Solve This
Challenges are all around us, and many of them are in our
very own backyard. That’s why we asked local community groups to nominate the issues that they feel need some
attention. So, if you’re a student looking for a problem to tackle, why not choose one of the local issues
below? Don’t forget you will not only make a difference here in Oz, but your solution could also change
the world!
Simply email your issues of interest to
OzImagineCup@microsoft.com
and we’ll put in direct contact with the problem owner.
Looking for a
problem to solve?
Here are some local issues
you might base your
submission around.
Adapting to Hotter Cities
If you think 35 degrees is a hot day, then get ready – because future climate
change means that Australians will face extreme hot weather more often. How will this affect us?
Will hospitals, government agencies, energy providers and the community as a whole need new and
better ways to communicate? What
about early warning and monitoring for people who can’t handle
the heat? Tackle this problem and you’ll be helping everyone under the sun.
http://www.nccarf.edu.au/
Reconciliation is about building better relationships between Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander peoples and the wider Australian community for the benefit of all Australians.
How could technology such as social networking, virtual communities or even gaming, facilitate
cross-cultural interaction,
learning and understanding?
http://www.reconciliation.org.au/
Learning through Story Telling
At times, ageing migrants and refugees to Australia can feel very isolated
from the local community – and computer and English literacy can often be the remedy. How could
you use technology to promote social inclusion for these groups?
http://www.careconnect.org.au/
1 in 10 teenagers suffer from asthma. Teenagers also suffer from forgetfulness.
And when they forget to properly manage their asthma the consequences can be dire. If there was a
tool (app or other) that helped in asthma management, almost half a million parents would breathe
a sigh of relief.
http://www.asthmafoundation.org.au/
1 in 5 children in Australia have been affected by domestic violence. That’s a
scary stat, and domestic violence can be a scary topic – especially for kids. The Minute of Noise
education campaign encourages kids to speak out about domestic violence, and anyway that technology
can make more
noise about this great initiative will only be a good thing.
http://www.ggf.org.au/
The internet has transformed the way students communicate and form relationships
with each other. Cyber bullying is on the rise, especially for girls. Society responds by blocking
and banning youth access. Where is the safe social space for young people to share information?
How can technology raise
awareness, help end virtual abuse, and promote respectful online behaviour?
http://www.childrenbychoice.org.au/
1 in 5 pregnant women suffer Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP). PGP causes pain around
the joints of the pelvis making it difficult for women to sleep, dress, drive – or do virtually
anything. What solutions could you give birth to in order to help these Aussie mums and their
families?
http://www.pelvicinstability.org.au/
You’re probably a whiz on the computer, but some older people aren’t. Computer
competency is becoming more important by the day, and seniors are in risk of being left behind.
By helping seniors engage with technology you’ll help them unlock a whole new world.
http://www.own.org.au/
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander school attendance is much lower than the
general population – particularly in remote locations. The reasons span from peer pressure to skip
school to a disengaging curriculum and a lack of career prospects. How could you utilise technology
to make school
more attractive to students?
http://www.reconciliation.org.au/
Imagine Cup entrants and Community Partners participate at their own discretion.
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