Mt Lockyer Primary School teacher Carly Mayfield wins Women in Technology WA award as best regional role model

Mt Lockyer Primary School teacher Carly Mayfield has won a Women in Technology WA award for being the best regional role model. Ms Mayfield, a regional digital technologies leader, won the award for transforming teaching and learning by integrating culture, coding and robotics. She has put it all into practice by linking the Noongar language to technology so her students can connect with the Great Southern’s Indigenous heritage — and learn to code while they’re at it. The WiTWA Tech [+] Awards night took place in Perth on November 7 to recognise outstanding achievements by women involved in the tech industry. Ms Mayfield said she was delighted her work had been recognised. “I’m incredibly honoured to receive the outstanding regional role model award,” she said. “Working in regional WA and empowering teachers and students through digital technologies is something I’m deeply passionate about, and it’s truly special to see this work recognised. “I’m grateful to the amazing educators, students, schools, and communities I get to collaborate with every day. This award reflects all of us. “I’m feeling very inspired and proud to be part of this community.” The WiTWA tribute to Ms Mayfield said she had made a deep and lasting impression on staff, students and the regional WA education community. “Throughout her career she has empowered teachers through professional learning and coached students to award-winning success in the first Lego League,” it said. “She’s also known for developing innovative curriculum projects which link Noongar languages with technology. “Her work is now being used as a model by schools across WA for integrating culture and technology. “Through her creativity, technical expertise, and determination, she has delivered a lasting impact, deepening cultural connections, preserving language, and creating highly engaging, future-ready learning experiences for students.” Ms Mayfield told the Advertiser earlier this year integrating language, culture and technology had better engaged students in all three areas. “Using Micro:bits to code Noongar words and cultural symbols has given students a new appreciation for both language and technology,” she said. “By exposing students to these real-world applications in the (Chamber of Minerals and Energy) program, students can highlight the Noongar language from our region while enhancing their technological competencies.”