We’re thrilled to announce that Mandi Dimitriadis, (above) our wonderful Director of Learning, was declared the winner of the 2019 Winnovation Award in the ‘Open’ category at a Gala Dinner in Adelaide on October 3rd, 2019. Congratulations, Mandi!!
The Winnovation Awards showcase and celebrate the successes of female innovators changing the game in South Australia. Mandi was a finalist in the same awards in 2018.
Congratulations to all the winners and finalists at the 2019 awards!
About Mandi Dimitriadis, Director Of Learning
As Director of Learning at Makers Empire, Mandi is an integral part of the senior management team, and responsible for helping elementary, primary and middle school educators all over the world teach Project-Based Learning, Design Thinking, STEM and 21st-century learning skills with 3D printing and design. She regularly travels overseas and interstate to deliver her pioneering professional development courses, which are endorsed by the NSW Education Standards Authority. She has also facilitated state-wide implementation projects such as the 3D Printing in Schools project for the Department of Education in SA, which ran for four years.
Mandi created Makers Empire’s pioneering Learning by Design course, which was the focus of a 12-month research study by Sydney’s Macquarie University. The research study examined how maker activities using 3D design and 3D printing technology could enhance learning and teaching outcomes: teachers from the participating schools undertook Makers Empire’s Learning by Design course and participating students used Makers Empire’s 3D modelling software.
The research study revealed that makerspaces can be highly effective at developing children’s creativity, critical thinking, design thinking and digital skills. Students were highly engaged with the 3D technology, and the idea of solving genuine design challenges – it helped boost their confidence and resilience when dealing with setbacks, particularly for those less capable students. The research study also showed that teachers became more comfortable with technology and more collaborative and flexible in their teaching.
Prior to joining Makers Empire, Mandi managed education programs at the SA Maritime Museum and held various curriculum and pedagogy roles within the Department for Education in SA. She is an experienced educator who has taught in schools around SA in many different roles including primary years, preschool and special education.
Makers Empire currently serves 1 million students in 40 countries. Learn more.
