2005 School Magazine

Technology and Learning

Technology and Learning

Exploring the Gateway Bridge

Digital Design Challenge

For a number of years students from Brisbane Girls Grammar School have combined with students from Brisbane Grammar School for the Year 8 Bridge Building Challenge. The project involves teams of five or six students working co-operatively to plan and build a model bridge according to specifications given in the “Bridge Building Code”. The aim is to build the bridge with the greatest structural efficiency measured using a strength-to-weight ratio. This year the two winning teams (bridges with a structural efficiency of approximately 50) were invited by Dr John Fenwick to participate in a tour of the Gateway Bridge. On Wednesday 7 September eight students set out to investigate what was actually inside the bridge. With Dr Fenwick as our guide, we climbed the southern end of the bridge and began our tour. Our In 2005 learning about Information Communication Technologies has taken on an added dimension with the introduction of the new senior subject, Information Technology Systems. Students began the course by learning core technology skills that could be used to meet the genuine needs of actual clients with real-world design briefs. Throughout the semester, six guest speakers associated with Information Technology (IT) professions presented on topics such as information and database design, research and marketing, web development, graphic design and IT administration. The students were inspired and marvelled at what is done in industry. Once each student was matched with a client from within or outside the School, she then engaged in the design, development and evaluation of a website. Students were challenged with managing meetings that provided advice, collated needs, sought approval, documented a design process, obtained client feedback and then proposed viable solutions. The students utilised skills such as communication, co-operation, collaboration, self-discipline, reflection and evaluation and, perhaps most difficult of all, ensuring their ideation process

Sherlyn Hii’s design of two linked web pages that conveyed both the spirit of the 2006 Melbourne XVIII Commonwealth Games and the functionality required of the homepage won not only the Web Page Design Category for 2005 (which was open to all Year levels) but also the Best Overall Design. Dr A Farley DIRECTOR

trip alternated between walking through great cavernous concrete tunnels and crawling through tiny hexagonal passages in the solid concrete partitions that divided the tunnel and obviously added strength to the bridge. We all marvelled at Dr Fenwick’s expertise as he explained the science behind the process used to construct the bridge and the checks and balances that had been designed to ensure that the concrete segments used in the bridge construction cured at a rate that would result in maximum strength and stability. Thank you to Dr Fenwick for this wonderful opportunity. Dr A Farley DIRECTOR reflected their client’s needs rather than their own. Some students found this process frustrating because their client wanted to keep the website simple without flashy animated design. The course has provided a learning environment that challenges students to take risks, invent solutions, envision possibilities and make new connections within real world contexts. Design problems have multiple solutions that can be reached through alternate pathways and student creativity can be demonstrated in varied ways. What wonderful webpages have emerged! Mr B Thomas

Abus tripupthehighwayhas the students out of their uniforms and away from their text books for a different type of learning at the Memorial Outdoor Education Centre, now known as Marrapatta. Year 8s got off the bus wearily seeking flushing toilets and were soon surprised to see buildings and beds. They quickly realised that the stories they had been told were not all true! Before long they were involved in activities like problem- solving, canoeing and the flying possum. This year’s theme of Connections has encouraged the Year 8s to further develop relationships with friends, make links with other people and immerse themselves in different aspects of the environment. They have also put their cooking skills to good use, making culinary delights like pizza, spaghetti bolognaise and scrumptious picnic platters. Year 9s hopped off the bus with some familiarity, coupled with the knowledge that there were new challenges ahead. The theme of Interdependence tested many girls as they endeavoured to consider the group and make useful contributions. For some girls the test was to paddle with their partner, while many also keenly took on the challenge of cycling up the hills on their two-day expedition. Marrapatta Memorial Outdoor Education Centre Laura McGregor (10R), Sarida McLeod (10L), Everleigh Gee (10R), Roya Garayeli (10B) and Sherlyn Hii (10W) participated in The 2005 Australian Secondary School Digital Design Challenge. Each student or team undertook a specified design challenge typical of a real project in the design industry. Students were evaluated on how they articulated and communicated their ideas towards the realisation of a solution, based upon industry expectations and requirements.

Solving Real-World Design Problems

Year 10s exited the bus knowing that their stay at Marrapatta would be brief before they venture out on their four-day journey. Having already selected their journey, they came prepared for the Yabba Skyline bushwalk, Brooyar Bike ride or Noosa River bushwalk and canoe. Throughout the week the girls used their challenge bracelets to keep them focused on their specifically chosen goal. Each journey provided its own challenges whether conquering hills, covering the distances, outsmarting the native animals or being patient with each other. Mr J McIntosh & Mrs C McIntosh CO-DIRECTORS MEMORIAL OUTDOOR EDUCATION CENTRE

CO-ORDINATOR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS

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Brisbane Girls Grammar School

School Magazine 2005