Technology 4 Learning

Telephone1300 32 32 32

Emailt4linnovations@det.nsw.edu.au

Preparing our students for future technological careers

Ben and student using computer
Image: Ben and student using computer

Mikaela

Supporting careers in technology

Meet Ben Jones, Head Teacher TAS at Tempe High School, who is teaching our students relatable skills for the future of our workforce. Through Ben's leadership and enthusiasm for computing and digital technologies, aspirational students from Tempe High School can engage with a unique program across multiple subjects, and are exposed to very real-world applications of technology and design.

Ben brings a unique blend of experience and innovation to Tempe High School. Originally a Physical Education teacher, Ben’s passion for technology led him to roles in educational innovation, including leading the $28 million Digital Education Revolution professional learning initiative and designing the PLANE project. His return to the classroom was driven by a desire to directly impact students, and he now leads cutting-edge digital and computing programs that prepare students for the future.

Model
Image: Model
“I want to use technology to enhance students' education experiences and build their skills so they can access further education in tech and engineering.”
Image: Quotation from Ben Jones
Ben and student
Image: Ben and student

Ben has implemented many exciting projects at Tempe High School. In Years 7-8, students begin with foundational experiences in web development, AI, and robotics. In Years 9–10, they can choose from iSTEM (CAD/CAM and 3D manufacturing), Multimedia (Adobe Creative Suite), or Computer Technology (real-world IT projects). Senior students are able to deepen their expertise through HSC courses in Software Engineering, Multimedia Technologies, and Design & Technology.

In Computer Technology classes, students learn not just the technical aspect of game development but also the how game designers advocate for the player and build an engaging game experience. Students are partnered with a student from the IT Multimedia class to design content in accordance with an industry standard, and test their product on a development xBox to enhance the real-world aspect of the project.

Ben and student holding robot arm
Image: Ben and student holding robot arm

Student using a computer
Image: Student using a computer

Software Engineering students are offered the opportunity to select a dataset and follow an MLOps process. Students will wrangle data, engineer features then, design and train/evaluate Machine Learning models to produce a usable model. Models are put into real-world operation as either a progressive web app or an API service.

Tempe High School also offers an exciting opportunity to learn C++ microcontrollers and mechatronic skills. In this class, students are allocated a patient with a biomedical need and follow an engineering process to prototype a biomedical mechatronic appliance specifically for their patients' medical need.

As a result, Tempe High School has a large cohort of students with competency in multiple programming languages, CAD skills, CAM skills and design thinking.

Through providing excellent technology opportunities to their students, Tempe High School graduates leave with more than just technical skills. They develop interdisciplinary thinking, creativity, and real-world problem-solving abilities. From building biomedical devices to designing socially impactful games, students leave with professional portfolios and a clear sense of direction. Many pursue careers in Software Engineering, Media Production, Industrial Design, and Biomedical Engineering, empowered by the school’s commitment to authentic, open-ended learning.

Ben shares the following helpful tips to fellow teachers and leaders:

  • Open ended projects are essential for engagement and differentiation (low floor, high ceiling) and render AI useless.
  • Use industry standard software and hardware for projects.
  • AI is part of our process; students are taught how to use AI and are encouraged to use it in the realisation of their projects.

Student conducting a presentation
Image: Student conducting a presentation

Technology 4 Learning

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