The Global Design Challenge was delivered through the Knox Innovation Opportunity and Sustainability Centre and Geelong Tech School in Term 3 and Term 4, 2023. The program was based on their highly successful local program Design for Humanity and involved 96 Victorian students and 100 international students.
The 6-week challenge provided an opportunity for local secondary students in Geelong to collaborate with Hong Kong International School in Term 3 and The Grammar School Nicosia in Cyprus in Term 4 to create customised solutions to real world problems and community needs in difficult environments.
Victorian students and international peers collaborated as a team to analyse case studies provided by industry partner Field Ready, around issues such as water scarcity, sanitation and hygiene, shelter, nutrition and health. Together students used Computer Aided Design (CAD) software, Fusion 360 and 3D printers to protype their cost-effective solutions to meet community needs.
Participant testimonial
"After participating in the Global Design Challenge, I feel it was entirely worth it and I learnt lots about the design process and about CAD. A big part of the challenge was working around different timezones with team members around the world and I feel we really accomplished that and I'm proud that we were able to get to know and work with each other just over the course of 6 weeks. We also practiced addressing real issues that occur in each of our countries and it was really interesting to see the difference in problems we face on a daily basis. Now that the challenge is over, I am excited to apply my new skills whenever I work with CAD or new team members." – Student, Ryan Lai, Hong Kong International School.
School testimonials
"Thank you for providing the opportunity to the Geelong based Squadrons of the Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC) to participate in The Global Design Challenge. This type of facilitated, teamwork-based activity, aligns perfectly with current AAFC training ethos of providing experiential activities. When the Geelong Technical School (GTS) extended to us the opportunity to work with students from Grammar School Nicosia, Cyprus, we saw the opportunity to further develop cadet skills in a challenging environment. Working with international students. The STEM training environment at GTS is well suited to the activity and I recommend the facilitators Lachlan Patrick and Natasha Shukuroglou highly." –Teacher, D.R. Burns, CADETS, Victoria.
"The Global Design Challenge was a transformative experience for the students because it was more than just a STEM education initiative. It was a platform for students to apply their knowledge to real-world humanitarian issues, fostering empathy and social responsibility. The unique blend of synchronous and asynchronous learning allowed students from different backgrounds and cultures to collaborate effectively. This not only enhanced their STEM skills but also prepared them for the diverse and inclusive workforce of the future. In essence, this program was a comprehensive learning journey that equipped students with essential skills for the future. It was a testament to the power of technology in education and the limitless potential of our students. A hearty congratulations to all participants!" – Teacher, Daniel Budd, Hong Kong International School, Hong Kong.
