Teachers in STEM: Digital Upskilling Program

It is a known fact schools find it costly to upskill staff in STEM. In response, Flinders University has coordinated grant applications to fully-fund teachers enrolling part-time in the Diploma of Digital Technologies at Flinders University. One example is through the Women in STEM Cadetship and Advanced Apprenticeship Program that provides Commonwealth support..

The Diploma of Digital Technologies program is applicable to teachers and lab technicians in preparing the next generation for job-ready STEM-skills. It will upskill teachers to deliver classes in vital areas for the future including 3D printing, robotics, IOT hubs, electronics, design and CAD, innovation, cybersecurity and industry 4.0. This program will specifically create a targeted, upskilling journey through the learning value chain from design, to modelling in 3D CAD through to physical making of the parts and using the latest 3D printing technologies and materials.

It also has a Work Integrated Learning component through the digital transformation professional project, whereby teachers can apply the knowledge and skills developed in the course to create lesson plans and apply this teaching in their classrooms, having a far-reaching impact of the program.

The Diploma can be undertaken part-time over 2 years at 3 hours online per week after hours plus an intensive 2 weeks of face to face labs in a year.

Read the teacher case study

What you will study

Expression of interest

What you will study

Innovation and industry 4.0

Innovation is needed to successfully introduce Industry 4.0 in the workplace. This topic introduces participants to innovative thinking, the process of innovation and the interplay with industry 4.0. The topic focuses on understanding human and institutional factors in the introduction of new technologies such as industry 4.0, innovation, change management, trust in technology, industry 4.0 for supply chain competitiveness and the process of innovation in an organisation.

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is quickly becoming paramount as people spend more time online. Cybersecurity awareness is important for schools and families to keep children safe. The topic introduces participants to key areas of network design and communication, Information structures and governance, cybersecurity awareness, vulnerabilities, threats, risk assessment, and legal and ethical issues.

Engineering Design

This topic exposes participants to 3D printing, design and computer aided design (CAD). The topic enables participants to engage in design thinking, problem solving and designing a new product, learning CAD, physical making of the parts and using the latest 3D printing technologies and materials. More broadly, engineering design is a critical skill needed for the jobs of the future in preparing the next generation.

Cyber-physical systems, robotics and automation

This topic equips participants with the knowledge and skills to understand and deliver lessons in robotics. It exposes participants to program a range of robots that vary in size and complexity, from small zumo robots used in the classroom to others such as larger collaborative robots (cobots) and universal robots used in the workplace.

Design for manufacture

As a society reducing waste is important for the environment. Consequently, at the design stage, considerations of the manufacturing, maintenance and disposal of product is important in encouraging sustainability. The topic explores approaches such as sustainable design, ergonomics/human factors, optimising cost, quality, reliability, safety, delivery time, customer satisfaction and sustainability.

Benefits to your school in nominating a candidate

Improved capacity and capability to deliver STEM educational activities.
Reduced productivity down-time to accommodate training as the course is delivered part-time over 2 years
Upskilling is delivered at nil financial cost to the participant and school. The course fee is normally $24,200, which will be funded by the program. The program will also fund $1,000 towards project materials and equipment that the participant will use in the final project for the Diploma and which can benefit the school in the future.

Should participants wish to pursue further studies, the course also provides credit towards Bachelor degrees in Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Design and Engineering.

Flinders University is delighted to have won, in partnership with BAE Systems Maritime Australia (formerly ASC Shipbuilding), the prestigious Training and Mentorship Program of the Year in 2020 for the Diploma of Digital Technologies in Defence Connect's Australian Defence Industry Awards.

Teacher Case Study

Growing the pipeline for a multiplier effect through STEM teachers

The Flinders University Diploma of Digital Technologies also upskills about 50 STEM teachers (including regional and interstate reachers across SA, NSW, VIC and QLD) to inspire and grow the pipeline of a diverse and future enabled workforce. This clearly demonstrated impact on culture, attitudes, behaviour and values, contributing to a more equitable society. It leads to a multiplier effect as teachers inspire their students into engineering.

Photo of regional teachers Kelly Schubert from Balaklava High (left) and Linda Tsai from High School in Alice Springs (right).

A teacher from regional State school Balaklava High Kelly Schubert (pictured above on the left) said:

"I'm very lucky at my school to run a program called 'Numeracy Enrichment' with middle school students. We explore numeracy in real world applications and how it fits in with potential career paths. I needed to upskill in digital technologies and their applications in industry so when my line manager told me about this opportunity I jumped straight in. I started this year with a basic understanding of STEM and very little idea of how to bring it to my classroom in a meaningful way.

Now, 1 year in, my knowledge has grown immensely. I've used digital designing programs and 3D printers to make a prototype of my own product idea, I've programmed robots to work an assembly line, and my favourite, I've assembled a circuit board by hand, attached it to a robot and then coded it to complete a scenario task that was based on the Mars rover!

The only thing I've found more exciting than doing all these things myself is being able to immediately use my learning in the classroom. My students can see the direct connections between the tasks they do at school, the university programs they can complete, and the career opportunities they lead to.

The support, flexibility, and industry knowledge provided by the amazing people running this program has made it so easy to complete even while working full time. Digital technology in industry is the future and Flinders University is leading the way, get on it!"

Regional teacher from Alice Springs Linda Tsai (pictured above on the right) said:

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this course offered by Flinders University. The administrative and academic staff have been extremely accommodating and flexible for a mum of three children under 5 years old.

I've always had an interest in engineering, electronics and robotics but struggled to understand it on my own. The pace and pedagogies have been planned well and definitely recommend this course to others! Extremely grateful for the federal grant and this precious opportunity.”

Jobs for the future

The newly created Diploma of Digital Technology will educate shipbuilders-come-students on digital technologies required as part of the $35 billion Hunter Class Frigate Program, and will help retain important shipbuilding capability between shipbuilding programs.