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Julie Spencer

Reef Videoconferencing, the Journey of Taking the Great Barrier Reef Live into Classrooms All Over the World

Reef HQ Aquarium is the world's largest living coral reef aquarium and the Education Centre for the Great Barrier Reef. Reef Videoconferencing uses state-of-the-art teaching and learning technology to take the Reef live into classrooms all over the world. This innovative reef education program allows participants to interact live with a scuba diver and see live video from underwater.

This virtual field trip provides students within any learning stage a unique environment to:

  • Observe a living coral reef ecosystem and the animals that call it home;
  • Experience the habitats, ecosystems and behaviour of reef creatures;
  • Analyse the interactions that exist between reef creatures;
  • Appreciate the requirements for a healthy ecosystem; and
  • Take action that will protect the future of the Great Barrier Reef.

Reef HQ Aquarium has been facilitating Reef Videoconferences to audiences both nationally and internationally for over a decade. They have connected to schools all over Australia and to students in New Zealand, USA, Canada and the United Kingdom. From humble beginnings in 1997, the Reef Videoconferencing program now reaches an audience of over 6000 participants annually.

During this mini-workshop delegates will participate in a live Reef Videoconference and be given insights into the power of the technology as an educational tool, the intricacies of establishing such an outreach education program, the logistical challenges faced and an opportunity to discuss how this technology may be beneficial to their organisation or teaching and learning needs.

Reef Videoconferencing breaks down ‘geographical barriers’ to education and allows students of all ages and physical abilities to discover the beauty and wonder of the Great Barrier Reef and the need for its protection.

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Julie Spencer's Biography
Julie Spencer is the Education and Interpretation Manager for Reef HQ Aquarium, the Reef Education Centre for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.  After completing her Bachelor of Science Degree at James Cook University, Julie began work at Reef HQ Aquarium and has worked there for the past 13 years. During this time Julie has held varied roles including; Interpretive Reef Guide, Volunteer Coordinator; Interpretive and Exhibits Manager and recently as the Manager of Reef HQ Aquarium's Education team.

Reef HQ Aquarium has been facilitating Reef Videoconferences to audiences across the world for over a decade. Since its beginning's in 1997, to the present day, Julie has witnessed the growth of the Reef Videoconferencing program at Reef HQ Aquarium. For the past two years she has been responsible for managing the Reef Videoconferencing program during a time where the demand for Reef Videoconferences has increased significantly.