JOURNEYING WITH YOUTH
By Melissa De Gregorio,
Marketing Communications Officer, Saint Ignatius’ College, Adelaide
Saint Ignatius’ College Junior School was delighted recently to welcome Nicola Makings, our new Digital Design and Technologies specialist. Known as “Digi-Tech” by students, Nicola brings energy, creativity and a forward-thinking mindset to technology education — helping students build real-world skills from Reception through to Year 6.
Her classroom is a hub of activity, where students might be programming robots, designing 3D models, or exploring AI. “We have access to various forms of innovative technology such as the 3D printers, Lego Spike Robots, and Bee-Bots for students to code,” she explains. “Across the different age groups, we explore digital systems, design processes and technologies in engaging and hands-on ways.”
This hands-on, playful approach builds more than just technical knowledge; it fosters confidence and curiosity. “I’ve always been passionate about working with children because they have such a beautiful and positive outlook on the world,” Nicola says. “I find it incredibly rewarding to help them expand their understanding, spark their creativity, and build their confidence.”
At the heart of her teaching is a commitment to connection. Despite teaching more than 500 students across the Junior School, Nicola prioritises meaningful relationships. “I make a conscious effort to connect with them individually … I’ve found that trust and respect are essential for creating a positive learning environment where students feel valued and confident to take risks.”
Technology in her classroom is a tool, not a distraction. From coding and AI to 3D modelling, every lesson is designed to build problem-solving skills, creativity and digital literacy in safe, age-appropriate ways. “Technology is transforming education by creating exciting opportunities for personalised learning, creative exploration, and global connection,” she says. “For younger students, it’s about building strong foundational skills in digital literacy and critical thinking, helping them navigate a world where technology touches almost every aspect of their lives.”
Her methods balance clarity and creativity. “I’m a strong advocate for visual learning, using engaging slideshows as a key teaching tool to break down complex concepts into clear, manageable steps,” she says.
Nicola is particularly excited about expanding 3D printing projects in the upper primary years. “We use a program called Makers Empire, which is highly interactive and allows students to design, create, and print their own 3D models,” she explains. It’s a high-tech way to give students ownership over their ideas and showcase their creativity in a physical, hands-on way.
She also fosters creative thinking through open-ended challenges and visual prompts. “I use open-ended questioning and tasks that don’t have a single ‘right’ answer,” she says. “I want students to explore, test, and adapt their ideas — to see challenges as opportunities, not obstacles.”
The values of resilience and creativity are central to her teaching. “Digital design and technology approaches teach students how to identify problems, come up with ideas, test solutions, and adapt accordingly,” she explains. “These approaches help students become more resilient, creative, and prepared for the future.”
Her hope is that students carry these experiences with them long after they leave her classroom. “I hope they remember the excitement of bringing their ideas to life, the confidence they felt when overcoming challenges, and the belief that their ideas matter.”
Above all, Nicola feels grateful to be part of the College. “I feel very fortunate to share my passion for digital design and technology every day,” she says. “(The students’) enthusiasm and kindness have made my role incredibly rewarding.”
A balance between clarity and creativity is all-important for Nicola Makings, the new Digital Design and Technologies specialist at Saint Ignatius’ College Adelaide. “I’m a strong advocate for visual learning, using engaging slideshows as a key teaching tool to break down complex concepts into clear, manageable steps,” she says. Photo by Luke Librino.
Banner image: Michael Dziedzic, Unsplash.