DATTA Vic upcoming events

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

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.

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.