husband & co-partner in chaos.
Alex Papps
Alex Papps is an actor, presenter, director and writer who is a WAAPA (Acting) and VCA (Directing) Graduate. Alex has been a regular presenter on ABC’s Play School since 2005 and has also hosted ABC Radio Melbourne. He was also the co-host of ABC’s music and variety program, The Factory.
As an actor, some of Alex’s television credits include the upcoming Bad Company, Fisk Season 1 & 2, Ms Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries (ABC), La Brea (NBC), Offspring (Channel 10) and Home and Away (Seven Network). Film credits also include Five Moments of Infidelity and Ana Kokkinos’ Head On.
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