Episode notes

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.

Episode notes

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

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

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

An easy-to-use digital publishing app where students can create their own books using text, drawings, photos, audio recordings, and video.

• ScratchJr

A beginner coding app designed specifically for younger learners. Students use visual block coding to create animations, games, and stories.

• 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

A creative app inspired by Play School that allows young learners to create artwork, scenes, and visual stories.

• Teachers Choice: Explain Everything

A powerful, interactive teaching and note taking app that allows teachers and students to record lessons, annotate slides, demonstrate thinking and create engaging content.

Episode notes

Join us as we recap our time at EduTECH 2026. After two inspiring days exploring the latest in education technology, we're sharing the tools, ideas, and standout moments that caught our attention.

Key Speakers

• Andy Hargreaves

• Jason Reynolds

• Danny Liu / Castlereagh Statement

• Clare Willemse

Professional learning

• CSER Digital Technologies Education

• Australian Library and Information Association Schools

EdTech Tools

• ALTO (The Great Times Table Race)

• Handwriting Bot

• Sphero

• Kahoot!

• CEChat

• Behind the News

• ClickView

• Redbubble

• Seesaw

• Canva

• Padlet

• Google Workspace

• Google for Education

• Gemini

Creators

• Teach Tech Lead Podcast

• Term Talk Podcast

• Unteachables Podcast

• Kirawee Public School Podcast

• Mrs Priestly ICT

Episode notes

In this episode, we’re taking coding off the screen and into the air! Rach shares how she used DroneBlocks and Tello drones as part of a cross-curricular STEM project exploring the sustainability of a local river.

Key Takeaways

• DroneBlocks is a great place to begin with a whole-class drone experience, allowing students to practise coding and test flight paths in a simulator before moving to physical drones.

• Tello drones can bring coding to life by allowing students to see their algorithms control a real-world device.

• Plan for technology to be temperamental! Battery life, connectivity and equipment faults can have a big impact, so having technical support and backup activities is valuable.

• Create a clearly defined flying zone and establish safety routines before launching the drones, including goggles, tied-back hair and keeping students behind a designated boundary.

• You don't need a drone for every student. Small groups or rotating activities can provide opportunities to code and fly without having a whole class of drones in the air at once.

• Drones offer rich cross-curricular opportunities, connecting digital technologies with science, mathematics, engineering, geography, design thinking and creative arts.

• Be prepared to experiment alongside your students. You don't need to have everything worked out before giving a new technology a go — sometimes the unexpected learning is the best part.

Resources mentioned:

• DroneBlocks

• Droneblocks FREE ‘Crazyflie Simulator (follow the link to grab the pin - top tip, write it on your board for the month and leave it there!)

• Tello drones