Earthwatch Australia Teach Live

What is TeachLive?

TeachLive is an innovative educational tool that places teachers on Earthwatch research projects, where they receive a unique professional development experience and get to teach ‘live’ back to their classrooms via the TeachLive website.

Students are able to take a virtual expedition with their teachers helping them to engage in science in an Australian and global context and see their teachers as science role models.

What will teachers learn?

The interactive nature of the program is an excellent opportunity for teachers to improve their web-based teaching skills, learn current scientific research techniques, work in a team with other teachers and learn more about the unique environments of the world.

“Both my students and I now have a far greater understanding of the processes of scientific research and the benefits that research brings to local and global communities. Not only did I get to learn about and embrace a unique part of the world, but my students did also, and that is a very powerful and enriching experience for me as a teacher.” 2009 TeachLive Teacher, Melbourne, VIC

What do students get out of TeachLive?

TeachLive is a great introduction to the way innovative technologies can motivate students. Students experience what is involved in scientific research increasing their curiosity and enthusiasm for science.

It shows students areas of Australia and the rest of the world they may have never seen before, provides them with a new perspective on scientific research and exposes them to positive career opportunities.

“To be able to do the hands on in situation research tasks were invaluable for passing onto students. To be able to walk the walk helps to better impart authentic learning to the students. The students were engaged by being able to communicate through the interactive forum - even those who normally showed little interest in class. Many of them took the opportunity to communicate from their home computers as well as those in their classroom, and not only for the duration of the expedition iteslf but for weeks after with students continuing to find information and bring in things they had learned from home.” 2009 TeachLive Teacher, Badgingarra, WA