Students across western NSW have come together to compete in the Game Changer Challenge semi-final.
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Twelve teams from Dubbo, Narromine, Trangie, Nyngan, Mendooran, Menindee, Mullion Creek and Cudgegong took part in the annual Game Changer Challenge semifinal on Tuesday.
The semi-final is one of seven across NSW featuring 420 students and 84 teams from primary and secondary schools working to solve the real-world wicked problem of 'how might we use technology to bring everyone in our community closer together?'
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Team 'Orana Legends' from Orana Heights Public School designed and made an interactive watch to help keep children connected.
Orana Heights deputy principal Susan Mestrom said the students enjoyed the team aspect of the challenge.
This year's colossal event was delivered virtually in response to COVID-19 restrictions, with teams competing from their school instead of travelling to a central location.
The teams were led through a rigorous design thinking process to develop their ideas in solving the complex problem.
Students were guided through the day by expert facilitators working virtually in classrooms.
Secretary of the NSW Department of Education Mark Scott said today's students will solve the great challenges of the future.
"To flourish in this world they will need to be deep thinkers, critical and reflective, empathetic and creative," Mr Scott said.
"The Game Changer Challenge aims to highlight and develop these future-focused skills."
A series of 'Super 7' videos featuring leaders in technology and innovation had been created to help inspire students to expand and develop their game changing ideas.
Each team pitched their ideas to a judging panel before a junior and senior semi-final winner was announced.
'Change-makers @ MCS' from Menindee Central School and 'The Agency' from Cudgegong Valley Public School were the west and far west region semi-finalists.
Semi-final winners will then be judged in a virtual grand final event to see who will take home the title of 2020 Game Changer Challenge Champions.
Members of the public can join in the action by voting in the people's choice award, selecting their favourite pitch from the winning teams in each semifinal, which will be published on the department's website.
The Grand Final winners and people's choice will be announced via a live stream video on 1 December.