Jo Bird

Jo Bird is an Associate Professor in the School of Education at the University of New England (UNE), Faculty of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences and Education. She serves as the Higher Degree Research Coordinator, supporting postgraduate research students in early childhood education. Her work bridges academia and practice, with a strong focus on digital technologies in early childhood settings.

Her research interests include:

• Digital technologies in early childhood play
• Integration of STEM and nature-based learning
• Development of 21st-century skills in young children
• Supporting educators in using digital tools for planning and documentation
• Early childhood leadership and professional development

Jo Bird's recent publications reflect a consistent trajectory in digital play, nature education, and military family support programs. Her work emphasizes children’s agency, innovative pedagogies, and the role of technology in enhancing learning outcomes. She has contributed significantly to frameworks like the Digital Play Framework and digital storytelling applications.

Her scientific achievements include:

• Council for the Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (CHASS) Award for Distinctive Work (2022)
• Australian Postgraduate Award (APA) Scholarship (2013–2015)

She actively supervises doctoral and master’s students in early childhood technology, play, and primary education transitions. Her research has been supported by grants from The Ian Potter Foundation and UNE. She has also led digital application development, such as 'Waiting for Daddy: Rose’s story', to amplify children's voices.

Jo Bird is involved in several research teams and initiatives, including projects on military family education and digital portfolio systems (ARTefacts). She collaborates widely across institutions and contributes to national discourse through professional learning sessions, conference presentations, and practitioner publications.