Episode Overview
In this special DATTA QLD Conference preview episode, Stephen Anderson speaks with Dr Anthony Franze from Griffith University about the changing relationship between artificial intelligence and design education.
Anthony draws on his background in automotive design, product design, and user experience design to explore how AI tools are being integrated into university teaching and industry practice.
The conversation focuses on the role of AI-assisted sketching tools such as Vizcom, which allow designers to build upon their own sketches rather than relying solely on text prompts. Anthony explains why maintaining authorship and creative ownership remains important while also embracing new technologies.
The discussion also explores student attitudes towards AI, ethical considerations, sustainability concerns, and the importance of helping future designers develop the critical thinking skills needed to use these tools responsibly.
This episode offers practical insights for teachers looking to understand where AI is heading and how it can be thoughtfully integrated into Design and Technology classrooms.
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About the Bridge Building Podcast
“This is the place where we dissect and then discover the many ways ITD teachers all over this country are using their passion to create passionate students. We talk of measuring and manipulating a multitude of materials of design and divergent thought, of creation with our minds and with our hands. And most of all, we talk of growing great young people because of course that is what we do.”
So what does that mean other than I like to show off my alliteration skills? Since coming back to teaching a few years ago the thing that strikes me most, and frankly scared me most is how lonely this job is. How little we know about what is happening in our subject area. The classroom next door, a class in the next school, let alone the next town are a mystery to me. I know there are teachers out there doing incredible things and this (the podcast) is a way for me to find out and be inspired. I would like to invite you along to listen and learn, to be inspired by some of the sensational teachers I speak to on the “Bridge Building Podcast – from technology to the trades”
About the Podcast Host
Stephen Anderson is a Design Technology, Trade Training and accidental Science teacher at a small high school 2 hours North West of Brisbane.
Over To You
If you know someone who is doing something spectacular or just great fun in design and tech or in trade training, I would love to know about them.
Contact me through my email osaerial@gmail.com
Music by:
Viola Pink