2025 TASITE/ACS Digital Technologies Primary Educator of the Year

David’s recognition as the 2025 TASITE/ACS Primary Digital Technologies Teacher of the Year – reflects many years of outstanding innovation, leadership, and measurable success in Digital Technologies education across Tasmania.

At Waimea Heights Primary School, David led a highly successful design thinking project for students in Years 4–6, aligned with the Australian Curriculum: Digital Technologies. Students tackled authentic real-world problems, working collaboratively to design, develop, and refine ICT-based solutions. Throughout the process, they demonstrated deep engagement with computational thinking, supported by rigorous design documentation, annotated coding, and iterative testing. This approach not only strengthened technical capability but also developed students’ ability to think critically about digital systems and their own learning.

The project culminated in a Digital Technologies Expo, where students confidently presented their solutions to peers, families, and community members. Their ability to articulate design decisions, demonstrate functionality, and respond to feedback highlighted significant growth in communication and digital literacy skills.

Student achievement extended beyond the school, with five projects selected for the Young ICT Explorers (YICTE) competition. Waimea Heights Primary achieved exceptional results, including multiple Tasmanian state awards and two national third-place finishes. These outcomes underscore the strength of David’s curriculum implementation and the national significance of student work produced under his guidance.

David’s impact extends system-wide. As a member of the DECYP AI Working Group, he contributes to shaping ethical and effective approaches to artificial intelligence in education. He also presented at EdCAT, sharing practical strategies for integrating micro:bit technologies into classroom practice, and remains an active member of the DECYP STEM Network, supporting colleagues across the state.

A strong advocate for Digital Technologies, David teaches additional online courses through the Gifted and Highly Abled Program, including early coding and game design. These courses expand student access to high-quality, technology-rich learning experiences across Tasmania.

Innovation is central to David’s practice. In 2025, he led a school-wide initiative to assess and improve digital literacy, developing structured Canvas-based resources to support skill development in Microsoft Word, Excel, and file management. This initiative provided valuable data, strengthened teacher capability, and established clear pathways for student growth.

Through his classroom excellence, system leadership, and commitment to innovation, David has made a significant and lasting impact on Digital Technologies education in Tasmania.