Drone Technology in the Classroom
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How one woman’s passion for learning is transforming the Australian classroom
As a certified instructor and education lead - programs at
She Maps, Katie Vidal aspires to help teachers nationally implement drone programs into their students’ daily learning. Vidal runs professional development for teachers both online and in person and teaches face-to-face drone programs for students.
“During the past two years, with the effects of Covid on schools,
She Maps strives to provide all of the support teachers need to start their own drone classes, whether they are running a Drone Club or even a STEM elective with drones.
“There are so many different career paths that students can investigate involving drones. “Whether it's being a drone pilot and developing skills as a swarm artist, to becoming a remote sensing scientist who creates maps from their digital imagery.”
Katie Vidal, who also works as a primary school relief teacher in Canberra, believes that drone technology has the potential to improve the way in which students learn substantially.
“I have always believed in hands on lessons. If a student is manipulating a material, a tool or even text, then there are opportunities for learning,” said Vidal. “Flying drones in a classroom setting is manipulating a tool to develop new skills, and to solve problems.”
Her passion for drone technology unexpectedly sparked in 2018, when she caught up with her long term friend, and the co-founder of
She Maps, Dr Karen Joyce.
“Karen was my inspiration to join
She Maps. She had worked as a Geospatial Engineer with my husband in the Australian Army,” said Ms Vidal. “We caught up for dinner, and she mentioned the opportunity to train to become a
She Maps
Certified Instructor.”
Vidal was instantly intrigued by
She Maps, a social enterprise committed to offering girls opportunities to excel in STEM, as well as challenge the unconscious bias surrounding STEM. “I remember the way Karen spoke with such passion about what
She Maps
was trying to achieve,” said Ms Vidal.
Having witnessed the challenges of being a woman in a male dominated industry, Vidal was determined to be a part of a cause that gave girls the support they needed to excel.
“I wanted to be a part of something that is the change for STEM education and careers,” said Ms Vidal. “There are so few women working in STEM because it is still not flexible enough to allow women to both care for their families and have a career.”
“Young girls need advocates to help support them to give STEM a go. They need strong examples of women that are enjoying working in different aspects of STEM,
“But then it's not just the young girls' job! it's about the STEM workforce changing so that everyone feels like they belong. Yes, it is uncomfortable, but once the change is made, it becomes part of the work environment and becomes part of the framework.” Staying true to its ethos,
She Maps supported Ms Vidal to achieve in the world of drone technology and STEM.
“My own confidence was the initial challenge. As much as I wanted to do it, I had never flown a drone before,” she said
“It took the skills and education I had as a teacher, and pushed me out of my comfort zone.” "At the time that I became a Certified Instructor it was a job that I could see suiting me as a full time mum. “It was casual and flexible, but also allowed me to challenge myself. Now I am a
She Maps
Certified Instructor and Education Lead.”
However, this is only the beginning as Vidal aims to spread the word about drone technology throughout Australian education. “I work with a number of schools that are now running their own drone programs from Victoria to West Australia, and Queensland to Tasmania,”
“Since April I have travelled as far north as Queensland's Sunshine Coast, instructed here in Canberra, been to Melbourne and Hobart, across to Perth, and regional areas including Wagga Wagga and Dubbo.
“Each school uses their drones in different ways and we want them to be completely confident in their drones, the resources they are using and the confidence in themselves to run successful programs.
“I hope that I can continue to do this for a number of years to come.”
Recognition
Ms Vidal’s dedicated work at
She Maps, and teaching has been recognised with her recently being named a finalist of the
2022 Prime Minister’s National Veterans’ Employment Awards in the Category of
Partner Employee of the Year - an awards program aiming to celebrate top veteran employees.
Nominated by a friend who is a strong advocate for Defence spouse employment. Vidal was interviewed and recently received the notification that she is a finalist, “It is the inaugural year for Defence partners to have their own categories so I feel a great sense of pride to be not only nominated by my peers, but even more so to be selected as a finalist,” said Vidal.
Advocating for change that will open hundreds of career pathways for students, it’s safe to say this Defence wife, mother of three, primary school teacher, and current
She Maps Education Lead is transforming learning.
“My goals involve the teachers and students that I support. I am continually looking for ways to improve the support we offer,” said Ms Vidal. “I wanted to be a part of that influence for students and teachers, for them to see the opportunities in STEM for people from a diverse field of backgrounds.”
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