Tech It Up a Notch | Podcast on RSS.com

Tech It Up a Notch

Tech It Up a Notch

by Rachael and Clare

Education Technology

Season 1

Introducing - Tech It Up a Notch!

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 techitupanotchau@gmail.com — we’d love to hear from you!

Tried and Tested iPad Apps for Young Learners

In this episode of Tech It Up a Notch, Rachael and Clare share some of their favourite iPad apps for infants classrooms. From creativity and coding to storytelling and literacy skills, these apps help teachers use technology intentionally to support learning, engagement, and accessibility. Whether you’re brand new to classroom iPads or looking for fresh ideas, these are practical, classroom tested tools you can start exploring with confidence. ABC Kids Listen A fantastic free audio app from the ABC packed with podcasts, music, stories, mindfulness tracks, nature sounds, and educational content for children. Great for English audio texts, calming transitions, listening tasks, and sparking new learning. rED Writing A handwriting app designed to help students practise letter formation through tracing activities and guided feedback. Teachers and parents can choose Australian fonts and handwriting styles. Book Creator An easy-to-use digital publishing app where students can create their own books using text, drawings, photos, audio recordings, and video. ScratchJr A beginner coding app designed specifically for younger learners. Students use visual block coding to create animations, games, and stories. Freeform Apple’s built-in collaborative whiteboard app that allows students to draw, brainstorm, annotate images, create mind maps, and visually organise ideas. Honourable Mention: Play School Art Maker A creative app inspired by Play School that allows young learners to create artwork, scenes, and visual stories. Teachers Choice: Explain Everything A powerful, interactive teaching and note taking app that allows teachers and students to record lessons, annotate slides, demonstrate thinking and create engaging content.

Rethinking Devices for Learning with Apple Neo + Classroom

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 Takeaways Apple 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 families The Neo is not locked in to particular software, making accessing Microsoft or Google tools possible Performance is significantly improved compared to older, low-spec laptops, especially for everyday school tasks Some limitations possibly for high-performance tasks (e.g. video editing) and camera use Apple Classroom is a free tool that allows teachers to monitor and manage student devices in real time Apple Classroom is powerful but often underutilised, so worth exploring if you’re in an Apple environment. Resources Apple Education Pricing Apple Neo Apple Classroom Apple School Manager

Low-Prep Programming with Hour of Code

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 Takeaways Hour of Code offers free, browser-based coding activities that work across devices with no login required Block-based coding makes it accessible for primary students and beginners Activities are highly engaging, using themes like Minecraft, Dance Party and AI for Oceans Built-in supports like hints and debugging help students problem-solve independently Teachers can extend use through a dashboard to assign and track progress Resources now include lesson plans, slide decks and curriculum links Unplugged activities provide tech-free ways to teach coding concepts Strong differentiation through self-paced levels and increasing complexity Best used as a starter, supplement, or engagement tool rather than a full unit of work Ideal as a low-prep lesson, especially for casual teaching or end-of-term activities Resources Hour of Code (via Code.org) AI for Oceans Dance Party coding Minecraft Hour of Code

Turning Resources into Results with Notebook LM

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 Takeaways Notebook LM uses a “walled garden” approach, meaning it only generates responses from the sources you upload Teachers can upload syllabus documents, policies, and resources to quickly find and summarise key information Built-in tools can generate quizzes, flashcards, mind maps, and study guides in seconds Audio overviews allow content to be turned into podcast-style summaries, supporting flexible learning Quality of output depends on the quality of sources and prompting Particularly powerful for senior students as a study and revision tool Encourages AI literacy by citing sources and promoting verification Best used to enhance learning, not replace critical thinking or core teaching practices Can significantly reduce teacher workload, especially for admin and resource creation Resources NotebookLM NotebookLM Help site Google Gemini ChatGPT Australian Framework for Generative Artificial Intelligence in Schools (Australian Government Department of Education) Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (AITSL)

Making Learning Visible with Seesaw

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 Takeaways Despite 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. Resources Seesaw Homepage: https://web.seesaw.me/ Seesaw Training & Professional Learning: https://web.seesaw.me/training

Building Strong Foundations with Seesaw

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 Takeaways Seesaw 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.” Resources Seesaw Homepage: https://web.seesaw.me/ Seesaw Learning Resources & Training: https://web.seesaw.me/training

Planning, Brainstorming and Learning with Digital Whiteboards

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 Review FigJam - The most seamless Jamboard replacement Google recommended Jamboard replacement Can import existing Jamboard files Simple, familiar layout Lucid Spark - Best for structured, higher level planning Powerful collaborative whiteboard and diagramming tool Excellent tools for more complex whiteboards Strong moderation tools (including guiding participants on the board) Canva Whiteboards - Our favourite all rounder Free with Canva for Education Versatile templates, visuals, and easy sharing Ideal for brainstorming, inquiry planning, and professional learning Resources FigJam Lucid Spark Canva Whiteboards Google Slides Google Docs (Tabs feature) Pear Deck Apple Freeform Jamboard (retired Dec 2024)

Creating in the Classroom with Canva

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 Takeaways Canva for Education provides free Pro-level access for teachers and students using a @edu email Canva supports the creation of multimodal texts, making it ideal for English and other KLAs Canva enables student choice through video, audio, visual, and interactive formats Built in copyright compliance makes it safer and easier for classroom use Collaboration features support group work but require clear expectations Canva can be a powerful differentiation tool, particularly for students who struggle with handwriting or fine motor skills Resources Canva for Education Canva Design School (Teacher Essentials & PD courses) Canva Tutorials & Help Centre LMS + Canva Integration Canva Accessibility & Design Tools

Cross Curriculum Coding with Ozobot

.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 coding 2. 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) Resources Ozobot Educator Resources Ozoblockly Coding Platform Ozobot Classroom Platform Colour-Code Guides & Printables Example 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)

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