The annual QASINET event brought together staff from Queensland Academies Creative Industries (QACI) and Queensland Academy for Health Sciences (QAHS) for a day of collaboration, professional learning and shared innovation, and this year’s program was highlighted by the return of a distinguished alumnus. Alexander Cohen, a graduate of QACI’s inaugural Class of 2008, delivered the keynote presentation, offering a compelling exploration of artificial intelligence, ethics and the future of education.
Now a leading creative technologist, Alexander is the Founder of Scope&Go AI Agency and Director of the Queensland AI Hub Brisbane Chapter. His work focuses on bridging technical and non-technical worlds to develop responsible, impactful AI solutions - expertise that made his presence at QASINET both timely and invaluable. Standing on the same campus where his creative journey began, Alexander spoke to staff about the social, ethical and educational responsibilities that accompany AI’s expanding role in schools.
In his keynote, Alexander unpacked the pressing need for educators to confidently navigate AI technologies while modelling critical, ethical engagement for students. He explored how AI can be used meaningfully within learning environments, how schools can respond to shifts in digital literacy, and why long-term thinking is essential as AI becomes increasingly embedded in everyday life. His insights resonated strongly with staff from both academies, sparking meaningful conversations about the opportunities and challenges ahead.
Adding a memorable moment to the day, Alexander also introduced attendees to a small AI-powered robot companion, who stole the show by wandering the stage, interacting with the audience, and even fist-bumping teachers - a light-hearted reminder of the humanity, curiosity and creativity that sit at the heart of technological advancement.
Following his presentation, Alexander led an extensive Q&A session where teachers asked questions about student use of AI tools, environmental sustainability in computing, the long-term trajectory of machine learning, and the evolving expectations placed on future graduates. His ability to ground complex concepts in accessible language made the session engaging, practical and deeply relevant to the work of the Academies.
QASINET once again provided a powerful space for collaboration between QACI and QAHS, and Alexander Cohen’s contribution enriched the event in a way that felt both full-circle and forward-looking. His return to the Academies served not only as an inspiration to staff, but also as a reminder of the innovative pathways our alumni continue to forge.