Kate Highfield

Associate Professor Kate Highfield is an academic leader in Early Childhood Education at the University of Canberra’s Faculty of Education. She holds dual roles as Associate Professor and Academic Lead, focusing on integrating technology into play-based learning. With a PhD from Macquarie University (2012), her expertise spans over a decade in early childhood education, previously serving at Australian Catholic University as Senior Lecturer and Deputy Head.

Her research emphasizes healthy technology use in early childhood, including AI ethics, STEAM integration, and digital citizenship. Collaborations with ABC Kids, Early Childhood Australia, and projects like the Young Children in Digital Society highlight her commitment to bridging research and practice. She actively contributes to policy discussions on screen time, digital safety, and outdoor play initiatives.

Key interests include leveraging technology for play-based learning, bridging AI’s ethical challenges in early education, and advocating for balanced digital media engagement. Her work frequently addresses parent-child interactions with technology and strategies for fostering physical activity alongside screen use.

• Education: PhD in Education (Macquarie University, 2012)
• Professional Memberships: Early Childhood Australia, Australian Institute of Company Directors, Children’s Media Australia
• Funding: Australian Research Council (ARC) grants for projects like LP190100387

Her research outputs emphasize practical applications, such as developing resources for educators and parents to navigate digital technologies. Recent projects include initiatives to promote physical activity through technology transitions and designing tools for early childhood service providers.