Our new episode of the Oracle Academy Tech Chat podcast features a conversation with Dusa Vukovic, Principal of the Grammar School for Computer Science in Belgrade, and an Oracle Academy teacher as well as an Oracle Academy instructor. In this episode, Ljiljana Krkic, Oracle Academy Program Manager, sits down with Dusa to uncover actionable tips, teaching best practices, and real-world experiences from years of teaching and mentoring both students and educators using Oracle Academy resources.
Dusa brings over 20 years of teaching experience to the conversation, along with her extensive background as a curriculum author, teacher, and instructor for Oracle Academy.
Dusa candidly shares how her early experiences with online learning—long before it became mainstream—inspired her to introduce innovative technologies into teaching. She was struck by Oracle Academy’s focus on real-world applications and carefully curated content, which she immediately recognized as a valuable way to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
One of the main challenges Dusa discusses is capturing and maintaining student attention in the age of constant digital distractions. She describes how Oracle Academy materials help engage and motivate students by grounding learning in real, practical scenarios. Students quickly understand that what they learn in class can directly translate into job-ready skills and future career opportunities.
Dusa gives a behind-the-scenes look into her teaching methodology: from creating Oracle Academy accounts for all her students at the beginning of the school year, to organizing interactive activities that promote student involvement and peer learning. Whether students work together on practical SQL workshops, track their own progress through assignments, or practice with quiz questions in preparation for certification exams, the focus is always on building critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and confidence.
Dusa emphasizes that instructors don’t need to know every answer in advance. Instead, she advocates for learning alongside students, embracing new tools and materials as they’re introduced by Oracle Academy. Her insight: the best teachers inspire curiosity and a passion for continuous growth—especially in a world where technology is always evolving.
She also highlights the importance of collaboration and mutual learning among teachers, drawing wisdom from her experiences delivering Oracle Academy training for colleagues in Serbia and across Europe. Every teacher, she says, brings a unique teaching style and perspective, and there’s so much to gain from sharing these approaches.
In closing, Dusa offers simple, powerful advice for both faculty and students: prioritize knowledge that benefits not just yourself, but the wider world. Stay curious, stay open to new challenges, and always focus on applying your learning to make a positive difference.
Listen to this inspiring and practical conversation here. Whether you’re an experienced educator, a new teacher, or a student interested in technology and real-world applications, this episode is packed with useful tips and encouragement.
We encourage educators and students to explore Oracle Academy’s resources, and remember: the journey of learning and teaching is always evolving, and there’s always something new to discover. Listen to all podcast episodes.
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