Technology

DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY– YEARS 11 - 13

Interview a practising technologist

Brendon, a software developer at Fortress Information Systems took part in a video conference at Columba College to speak to Year 13 students taking NCEA Level 3 ICT in computer studies.

The students from other Dunedin schools were being tutored by Columba College computer teacher Julie McMahon by video conference to enable them to complete these studies which were not offered at their own schools.


Brendon talked about his present position at Fortress Information Systems, his overseas travel with his job and was then interviewed by the students about how he goes about developing a client brief.  He discussed the process he goes through, the programmes he uses to develop their websites and how he evaluates the final website and maintenance issues that may come up.

Brendon told the boys that he grew up on a farm in Southland and no way was he going to become a farmer. Despite not having a computer at home till he was well into high school and very little computer studies at school, Brendon heard at a careers day at school that ICT pays well and you can always get a job. He went to Otago Polytechnic and completed a Bachelor of Information Studies which the students were very interested to find out about.

Interview a practising technologist/mentoring

At Otago Girls' High School, Dan, a games programmer currently studying for his masters degree, and Rachel, a 3D digital modeller from Animation Research Ltd, spoke to the Year 12 and Year 13 ICT class about their careers and the process they go through when working with a design brief from a client. Dan and Rachel will also mentor students in the Year 13 class.

By talking about their careers, Dan and Rachel showed the students the creative side of digital technology.  They were a great example of how people from all kinds of backgrounds, including art, graphics and entertainment, can build an exciting career in the ICT industry. 

Developing a brief

At Kavanagh College, Justine, a software developer with Enabling Technologies, spoke to the Year 13 ICT students about developing a client brief and then turning the concepts of that brief into reality, and the importance of teamwork in software development.

Along with talking about what she does at her job and discussing the technical side of programming, Justine got the students into groups and led them in a game of Planning Poker, a card game that is used by teams of developers to brainstorm and plan the lifecycle of a software project.  She pointed out that the game makes the developers talk and compromise with each other, which is essential for a development team.

FOOD TECHNOLOGY– YEARS 11 - 13

New product development

Kate, a student from St Kentigern College, has been working with Futureintech Ambassadors for her Level 3 Food Technology study. Shelly and Adelle , both food technologists from Hubbards Foods, have been helping Kate to develop a new cereal product.

Recently Kate went to Hubbards Foods to meet with Shelly and Adelle. They sampled the different flavoured samples she had prepared and gave her some feedback and ideas.