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 Takeaways

• Scratch 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.

Resources

• Scratch Website

• Code.org
• Code.org Dance Party
• Code.org Minecraft Tutorials

• Makey Makey
• Micro:bit

• Scratch Educator Resources
• Experience CS

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!

.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)

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 Takeaways

• Google 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 Drawings

Google Workspace for Education

Google 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.

Takeaways

• Classroom 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 Jazz
• Hypno 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.

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