Bridge Building Podcast Episode 94: Datta Podcast: AI, CAD & Designing Games for Change

In this special DATTA QLD Conference preview episode, Stephen Anderson speaks with two presenters exploring innovative uses of artificial intelligence in Design and Technology education. First, Rashan Senanayake from Inspired Education Australia discusses the rapidly changing world of AI-assisted CAD and 3D modelling. The conversation explores how artificial intelligence is beginning to transform design workflows, prototyping, visualisation, and classroom practice. Rashan explains how emerging tools are allowing users to generate and manipulate 3D models using natural language prompts, while also highlighting the important conversations schools need to have around privacy, software ecosystems, and responsible implementation. The second conversation features Nicci Wheaton, who shares a fascinating AI-assisted game design project centred around bees and environmental sustainability. Students research the challenges facing bee populations before using structured AI prompts to help generate educational games that communicate these issues to the wider community. The project combines coding, sustainability education, AI prompting, research, and game design in a highly engaging classroom experience. This episode offers practical insights into the future of AI in education while also showcasing creative ways teachers are already using these technologies to support authentic and meaningful learning.