The impact of Connecting Up products and services could be felt for generations thanks to their impact on Future Problem Solving Program Australia. That’s according to Suzanne Digby, National Director of Future Problem Solving Program Australia, who says Microsoft 365 plays a key role in the program’s ability to connect with thousands of students and teach them how to identify and tackle major problems.

A global network of future problem solvers

Future Problem Solving Australia is the fifth largest member of a global network that has helped more than 100,000 future doctors, lawyers, engineers and government decision makers hone their problem-solving skills. Its 2021 topic is human environmental impact. Through the program, students may engage in research, fundraising, community outreach, information development and dissemination, documentation and evaluation, and can learn powerful lessons about creating change, about dealing with local authorities and organisations, and about making a positive impact. Bridging the gap between school and the real world, projects are student‐driven and produce young leaders ready to solve problems they may encounter throughout their lives.

Technology bridging the gap during COVID-19

The interdisciplinary approach helps develop ethical leadership skills and provides a unique opportunity for students to learn and apply essential life skills in the 21st century. Technology has become more important than ever in the past year for the team because of the impacts of COVID-19. In fact, Suzanne says running the program may not have been possible without the Microsoft 365 suite of products, which was used to connect students with facilitators, enabling interviews, coursework submission and central filing of key documents. “If we didn’t have Microsoft 365, I’m not sure how we would’ve done it,” says Suzanne.

Teams and OneDrive for meetings and shared files

“We used Teams and OneDrive to connect hundreds of students with facilitators. Teams allowed us to conduct interviews and face-to-face meetings, while OneDrive gave us a central filing system so that we could give everyone the access they needed to key documents.” Microsoft 365 also gives the Future Problem Solving Program consistent email addresses, improving the image of the organisation. “Using Outlook through Office 365 gives everyone the same email address, which is more professional,” she says.

Training and networking through Connecting Up events

Suzanne also recommends Connecting Up training, which has played a major part in building the capability of her team of two staff and up to 12 volunteers. “I have been attending Connecting Up training webinars for years, including the COVID-19 Expert Bar in 2020 and the Connecting Up Conferences, which are outstanding,” she says. “Through this training I’ve been able to improve my skills and build connections and networks that otherwise wouldn’t have been possible.”

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