10 July 2006

UC design students to share skills with colleges

University of Canberra School of Design and Architecture students will take their skills to Canberra colleges next semester to help inject a fresh and innovative approach into teaching design and technology units.

The University received a $54,900 Federal Government grant in 2005 to fund the inaugural project titled Designing the Teaching of Design and Technology .

Nine final-year students, drawn initially from graphic and industrial design disciplines, will work with teachers and students from Dickson College, Hawker College, Lake Ginninderra College and Narrabundah College.

Deputy project coordinator and Deputy Head of the School of Design and Architecture Stephen Trathen, hopes that this project will broaden the understanding of college students to the opportunities for a career in design.

"Young people have great creative potential and young designers are snapped up by industry.   The University of Canberra wants to strengthen the 'design basis' in schools so that young designers, interested in areas as diverse as food technology to metal work, can understand the design process" he said.  

Participating University of Canberra students will gain credit points towards their degree in addition to gaining hands on experience working in design within the community.

Mr Trathen said the project has the potential to improve the way design and technology is taught throughout Australia.

"It's a fantastic opportunity for University of Canberra to show how we can work with design and technology education and how we can have an impact in the local community."

The project begins in July when students return from their mid semester break and will run for approximately 10 weeks culminating in an exhibition of college student work at the Design Gallery from 11-22 September.

UC Communications

Gaye Morrison
T: 02 6201 5855
M: 0409 470 755

Kaddie Pass
T: 02 6201 2681

For further information about Monitor Online, contact the editor: monitor@canberra.edu.au

Copyright © 2005 University of Canberra

Last Updated on August 1, 2005