The Educational Computing Association of WA (Inc.) is delighted to announce Ian Wilson as the recipient of the ECAWA Digital Technologies Teacher of the Year Award for 2025,
Ian is recognised for his exceptional innovation, leadership, and sustained contribution to Digital Technologies education at Coolbinia Primary School, where he has inspired students from Pre-Primary to Year 6 for more than a decade.
A passionate advocate for authentic, integrated learning, Ian has transformed the teaching of Digital Technologies by linking coding, data, and design with sustainability, Aboriginal perspectives, and real-world science. His programs engage students in meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that extend well beyond the classroom. Through projects such as Einstein-First (in partnership with UWA), students explore relativity and quantum physics using coding and simulation, while the Two-Way Science program embeds Noongar knowledge through digital biodiversity surveys. His Kaadadjiny Boodja initiative—an award-winning interactive bush trail featuring QR codes, Braille, and augmented reality—has been praised nationally as a model of STEM and cultural integration.
Ian’s classroom practice exemplifies best-practice pedagogy in Digital Technologies. Students engage in robotics and coding from an early age, progressing from LEGO WeDo to Micro:bits and SPIKE Prime robotics. Participation in Bebras Challenges, Cyber.comp, and Blockly.comp builds strong computational thinking skills, while cross-curricular projects—such as analysing waste data for Clean Up Australia Day—connect technology with environmental action. His commitment to inclusivity is also evident through initiatives like Father–Daughter Robotics days and Girls in STEM programs, which have inspired many female students to pursue advanced studies and careers in technology.
Beyond his classroom, Ian is a leader in the broader education community. As STEM Committee Leader and Technologies Network Leader of the Mt Lawley Schools Network, he collaborates with teachers across eight schools to share best practice in Digital Technologies. His leadership has been recognised through selection as a Governor’s School STEM Awards Finalist, and through partnerships with ACARA, CSIRO, UWA, Scitech, and FIRST LEGO League. He also coordinates Safer Internet Day initiatives and contributes to the national eSafety Champions Network, ensuring that digital citizenship remains central to student learning. He has also just joined the ECAWA Committee, which we’re absolutely delighted about!
Ian is deeply committed to professional learning and knowledge sharing. He designs and delivers professional development sessions for local networks and state events, has been commended by AISWA for exemplary leadership, and has presented his work at national and international conferences, including the Google Educator Conference, World Environmental Education Congress, and International School Grounds Alliance.
ECAWA congratulates Ian Wilson, whose innovative practice, leadership, and commitment to equity and sustainability make him an outstanding ambassador for Digital Technologies education in Western Australia and beyond.
This text was summarized from the award recipient’s nomination documents.
