HEALTH BECOMES HI-TECH
A new program from TAFE Queensland is helping some lucky year 10 students interract with new technology to help guide them into the future
GOLD COAST students are taking on high skill technology to set themselves ahead of the pack in a new TAFE program.
Year 10 students from Saint Stephen’s College have created teams to pursue their passions in inventing, development, problem solving and even scientific research.
The school has partnered with TAFE Queensland to take advantage of their facilities and ensure the vision of each team can become a reality.
One of the projects incorporates motion capture to create an advertisement promoting healthy lifestyles to teens, a task which sees teens working with world-class technology.
16-year-old student Macey Williams said she hadn’t known that kind of technology was available for people her age to access.
“We thought using the motion capture would be more interesting than just a video of us doing exercises because children are generally more interested in animated characters,” she said.
“Showing children that fitness and exercise can be fun will hopefully promote more involvement in physical activity.
“The technology has opened our eyes to the possibilities of what we can do in future projects, instead of limiting ourselves to basic programs.
“The experience has been very beneficial to me personally as I am looking to pursue a career in digital media.”
She’s joined by Year 10 teammates Ailish Mahoney and Mia Van Zyl, who formed Team Mocaps along with mentor Roz Comport.
It was Ms Mahoney, 15, who took one for the team and donned the suit to bring the animated characters to life, which she said was amazing.
“We were able to access current 3D technology at TAFE Queensland and had the added benefit of an industry professional to assist and teach us on how to use the technology,” she said.
“Being in the green suit was amazing, I loved that I could watch myself as an avatar on the camera.
“I’m also studying my Certificate III in Fitness, so I have the knowledge on how to perform the exercises correctly, that was my extra contribution to the project.”
Team Project Coordinator Dr Sarah Standage has been thrilled to see the girls take on the opportunity.
“Knowing that a unique experience would be theirs for the taking was really exciting to see unfold,” she said.
“The application of skills and the building of their vision, thanks to the collaboration with TAFE teacher Justan Gregson, has been invaluable in helping the students learn and apply meaningful skills.”
For more information about partnering with TAFE Queensland and Work Integrated Learning opportunities, please contact Karen Graham on 07 5581 8941 or visit tafeqld.edu.au.