Rethinking Devices for Learning with Apple Neo + Classroom

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 [https://www.abc.net.au/kidslisten/] 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 [https://apps.apple.com/au/app/red-writing-learn-to-write/id474392775] 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 [https://bookcreator.com/] An easy-to-use digital publishing app where students can create their own books using text, drawings, photos, audio recordings, and video. ScratchJr [https://www.scratchjr.org/] A beginner coding app designed specifically for younger learners. Students use visual block coding to create animations, games, and stories. Freeform [https://www.apple.com/au/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 [https://www.abc.net.au/kidslisten/] A creative app inspired by Play School that allows young learners to create artwork, scenes, and visual stories. Teachers Choice: Explain Everything [https://explaineverything.com/] 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 [https://www.apple.com/au-edu/store] * Apple Neo [https://www.apple.com/au/macbook-neo/] * Apple Classroom [https://education.apple.com/resource/250012796] * Apple School Manager [https://support.apple.com/en-au/guide/apple-school-manager/welcome/web]

Low-Prep Programming with Hour of Code

Drawing on real classroom experience, Rach and Clare explore how Code.org [http://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 [https://code.org/] (via Code.org [http://Code.org]) * AI for Oceans [https://studio.code.org/courses/oceans/units/1/lessons/1/levels/1] * Dance Party coding [https://code.org/en-US/hour-of-code/dance] * Minecraft Hour of Code [https://code.org/en-US/minecraft]

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 [https://notebooklm.google/] * NotebookLM Help site [https://support.google.com/notebooklm/?hl=en#topic=16164070] * Google Gemini [https://gemini.google.com/] * ChatGPT [https://chatgpt.com/] * Australian Framework for Generative Artificial Intelligence in Schools [https://www.education.gov.au/schooling/resources/australian-framework-generative-artificial-intelligence-ai-schools] (Australian Government Department of Education) * Australian Professional Standards for Teachers [https://www.aitsl.edu.au/standards](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/ [https://web.seesaw.me/] * Seesaw Training & Professional Learning: https://web.seesaw.me/training [https://web.seesaw.me/training]