Organisations around the world increasingly recognise an urgent need for the right expertise to face the challenges and complexities of the 21st century.
That expertise is more than just a technical understanding of emerging technologies—it is also a critical awareness of how these technologies interact with wider cultural, social, economic, political, and ecological systems. The School of Cybernetics is bringing the transdisciplinary practice of cybernetics to the world through innovative research-informed Learning Experiences for industry, government, and communities.
Who our Learning Experiences are for#
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Organisations and teams#
- Australian Government agencies
- Industry and community organisations
- Cohort-based delivery, tailored to your context
Individuals and open enrolmemt#
- Professionals seeking to upskill
- Sign up to our mailing list to be notified of upcoming learning experiences, or contact us.
AI in context#
A few lines here articulating the pressing need for AI capability and framing our AI LXs as part of broader systems capability. Sets up AI as a major theme. This can be a kind of accent or pop out – useful to reassure people looking for AI training that they’ve arrived in the right place.
Explore our learning themes#
Our multifaceted learning experiences (LX) are developed with and for audiences in government and industry. We focus on upskilling people who are working with new and emerging technology so they can better understand and anticipate the implications of deploying technologies in a particular context and for a particular purpose, such as service delivery, regulation, business strategy, information management and beyond.
AI in context
Decoding AI#
Decoding AI Summary
Artificial Intelligence is booming. New AI solutions are being openly released to the public and integrated into everyday computing systems across all sectors and settings, both with and without our consent. Concern about the impact of these novel technologies continues to play out in the public discourse and through legal and social challenges to the legitimacy of these systems.Key Takeaways
This learning experience will empower participants with a stronger and clearer understanding of AI technologies and their implications and controversies. The program will develop new ways to discuss AI outside the constraints of existing - and often misleading - technological terms and narratives. Participants will explore expected and unexpected outcomes and interactions between the components of an AI system and wider societal systems. Using the presented tools, participants will further consider how to manage the technology across current and future deployment scenarios.Duration
One dayIntended Audience
EL1 to SES3 leaders or equivalent“Fantastic and valuable course, facilitated and delivered well by a great diverse team.” – SES leader from an extra-large public service agency
Leading AI
Being a leader in today's tech-driven environment can be tough. Emerging technologies such as AI and automation challenge decision-makers across all sectors to respond rapidly to complex and ambiguous situations, while managing the often-unknown risks and opportunities of adoption and deployment. Concurrently, conventional organisational structures and relationships are also giving way as these technologies usher in new social norms and ways of working. This learning experience offers leaders a chance to learn ways to navigate these unfamiliar waters. Join us as we develop leaders’ capabilities in self-reflection and systemic thinking, preparing them to meet the challenges of the future. Drawing on interdisciplinary research, the course guides learners through leadership principles for the 21st century that are immediately and pragmatically applicable to their own contexts.Duration: Two days
Intended Audience: EL2 to SES3 leaders or equivalent
“Great presenters, really liked the delivery style - unlike any training I have experienced. Makes me want to change careers and join this fabulous group.” – SES leader from a large public service agency
LLMs Unplugged:
Despite the rapid uptake of AI around the globe (including right here in Australia), most people have no real mental model of what’s actually happening under the hood. Rather than accepting the hand-wave-y and mystical-sounding explanations, join us in this fun and informative workshop where you'll learn about Large Language Models – the technology behind the mind-boggling abilities of ChatGPT, Claude and LLaMa- without actually touching any tech. Through an analogue activity and a bit of dialogue, you’ll learn the basic principles of LLMs and understand that the ‘black box’ of AI is really just some basic logic with a bit of probability mixed in.Duration: Two hours
Intended Audience: all APS staff
“So fun, engaging, and well-structured…well done” - STEM Academic
Thinking With Machines#
Explore what it means to make sound decisions in a world where AI systems are increasingly embedded in everyday work. This practical course helps participants understand how to work effectively with AI in complex decision-making contexts. Through hands-on activities, peer discussion, and real-world examples, participants learn how to evaluate AI contributions critically, how design and cognitive biases shape human–AI interaction, and how to manage risks so that AI is used in ways that improve outcomes for the public.
The course builds confidence in ethical, safe, and strategic AI use, equipping participants with practical decision aids and ways to think about not just what to prompt, but how and when to prompt, for better and more effective work.
Duration: One day
Intended Audience: all APS staff working with AI
Cybernetic leadership
Introduction to Cybernetic leadership
Information here about introduction to Cybernetic leadershipFutures and Systems thinking
Systems thinking and doing: an Introduction
Information here about Systems thinking and doing: an IntroductioReimagining and shaping our future systems
Information here about Reimagining and shaping our future systemOur educational approach#
We employ an approach that is highly participatory, recognising that traditional “chalk and talk” training is unlikely to succeed in creating organisational change. Instead, we introduce tools and concepts that can be applied in learners’ own contexts and provide opportunities for learners to build their confidence by engaging with these tools in a safe learning environment and in dialogue with their peers.
Our innovative approach to education has resulted in being shortlisted for the prestigious “Developing Emerging Skills and Competencies Award by QS Reimagine Education”.
Partner with us#
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