The Virtual Staffroom

What do recipes and Artificial Intelligence have in common? More than you might think! Tune in to Episode 17 of the Virtual Staffroom as we talk with Google Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Specialist Sara Robinson. We unpack what AI is, relate it to something we all do everyday, and hear about a rather unusual project mixing Maltesers and Marmite! Plus, we hear Sara’s amazing journey to where she is today, a story all about the power of curiosity and lifelong learning. To finish, the team share their favourite AI resources to continue your AI journey!

T4L digs deep to chat with vertebrate paleontologist at the Australian Museum, Dr Matt McCurry. Matt and the T4L team have been working behind the scenes on creating an exciting virtual tour of the museum for kids everywhere. Matt also gives us an inside look at paleontology – from the hands-on work on dig sites, to the tech behind setting up virtual exhibitions. Join us for this exciting discussion on the future of museums (plus all the regular resource roundups).

T4L gets revved up in Episode 15 of the Virtual Staffroom with Molly Taylor – Australian rally car driving champion. Molly is the first and only female driver to win the Australian Rally Championship and is currently racing in the Extreme E Racing events with bespoke electric sports vehicles. We go behind the scenes to talk to Molly about the skills involved in driving, as well as learning about the tech behind team driving in extreme environments. We also hear how the sport is getting behind sustainability and taking climate action. Plus - Linda, Joe and Yvette update us on their favourite resources.

Look up in the sky! Is it a bird, is it a plane? No – it's a drone! Drones can deliver everything from books to groceries to coffees – but what if we used them for the good of humankind? In Episode 14 of the Virtual Staffroom we meet Eric Peck - CEO of Swoop Aero. Swoop Aero was the winner of the New York Times Good Tech Award in 2018 and the pioneer of the world’s first drone-delivered vaccine. Plus, Linda and Joe point you in the right direction to get you thinking about tech for good in your classroom

Never heard of a micro:bit? Find out in Episode 13 how this little piece of tech goes a long way towards the power of good. The team meets Waris Candra from the micro:bit Foundation all the way from Hong Kong and he updates us on a global micro:bit challenge getting students to problem-solve real-world problems and work towards UN Global Goals. Plus, Yvette, Joe and Linda also share their latest finds for your digital classroom

Get your creative juices flowing with Episode 12 of the Virtual Staffroom. Award-winning author for kids and teens, Tristan Bancks shares his insights on how he writes, his observations on how students create today - and how he personally uses different platforms to research, organise and synthesise his own work. You’ll be inspired – plus the team shares their favourite digital writing and creativity resources to get you and your students creating.

How many pings, alerts and notifications do you receive a day? In Episode 11 of the Virtual Staffroom, we meet thought-provoking neuroproductivity researcher Dr Kristy Goodwin and chat about digital wellbeing and the impact of technology on our productivity. If you’re keen to use technology meaningfully in the classroom, and maybe switch up how you use it yourself, don’t miss this conversation. Plus, the team shares their favourite resources in this space to empower your journey with tech

Have you thought about your digital footprint? You might after this discussion. In Episode 9, we talk cookies, cybersafety and fake news with special guest Kellie Britnell from the Office of the eSafety Commissioner. We also celebrate the global phenomenon that is Safer Internet Day, as well as explore the evolving landscape of digital citizenship. Plus, a roundup of your favourite resources for your digital classroom.

T4L ushers in Hour of Code and Computer Science week with a code-tastic Episode 9 of the Virtual Staffroom. First up, we head to Seattle for a chat with the team behind Minecraft’s Hour of Code challenge this year and meet developer Haro Moncovias and education guru Susie Tinker from the M:EE team. Closer to home, we speak with game producer and one of the founders of Geek Girl Academy, Lisy Kane, about her career, code and the creativity involved in game development. Tune in for your ultimate Hour of Code starter kit!

Take the leap into 2021 as the the Virtual Staffroom meets T4L Director, Mark Greentree. Join Mark on his journey - from pulling apart and fixing computers as a primary school teacher to his current role and working to deliver major technology outcomes. With some recent major policy and funding announcements, Mark shares his vision for excellence in teaching and equity in this inspiring episode. Plus, Joe, Yvette and Linda discuss the latest in edtech.