Tech It Up a Notch

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.

Takeaways

• Make 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

• Makedo
• Makedo Resource Hub
• Thingiverse
• MakeyMakey
• Procreate
• Google Drawings
• Whisk
• Microbit
• Kookaberry
• 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.

Takeaways

• Brisk 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 Schools

Best Practice Framework for Online Safety Education

Australian 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 Takeaways

• The 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 Code

Classroom 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.

Resources

Google Vids training and help

Get Started with Vids in Workspace

Best 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!