Tech It Up a Notch

Drawing on feedback from an early adopter, Rach and Clare explore the new Apple Neo and how it sits between an iPad and a traditional laptop for school use. They unpack what makes it a strong classroom option, from battery life and performance to affordability and integration within the Apple and wider ecosystems. The conversation also highlights how tools like Apple Classroom can elevate teaching and learning by giving teachers greater visibility and control over student devices. If you, your school or child is considering a new device this episode offers practical insights. Key TakeawaysApple Neo sits between an iPad and MacBook in both price and functionality, making it a viable BYOD option. Education pricing makes Apple devices more accessible for schools, teachers, and familiesThe Neo is not locked in to particular software, making accessing Microsoft or Google tools possiblePerformance is significantly improved compared to older, low-spec laptops, especially for everyday school tasksSome limitations possibly for high-performance tasks (e.g. video editing) and camera useApple Classroom is a free tool that allows teachers to monitor and manage student devices in real timeApple Classroom is powerful but often underutilised, so worth exploring if you’re in an Apple environment. ResourcesApple Education PricingApple Neo Apple ClassroomApple School Manager

Drawing on real classroom experience, Rach and Clare explore how Code.org can introduce coding in a simple, engaging way without overwhelming teachers or students. From the popular Hour of Code activities like Dance Party and Minecraft to unplugged lessons and AI-integrated tasks, this episode is packed with practical ideas to build computational thinking and confidence. Key TakeawaysHour of Code offers free, browser-based coding activities that work across devices with no login requiredBlock-based coding makes it accessible for primary students and beginnersActivities are highly engaging, using themes like Minecraft, Dance Party and AI for OceansBuilt-in supports like hints and debugging help students problem-solve independentlyTeachers can extend use through a dashboard to assign and track progressResources now include lesson plans, slide decks and curriculum linksUnplugged activities provide tech-free ways to teach coding conceptsStrong differentiation through self-paced levels and increasing complexityBest used as a starter, supplement, or engagement tool rather than a full unit of workIdeal as a low-prep lesson, especially for casual teaching or end-of-term activitiesResourcesHour of Code (via Code.org)AI for Oceans Dance Party coding Minecraft Hour of Code

This week Rachael and Clare explore how NotebookLM can act as a personalised research assistant for teachers. They unpack how it can streamline planning, simplify complex syllabus navigation, and generate study materials from trusted sources. From creating quizzes and summaries to producing podcasts, mind maps, and slide decks, this episode is packed with practical ideas perfect for reducing workload at any time of year.Key TakeawaysNotebook LM uses a “walled garden” approach, meaning it only generates responses from the sources you uploadTeachers can upload syllabus documents, policies, and resources to quickly find and summarise key informationBuilt-in tools can generate quizzes, flashcards, mind maps, and study guides in secondsAudio overviews allow content to be turned into podcast-style summaries, supporting flexible learningQuality of output depends on the quality of sources and promptingParticularly powerful for senior students as a study and revision toolEncourages AI literacy by citing sources and promoting verificationBest used to enhance learning, not replace critical thinking or core teaching practicesCan significantly reduce teacher workload, especially for admin and resource creationResourcesNotebookLMNotebookLM Help site Google GeminiChatGPTAustralian Framework for Generative Artificial Intelligence in Schools (Australian Government Department of Education)Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (AITSL)

In part two of our discussion on Seesaw we explore how to get started without overwhelm, real examples of how Seesaw can be used across learning areas, and how it can function as a powerful formative assessment tool. We also share our honest reflections, what works brilliantly, what becomes tricky, and what to consider before rolling it out school wide.If you’ve been wondering how to move to embedded classroom practice with Seesaw, this episode is for you.Key TakeawaysDespite the difference in timezones, the Seesaw help team is very responsive to requests for help.Start small. Introducing Seesaw with one clear routine or learning task builds confidence for both teachers and students.Explicit modelling is essential; students need to be taught how to create quality multimodal responses.Seesaw supports all types of assessment through ongoing evidence collection and student reflection.Feedback workflows can be streamlined when expectations and processes are clearly defined.Consistency across teams or stages improves parent understanding and reduces confusion.Clear boundaries around notifications and communication help prevent teacher overwhelm.Successful implementation requires intentional planning, not just access to the tool.ResourcesSeesaw Homepage: https://web.seesaw.me/Seesaw Training & Professional Learning: https://web.seesaw.me/training

In this first episode of our two part look into Seesaw, we unpack what Seesaw can do, who it is designed for and why it has become such a widely used digital portfolio tool in primary classrooms.We explore access levels for teachers, students and families, how Seesaw aligns with curriculum and what schools need to consider before implementation. If you’ve been curious about Seesaw but unsure where to start, this episode will help you on your way. Stay tuned for Part 2 which will focus on examples of practical classroom applications, assessment features and, as always, our honest pros and cons.Key TakeawaysSeesaw functions as a digital portfolio platform designed primarily for primary school settings.It allows students to document and reflect on their learning using multimodal tools (text, audio, drawing, video).The platform supports assessment through ongoing evidence collection.Family engagement is a major feature, enabling visibility of student learning beyond the classroom.Schools should consider privacy, permissions and consistency of use before rolling it out.A clear implementation plan is essential to avoid it becoming “just another platform.”ResourcesSeesaw Homepage: https://web.seesaw.me/Seesaw Learning Resources & Training: https://web.seesaw.me/training

In this episode of Tech It Up a Notch, Rach and Claire tackle the gap left behind by Google’s retirement of Jamboard. We explore three practical, free alternatives that Aussie teachers can use for brainstorming, planning and collaboration.Whether you use digital whiteboards with students or staff, this episode helps you choose a replacement that fits your context. The Three Alternatives We ReviewFigJam - The most seamless Jamboard replacementGoogle recommended Jamboard replacementCan import existing Jamboard filesSimple, familiar layoutLucid Spark - Best for structured, higher level planningPowerful collaborative whiteboard and diagramming toolExcellent tools for more complex whiteboardsStrong moderation tools (including guiding participants on the board)Canva Whiteboards - Our favourite all rounder Free with Canva for EducationVersatile templates, visuals, and easy sharingIdeal for brainstorming, inquiry planning, and professional learningResources FigJamLucid SparkCanva WhiteboardsGoogle SlidesGoogle Docs (Tabs feature)Pear DeckApple FreeformJamboard (retired Dec 2024)

Get ready for the new school year with Tech it up a Notch. In this first minisode, Rach and Claire share practical, realistic strategies to help teachers reset their inbox and reduce email overwhelm before the new school year begins. From decluttering to mindset shifts and smarter email habits, this episode is all about starting the year fresh and in control, without spending hours sorting your messages.Key PointsA clean inbox can be a powerful mental reset before the school year startsArchiving old emails is often more effective than trying to sort everythingLabels and tabs can dramatically reduce clutter once you have trained your inbox to sort for youKnowing which email tools are available helps maintain professional boundaries and supports the “right to disconnect”Turning off notifications allows you to control when you engage with emailResources Archive emails - Gmail Archive emails - Outlook Schedule Send - Gmail Schedule Send - Outlook Right to Disconnect - Fair Work Australia Notifications - Apple Notifications - Android Gmail - Priority inbox Templates in Gmail

This holiday minisode introduces the Productivity Trifecta, a powerful way to streamline your work using Docs, Calendar, and Tasks. If your school uses Google Workspace, this episode will walk you through simple but game changing features that help teachers stay organised, reduce mental load, and help teams follow tasks through from start to finish.Key TakeawaysUsing Shift + @ in Google Docs unlocks smart building blocks like meeting notes, decision logs, and email drafts.Meeting Notes automatically link to Calendar events, making them easy to find later.Tasks can be assigned directly from a Doc and sync across Google Tasks and Calendar.Assigned tasks update in real time and cross out in the document once completed.Smart chips make collaboration clearer by tagging people, dates, and files in context.Shared Docs can replace long email chains for planning, events, and programming.When collaborative tools are used together, they create a seamless workflow that saves time and reduces overwhelm.ResourcesIntro to Building Blocks Google Calendar Training and Help Google Tasks - training and Help Google Docs - Training and Help

In this minisode, we explore how smartwatches can act as a quiet, practical assistant in the classroom. From discreet notifications to reminders, alarms, and multi-factor authentication, a smartwatch can help reduce mental load, support time management, and keep teachers focused on teaching. Key TakeawaysSmartwatches allow for discreet notifications, helping teachers stay contactable without checking their phone in front of students.Voice assistants make it easy to set reminders and alarms on the go, supporting memory and organisation during busy school days.Timers and alarms are useful for lesson rotations, transitions, and medication reminders.Smartwatches can support multi-factor authentication, saving time when logging into school systems.Calendar-linked reminders and tasks help reduce the mental load of teaching.Additional features (health reminders, movement prompts, camera remote use) can support teacher wellbeing and workflow.As with any tech, it’s important to test settings outside the classroom before relying on them at school.

Getting organised for a new school year looks different for every teacher. In this minisode, we explore how digital planners can support your workflow and which Clare and Rachael prefer. From Calendar and Slides based daily planners to colour-coded grade books in Sheets, we talk through practical, flexible ways to plan, adapt, and stay on top of the teaching load in 2026. We also share ready-made options for teachers who want a polished planner without building one from scratch.Key TakeawaysDigital planners can replace, or enhance, traditional day books allowing easy collaboration and a lighter bag to carry ;)Slide decks work well as a daily or weekly visual planner for students and teachers, with links to lessons and resources.Spreadsheets are a powerful for grade books, using drop-downs, colour coding, and data validation.Collaboration is easier when planners and grade books live in shared platformsPaid Teacher sharing platforms often offer polished, low-cost digital planners you can adapt.The best planner is the one that fits your device, system, and professional needs.Resources Google Calendar – for time blocking, booking links, and lesson organisationGoogle Slides – for daily/weekly classroom planners and visual schedulesGoogle Sheets – for grade books, assessment tracking, and reporting supportTeachers Pay Teachers – digital planner templatesMrs Presley ICTTalkin ChalkCanva – digital planner templates and visual planning layouts

Welcome to the final minisode in the "Start Smart" series. Here we are chatting about one of the more subjective parts of starting a new school year: Classroom Displays. Whether you are a 'laminating queen' or more 'minimalist and clean', we’re sharing our favourite digital tools and ‘old school’ hacks to get your room ready to go. Key TakeawaysDigital resource hubs provide easy access to themed lettering and visual timetables that support student routine and accessibility.Inclusive design is essential when decorating; ensure fonts are legible and color schemes are mindful of students or colleagues who may have varied needs. Curated decor bundles from online content creators offer polished, cohesive aesthetics that save teachers hours of design and formatting time.Student-centered displays, such as interactive door art builds a sense of belonging and ownership from the very first day of school.Featured ResourcesSparkleBox: Excellent for pre-made signs, themed lettering, classroom management posters, and visual timetables.Instant Display: A UK-based site perfect for themed alphabet sets Canva: The modern teacher’s best friend for DIY borders and custom lettering using their massive library of stock images.Teachers Pay Teachers (TpT): The go-to marketplace for ready-to-print bundles.Miss Jacobs Little Learners: Highly recommended for cohesive, beautiful classroom decor bundles

Drawing on real classroom experience, Rach and Clare explore how Canva can streamline design tasks, reduce time spent policing image use and empower students to communicate their learning creatively. From posters and presentations to podcasting, video, green screen, and interactive projects, this episode is packed with ideas you can try straight away, especially as you’re setting up for a new school year.Key TakeawaysCanva for Education provides free Pro-level access for teachers and students using a @edu emailCanva supports the creation of multimodal texts, making it ideal for English and other KLAsCanva enables student choice through video, audio, visual, and interactive formatsBuilt in copyright compliance makes it safer and easier for classroom useCollaboration features support group work but require clear expectationsCanva can be a powerful differentiation tool, particularly for students who struggle with handwriting or fine motor skillsResourcesCanva for EducationCanva Design School (Teacher Essentials & PD courses)Canva Tutorials & Help CentreLMS + Canva Integration Canva Accessibility & Design Tools

Dive into one of the best known coding tools in Australian classrooms: Scratch. In this conversation we unpack why Scratch continues to be a favourite, how to introduce it with confidence and give examples of how it can enhance learning across subjects. From block coding foundations to project ideas, hardware integrations and classroom management tips, this episode is packed with practical strategies to help teachers use Scratch as a tool for creativity, computational thinking and problem-solving. Key TakeawaysScratch is a free, block-based coding platform designed for ages 8–16 that lowers the barrier to entry for coding through visual, drag-and-drop blocks.Suitable for new learners and those who need extension. Its familiarity and longevity make it less intimidating for teachers who want a foolproof, supported way to introduce programming.Ensure students create accounts so they can save multi-lesson projects and avoid tears over lost work. Use Scratch’s class function to manage and support students access and projects. Encourage students to explore existing community projects and use the ‘See Inside’ feature to learn from other creators' code.In built tutorials help those who need step-by-step scaffolding.ResourcesScratch Website Code.orgCode.org Dance Party Code.org Minecraft Tutorials Makey Makey Micro:bit Scratch Educator ResourcesExperience CS

.Dive into the wonderfully versatile world of Ozobot, tiny, sensor powered robots that can be colour coded with textas / markers or block coded. Our listener question inspires a discussion into how to use Ozobots in KLAs beyond Digital Technologies. We explore practical, engaging classroom ideas that span English, HSIE, Science, and PDHPE. As always we give common troubleshooting tips and real stories from the classroom to give you an insight using these pocket-sized robots in your classroom. Key Takeaways 1. Ozobots are ideal for screen free coding2. Cross curricular potential is great, but be sure they aren’t overpowering the content you are aiming for. 3. The creative layer boosts engagement in areas which may need it (e.g. understanding perimeter) and enhance it in others (e.g. coding a narrative) ResourcesOzobot Educator ResourcesOzoblockly Coding PlatformOzobot Classroom PlatformColour-Code Guides & PrintablesExample Ozobot costume inspo Story Map Inspiration Blog (referenced in discussion)Sea Bin https://seabinfoundation.org/ (referenced in discussion, a great example of STEM in action)

This week, we Tech It Up a Notch with Google Drawings, a free, often overlooked tool in Google Workspace that opens up creative possibilities for learners of all ages. We share practical classroom ideas for using Google Drawings to make art, design diagrams, and explore maths and science concepts in visual ways. We unpack how this simple tool can boost creativity and digital fluency without the need for fancy software. Key TakeawaysGoogle Drawings is a free, cloud based tool for creative and visual learning.Great for art, design, diagrams, mapping, and maths concepts like tessellation and symmetry.Works seamlessly within Google Workspace (Docs, Slides, Classroom).Promotes collaboration, creativity, and sustainable digital practice.Best used on laptops or Chromebooks (not mobile or iPad compatible).A powerful entry point for digital art and design across the curriculum.Perfect for collaborative planning and thinking through new projects with colleagues.Resources Google DrawingsGoogle Workspace for EducationGoogle Classroom

This week we introduce Classroom Screen, a simple yet powerful tool for managing classroom flow and engagement. We discuss its key features, explore how it supports effective teaching and share ideas for bringing calm and structure to your learning environment. Along the way, we wander off on a few topical tangents, including discussing our new recording space. TakeawaysClassroom Screen is a versatile classroom management tool.Timers, noise meters, and visuals can help create calm and structured learning spaces.Classroom Screen is easy to access across devices and supports teacher wellbeing and voices!Paid versions offer extended customisation and additional features, including saving screens - just watch out for the US/AU price difference. Resources Classroomscreen Google Educators Certification Bluey Study Video Esafety commissioner Social Media Age Restrictions Hub Vivi Snoopy JazzHypno Motion - Lego Cooking Victorian Government Digital Device Announcement

In this episode of Tech It Up a Notch, we dive into Makedo, a simple, low-tech tool perfect for design and make projects with cardboard. We explore its classroom applications, from sparking student creativity to embedding sustainable practices. We also share ways to differentiate learning and “tech it up a notch” with digital tools. This episode is also a great example of how talking through tools with a colleague can open up fresh teaching ideas.TakeawaysMake Do transforms everyday cardboard into creative new projects.It’s safe, sustainable, and cost-effective for classrooms.Hands-on design-and-make projects boost creativity and engagement.Teachers can enhance projects by pairing Make Do with digital tools.Discussing tools with colleagues leads to richer classroom possibilities.Resources MakedoMakedo Resource Hub ThingiverseMakeyMakey ProcreateGoogle Drawings Whisk MicrobitKookaberry Gemini

In this episode of Tech It Up A Notch, we explore Brisk, an AI powered Chrome / Microsoft extension that helps teachers streamline admin tasks and boost student engagement. We walk through its features, from adapting reading levels and generating quizzes to giving feedback and even detecting AI use in student work. Alongside the practical applications, we discuss ethical considerations and the importance of keeping the human touch in your teaching. TakeawaysBrisk integrates with Google Workspace and Microsoft tools to save teachers time on admin and lesson planning. Ethical considerations remain central to using AI in education.In many ways, Brisk encourages student engagement and supports differentiated learning.AI in classrooms shows promise for reducing workload and inspiring new ideas.Educators are encouraged to explore AI tools thoughtfully to enhance practice.Resources Brisk Teaching Australian Framework for Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in SchoolsBest Practice Framework for Online Safety EducationAustralian Professional Standards for Teachers

In this episode we chat about the Sphero Indi. A fun edtech tool designed for early learners to introduce coding and computational thinking through play-based learning. With a focus on road safety we explore its features, integration and connections to the curriculum. Key TakeawaysThe Sphero Indi is designed for early learners.Indi uses colour recognition and tiles for programming without screens.Integrating road safety education with the Indi is effective and engaging, but this is not the only way to use this tool for learning. The Indi is a durable kit for classroom use.Teachers can adapt the use of the Indi Car for different early learning levels.Outdoor use requires consideration of the terrain for optimal performance.The Indi Car promotes collaboration and critical thinking. Resources Sphero Indi Safety Town

Join us as we make connections between Makey Makey and its exciting uses in STEM learning. We chat about the importance of understanding STEM, the power of hands on learning and practical ways to integrate Makey Makey into different curriculum areas. We share pros, cons and tips straight from the classroom to help you to Tech it Up a Notch! Key Takeaways - Makey Makey Rich STEM projects involve design thinking and problem solving.Makey Makey empowers students to create interactive projects using everyday objects.Hands-on learning fuels creativity, curiosity, and engagement.Thoughtful integration of technology can enhance curriculum outcomes across subjects.Explicit teaching strategies are vital for meaningful STEM learning, but don’t stop there! Assess student learning through the design process, not just final products.Collaboration and group work enrich the learning experience with Makey Makey.Makey Makey connects naturally to multiple curriculum areas, including Science and the Creative Arts.Resources Makey Makey Website Makey Makey Intro Video Makey Makey Plug and Play apps Scratch Hour of CodeClassroom Screen Google Classroom

In this episode of Tech It Up a Notch, we introduce Google Vids, a new(ish) collaborative video editing tool perfect for classroom use. We explore its features, benefits, and limitations, and share how it integrates with Google Classroom.We also chat about the role of creative expression in learning and how Google Vids can support curriculum outcomes, making it a valuable resource for teachers wanting to boost student engagement and collaboration.Key Takeaways - Google Vids:is a collaborative, browser-based video editing tool for students - no extra software needed.seamlessly integrates with Google Workspace and Google Classroom.offers modern, user-friendly templates and access to stock images.supports creative expression, differentiation, and student engagement.Teachers can create and share templates directly in Google Classroom.allows videos capped at 10 minutes, a helpful boundary for focus, though sometimes limiting.ResourcesGoogle Vids training and helpGet Started with Vids in WorkspaceBest practices for Google Vids

We are Clare and Rachael, two Australian teachers with a love for digital learning, creativity, and all things learning. After years of sharing ideas in schools, we’re taking our conversations to the world to help you bring technology into your classroom with confidence.In this trailer, you’ll get to know us, our teaching journeys, and the story behind Tech It Up a Notch.Got a question or a tool you’d love us to explore? Email us at [email protected] — we’d love to hear from you!