Ep40: Thomas Oliphant, Teacher & Industrial Designer

Today my guest is Tom Oliphant, a Teacher and Industrial Designer. In this episode, we explore the world of technology and its use in teaching and learning. Tom reflects on his early career as an Industrial Designer - developing prototypes for furniture, electrical appliances and other objects - before further study and his transition into teaching. Tom also reflects on the advances in technology over the past 20 or so years, and how these allow ideas to become reality across industries, and also for students and teachers within schools. We explore project-based approaches to teaching and learning and some of the engaging ways to incorporate digital technologies into the classroom, such as the use of robotics and drones. Tom shares stories of his students’ robot bugs and other mechanical critters that formed part of a cross-curriculum art installation incorporating subject like Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths, English and Creative Arts. Along the way, we also find out about the more human elements, such as students communicating, collaborating, critically thinking, managing projects, and generally being creative. Tom offers insights into virtual environments which allow students to engage with the programming and other valuable technical aspects, without the cost of physical robots or other equipment. We find out about some of the potential opportunities presented by the emerging and often abstract concept of Web 3.0, the idea of citizens owning their own data and identity, and how this might potentially fit in with schools and education in areas such as certifications, micro-credentials and blockchain technology. Tom encourages his students to engage with new and emerging technology to see its value and purpose and how it might relate to their own lives as they prepare for an ever-emerging future. Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-oliphant/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web3 https://twitter.com/mroliphantadl