DattaQueensland's podcast

In this episode of the Bridge Building Podcast, Stephen chats with Emil Zankov, President of DATTA South Australia and a driving force behind the explosive growth of VEX Robotics competitions across the state. Emil shares his journey from an early-career teacher discovering the power of robotics to leading a statewide movement that now involves more than 20 schools and over 100 teams. He discusses how robotics competitions provide belonging, motivation, and purpose for students who might otherwise disengage — often transforming attendance, confidence, and learning habits. We also look at what makes VEX both accessible and scalable, why teachers shouldn't fear starting small, and how associations like DATTA SA help isolated tech teachers find their people. Key Topics: The real value of competitive robotics How collaboration flourishes even in a competitive environment Strategies for getting school leadership on board Ways robotics connects students across schools, sectors, and backgrounds Advice for teachers considering starting a team Links Mentioned: VEX Robotics: vex.com Robotics Education & Competition Foundation: Search "RECF Foundation"  

In this episode, we explore a powerful idea emerging from Victoria: placing industrial design students into school workshops as paid technicians to support teachers, enrich student learning, and build a new pipeline of future Design & Technologies educators. Stephen Anderson, QCHDF, speaks with Peter Murphy from RMIT about how the program works, why design students are so eager to participate, and what this model could mean for addressing the national teacher shortage. Peter also discusses his long-term vision for the learning area — including university partnerships, teacher training pathways, the need for more research in Design & Technologies, and what it will take to build a sustainable future workforce. This episode is essential listening for school leaders, teachers, and anyone passionate about strengthening our subject. Key topics: How university design students are supporting school workshops Speed-dating for schools: matching students with schools Why young designers are seeking stability and meaningful work The changing nature of the design profession Teacher shortages and long-term workforce solutions The role of Masters programs and PhD pathways Building intergenerational change within Design & Technologies Listen now and explore how your school could start a similar partnership.  

Join Stephen Anderson in conversation with Primrose Kombanie, an inspiring design educator at Glasshouse Christian College on the Sunshine Coast. Primrose shares her remarkable story — from her upbringing in Zimbabwe and studies in textile sciences, to her transition into design teaching in New Zealand and Australia. She speaks passionately about changing classroom culture, connecting with industry partners, and helping students see design as a way of thinking, not just making. It's a warm, engaging, and thought-provoking episode about education, creativity, and courage in teaching. 🎧 Listen now on your favourite podcast platform.  

In this conversation, host Stephen Anderson speaks with Danielle Ruddock, Design and Technology Teacher at Beenleigh State High School, about her work bringing design thinking into the primary classroom. Danielle shares strategies for integrating design thinking into HASS and Science, drawing on the Eight Ways of Learning and principles of Universal Design for Learning. She reflects on how introducing students to creative problem-solving early helps them transition into secondary design subjects with greater confidence and flexibility. As part of DATTA QLD's Professional Learning Series, Danielle will be leading an in-person workshop, Design Thinking in the Primary Setting, at Beenleigh State High School in Week 6, Term 4. Key themes: Design Thinking in primary education Linking HASS and Science through design processes Embedding Indigenous perspectives using the Eight Ways of Learning Universal Design for Learning and inclusive classroom strategies 🎧 Listen now to discover how design thinking can help students become lifelong learners who think critically and creatively across every subject.  

In this episode of the Bridge Building Podcast: From Technology to the Trades, Stephen Anderson sits down with Andrew Scott, co-author of the Design for QCE textbooks and an experienced industrial design educator. Andrew unpacks the challenge of helping students use their time productively in design projects—whether in high school or university. Drawing on years of teaching first-year design, he explains why structure, constraints, and collaboration are key to unlocking creativity and progress. What You'll Learn in This Episode: How to structure design projects to keep students moving forward Why constraints actually fuel creativity The importance of peer feedback and collaborative idea generation Practical classroom strategies that can be adapted from university to high school Links and Resources: Explore DATTA Queensland: dattaqld.org.au Email the podcast: [email protected] Connect With Us: Host: Stephen Anderson Email: [email protected] Host: Stephen Anderson Email: [email protected]