Tech It Up a Notch

Rachael and Clare

Tech it Up a Notch is the podcast for Australian teachers ready to bring educational technology into their classrooms. Each episode is packed with practical tips on using digital tools that you can apply the very next day, week, or term. We’ll show you how to boost student engagement, integrate STEM tools and stay aligned with syllabus requirements, all while supporting your professional learning. Join Rachael and Clare to explore effective ways to make edtech work for your teaching and learning.

  1. Turning Resources into Results with Notebook LM

    8 АПР.

    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 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 creationResources NotebookLMNotebookLM Help site Google GeminiChatGPTAustralian Framework for Generative Artificial Intelligence in Schools (Australian Government Department of Education)Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (AITSL)

    31 мин.
  2. Start Smart: Building a Digital Planner That Fits You

    8 ЯНВ. ·  БОНУСНЫЙ КОНТЕНТ

    Start Smart: Building a Digital Planner That Fits You

    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 Takeaways Digital 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

    11 мин.
  3. Start Smart: Digital Tools for Easy Classroom Displays

    8 ЯНВ. ·  БОНУСНЫЙ КОНТЕНТ

    Start Smart: Digital Tools for Easy Classroom Displays

    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 Takeaways Digital 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 Resources SparkleBox: 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

    13 мин.

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Tech it Up a Notch is the podcast for Australian teachers ready to bring educational technology into their classrooms. Each episode is packed with practical tips on using digital tools that you can apply the very next day, week, or term. We’ll show you how to boost student engagement, integrate STEM tools and stay aligned with syllabus requirements, all while supporting your professional learning. Join Rachael and Clare to explore effective ways to make edtech work for your teaching and learning.

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