DATTA Vic upcoming events

Meet Carol Taylor: The World's First Quadriplegic Designer | Designer Case Study (PL2612) (23 Apr 2026)

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 06:00:00 GMT

DESIGNER CASE STUDY: ETHICAL DESIGN | ADAPTIVE DESIGN

FOR MEMBERS ONLY

When: 4pm - 5.30pm, 23rd April 2026

Where: Online - link provided one business day before event.

Presenter: Carol Taylor

Cost:

$65 for members
$35 for students/pre-service teachers

In 2001, Carol and her husband Robert hit black ice, their car rolled twice, on the second roll the roof caved in, hit Carol on the back of the neck instantly severed her spinal cord. In that split second Carol’s life was ever changed, she was left a quadriplegic, completely paralysed from the chest down.

Believing obstacles are merely challenges waiting to be overcome, Carol is the embodiment of resilience. With the assistance of Robert's makeshift modifications to pencils, brushes and tools she taught herself to draw, paint and create. Carol loved fashion before her injury, sustaining a spinal cord injury didn't change that. As one of the 20% of Australians forgotten by the fashion industry, Carol began designing for herself in 2002 and had a dressmaker make her designs.

In 2018 Carol was the recipient of the Access Arts Achievement Award, and she began to create accessible clothing for others with disability. She debuted her adaptive fashion (under the initial name of MeQ Designs) at the 2019 Mercedes Benz Fashion Festival Brisbane. This was the first time an all-visible disability cast of models showcased on a national runway and was a giant leap forward for design inclusivity. Carol’s adaptive clothing designs have been exhibited in Galleries in Brisbane and Canberra and Belgium.

This workshop is intended to support VCE PD&T educators, but also teachers from specialist education settings who are looking for inspiring individuals whose practice can offer a way to engage your students in design.

Getting started with microcontrollers in the classroom (PL2621) (30 Apr 2026)

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 23:30:00 GMT

When: Thursday 30th April, 9:30am - 3pm

Where: Diamond Valley College, Diamond Creek

Presenter: Anthony Gasson

Cost:

$229 for members
$329 for non-members
$109 for university students/CRT Members/Pre-service teachers

Morning tea and lunch provided.

This hands-on professional learning experience immerses participants in a Year 9 classroom approach to teaching physical computing and systems engineering through choice, comparison, and design thinking.

The day begins with a practical introduction to both the micro:bit and Arduino platforms. Participants will explore core functions, complete simple tasks, and build confidence using each system. A structured comparison activity will support teachers to evaluate the strengths, limitations, and classroom applications of both technologies.

In the afternoon, participants will step into the role of learners, engaging in an open-ended design challenge: developing a prototype automatic headlight system for a car. Using either micro:bit or Arduino, participants will design, build, and test their solution, experiencing firsthand the flexibility and differentiation this approach offers in the classroom.

This session is grounded in classroom practice, reflecting a Year 9 program where students are asked to choose their platform and justify their decisions. It provides practical strategies for implementation, supports diverse learners, and encourages deeper engagement through authentic problem-solving.

Participants will leave with:

A clear understanding of micro:bit and Arduino capabilities
A comparison framework to support teaching decisions
A ready-to-run classroom project
Confidence to implement choice-based learning in physical computing

Disclaimer

The approaches outlined in this workshop are those of the presenters and do not necessarily reflect the views of DATTA Vic. While all attempts have been made to align the advice and suggestions with VCAA expectations, the material has not been verified by VCAA. Presenters have acted with all available information from VCAA at the time of publication.

Responsibility for any loss resulting from action or refraining from action in response to the material must be accepted by participants. Teachers must refer to the mandatory documents in relation to the study from VCAA, available online and updated every year.

Teaching Cultural & Historical Influence on Systems Engineering (PL2623) (6 May 2026)

Tue, 05 May 2026 23:30:00 GMT

When: Wednesday 6th May, 9:30am - 1pm

Where: National Communication Museum, Hawthorn

Presenters:

Michael Slinger, head of Design & Technologies, St Michael's Grammar
Dr. Ilya Kavalchuk, lecturer in Robotcs & Mechatronics, Swinburne University
Dr. Emily Siddons, Co-CEO & Artistic Director, National Communication Museum

Cost:

$215 for members
$315 for non-members
$115 for university students/Pre-service teachers

Morning tea will be provided.

In the new VCE Systems Engineering study design, there are now key skills and knowledge relating to cultural and historical influence on engineering that educators must be prepared to teach.

Unit 1: Electrotechnological systems design explores the evolution of engineering in electrotechnology, allowing students to examine the historical developments that shaped it.

Unit 2: Mechanical systems design explores the historical and technical developments in mechanical systems and examines innovation and inclusive design principles and other influences within mechanical systems.

And as well as appearing as a cross-study specification, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander knowledges, histories and cultures are addressed explicitly in Units 1 & 2.

This session, held at the National Communication Museum in Hawthorn will give you the confidence to embed this content in your classroom teaching.

Swinburne University's Dr Ilya Kavalchuk will present on engineering technology in Indigenous contexts, exploring projects related to powering Indigenous communities with innovative green energy solutions. He will discuss how engineering is enriched through an understanding of First Nations knowledge systems, standpoints, and culture.

NCM's Dr. Emily Siddon will lead participants on a tour of the museum's collections and exhibitions, exploring engaging examples of how historic advancements in mechanical and electrical engineering have changed the world we live in.

Experienced Systems Engineering teacher Michael Slinger will unpack the day's learning and help identify how teachers can implement new ways of teaching to successfully deliver this content.

Disclaimer

VCE Product Design and Technologies Unit 4 Online (PL2613) (12 May 2026)

Tue, 12 May 2026 06:00:00 GMT

When: Tuesday 12th May, 4pm - 6pm

Where: Online - link provided one business day before event.

Presenter: Jacinta O'Leary

Cost:

$85 for members
$125 for non-members
$55 for students/pre-service teachers

The recording will be available as part of a Unit 4 resources pack from the DATTA Vic shop when the event has finished.

This online professional learning workshop is ideal for educators who are new or returning to teaching VCE Product Design & Technologies. It will take an in-depth look VCE PD&T Unit 4, covering all you need to know about Production and Evaluation of Ethical Designs. The session will focus on:

Assessment Criteria 1-3 that are due end of Semester 1 (Unit 3) and dates
Unit 3 folio items to be finished before production starts
Unit 4 Production and record of progress
Unit 4 Creating the SAC

Participants will receive the recording, presenter slides and associated resources after the event.

NOTE: The link for this session will be sent via email one business day prior to the event.

VCE Product Design and Technologies Unit 2 Online (PL2622) (14 May 2026)

Thu, 14 May 2026 06:00:00 GMT

When: Thursday 14 May, 4pm - 6pm

Where: Online - link provided one business day before event.

Presenter: Jacinta O'Leary

Cost:

$85 for members
$125 for non-members
$55 for students/CRT Members

This professional learning workshop is ideal for educators who are new or returning to teaching VCE Product Design & Technologies. It will take an in-depth look VCE PD&T Unit 2, covering all you need to know about Positive Impacts for End Users. The session will focus on how to teach:

about the role and work of designers who create products that support positive impacts for end users
designing for positive impacts
cultural influences on design
The Double Diamond Design approach and its application for Unit 2
Assessment for Unit 2

Participants will receive the recording, presenter slides and associated resources after the event.

NOTE: The link for this session will be sent via email a business day prior to the event.

Disclaimer

Circularity & Regenerative Design - A Free D&T Week Event for Members (PL2620) (19 May 2026)

Tue, 19 May 2026 06:00:00 GMT

A free Design & Technologies Week teacher PD for members

When: Tuesday 19 May

Where: Online 4pm - 5pm

Presenters: Isabella Raco

Cost:

Free for DATTA Vic members
$29 for non-members

Join us to celebrate Design & Technologies Week 2026 and explore regenerative design and the circular economy.

Isabella Raco is a designer, researcher and educator working at the intersection of textile material systems, digital technologies, design as transformation, and social impact. Circularity and regenerative transformation are the baseline of Isabella’s practice. As a PhD candidate at the RMIT University School of Design and a sessional educator in the School of Fashion and Textiles, her work investigates how creative participation can shift our relationship to materials and clothing, moving from passive consumption to active stewardship within a circular economy.

For Isabella, making is a catalyst for behavioural and cultural change. Through her workshops, participants engage directly with repair, reuse and redesign as embodied systems thinking, developing both technical skills and circular literacy.

At this online event, Isabella will share her practice and unpack the concepts of regenerative design, the circular economy and systems thinking.

Disclaimer

Traditional Skills Immersion for Teachers at the Rare Trades Centre(PL2619) (12 Jun 2026)

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 23:00:00 GMT

When: 9am - 4.30pm, 12th June 2026

Where: Centre for Rare Arts & Forgotten Trades, Ballarat

Presenter: Tammy Gilson & Sam Bloomfield

Only 10 spots available

Cost:

$599 for members
$699 for non-members

Includes morning tea, lunch and all materials

DATTA Vic are delighted to announce a new partnership project with the Centre for Rare Arts & Forgotten Trades.

The Rare Trades Centre was established in 2022 as a place dedicated to the preservation and perpetuation of traditional skills, knowledge and practice to ensure the language of ‘making’ in Australia is not lost to history and remains alive and accessible for future generations.

For the first time, we have put together a unique professional learning opportunity for DATTA Vic members.

As well as a behind the scenes tour, participants will get the chance to work with two of Australia's leading makers and learn to work with traditional tools, materials and processes.

Sam Bloomfield is a skilled armourer, blacksmith and metal sculptor. He has a passion for metal sculpting combining traditional and modern techniques.

“In childhood, I started tinkering with tools and materials in my dad’s workshop and the passion never left me. The interest led me to a qualification in Arts and Creativity while informally I did an apprenticeship with a mentor who created the armoury for the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Over the last 20 years I’ve worked various TV and film productions. I always make things on a feeling and try to make something as original as possible.”

In the first part of this workshop, you'll learn from Sam to work with metal to create a piece of jewellery with materials and processes little changed from the time of the Vikings, which you will take home with you.

Tammy Gilson is a proud Wadawurrung woman and award-winning weaver. Her work carries on the traditional techniques of both her Wadawurrung and English ancestors while using locally sourced materials with an emphasis on sustainability.

“I love drawing upon my cultural knowledge and looking at our cultural landscape and using the resources from country that I feel really connected to. It means I’m revitalising and really showcasing our culture.”

In the second part of our workshop, participants will learn to wrap, coil and stitch sisal fibre to make unique jewellery with Tammy. This meditative process will offers insight into the cultural knowledge of the Wadawurrung people. At the end of the workshop, you will take home the pieces you made.

Disclaimer

Coding with Python for Beginners (PL2617) (16 Jun 2026)

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 23:30:00 GMT

When: Tuesday 16 June, 9:30am - 3:30pm

Where: Yarra Ranges Tech School

Presenter: Sally Stepniewski & Matt Pattison

Cost:

$229 for members
$329 for non-members
$129 for university students/Pre-service teachers

NB: If you are a partner school with Yarra RangesTech School, please contact pl@datta.vic.edu.au about registering and further information.

Morning tea and lunch will be provided.

Photo by Tai Bui on Unsplash

Python is a versatile programming language known for its simple, English-like syntax and emphasis on code readability. Ideal for beginners and experts, it is widely used for web development, AI, and automation.

Discover how easy and engaging Python coding can be for your students in this hands‑on professional learning session aligned with the VC 2.0 Technologies 7–10 curriculum.

This workshop introduces foundational programming concepts through simple, practical activities you can take straight into the classroom. Whether you're brand new to coding or looking to build confidence, you'll leave with clarity, resources, and classroom‑ready ideas to help your students thrive in the world of design and digital technologies.

NB: If you are a partner school with Yarra Ranges Tech School please contact pl@datta.vic.edu.au about registering and further information.

Disclaimer

Success with Systems Engineering Masterclass (PL2621) (21 Sep 2026)

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 23:30:00 GMT

FOR OUT OF FIELD EDUCATORS TEACHING SYSTEMS ENGINEERING

When: 9.30am - 4.30pm, Monday 21st to Thursday 24th September 2026

Banyule Nillumbik Tech School
Presenter: Colin Chapman & Anthony Gasson
Cost:

Members: $990

Non-members: $1200

*If you work at a Banyule Nillumbik Tech School partner school and wish to attend this program, please contact Laura at pl@datta.vic.edu.au

DATTA Vic is delighted to once again delighted to deliver our Success with Systems Engineering Masterclass program during the September school break.

Systems Engineering offers a great way to deliver STEM learning opportunities that equip young people with the skills they'll need for a global, technology-driven and flexible future.

However, Victorian schools are facing barriers to successful delivery, including dropping numbers of student enrolments at VCE and a lack of qualified teachers in the Design & Technologies learning area.

Our Success with Systems Engineering program has four aims:

To upskill teachers from other STEM areas (Design & Technologies, Physics, etc) to deliver engaging and relevant Systems Engineering programs

To support schools who are struggling to recruit Systems Engineering teachers

To explore ways to attract and retain a more diverse cohort of students in Systems Engineering

To offer support to schools to set up VCE Systems Engineering as a senior subject

We'll also be taking a look at the new 2026 study design, to ensure our participants are ready to implement it in its first year.

Registrations are open now to participate in this teacher masterclass, which will run in the term break from 21-24 September

Numbers are strictly limited, so register early to ensure your place.

Morning tea and lunch each day are served, and all resources are provided.

Feedback from participants of our previous Success with Systems workshops:

The masterclass covered all the requirements to be able to know how to begin teaching VCE Systems.

A Lot of practical demonstrations and hands-on activities to develop skills for teaching

Practical demos tuning us into having a go! The challenges throughout were pitched at the right fundamental level.

Great strategies for how to teach complicated topics

Was amazing! I learned so much about course content in regards to VCE and I enjoyed learning the components of systems and coding.

Very well presented and totally engaging

Disclaimer

The approaches outlined in this workshop are those of the author and contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of DATTA Vic. While all attempts have been made to align the advice and suggestions with VCAA expectations, the support material has not been verified by VCAA. Authors have acted with all available information from VCAA at the time of publication.

Responsibility for any loss resulting from action or refraining from action in response to the material must be accepted by users. Teachers must refer to the mandatory documents in relation to the study from VCAA, available online and updated every year.