Through video conferencing, the students spoke to two divers at Northern Queensland’s Reef HQ Aquarium, which houses sick and injured turtles as well as conducting important marine research.

The Department of Education and Training’s David Foley ran several similar sessions throughout the first day of the expo, including a glimpse inside a sea life centre in Alaska.

Video conferencing with workers at museums, art galleries and animal welfare centres have been made available to the public and to schools through a rural technology initiative from Dubbo.

Mr Foley said when students first log on they think they’re watching television.

“The trick of all the presenters is to comment on someone in the room’s outfit, when they realise it’s fully interactive and that they’re forming a relationship with the people they can see they instantly engage,” he said.

Mr Foley said he hopes the video conferencing program teaches students that they’re not isolated because they live in a regional location.

“They can connect with anyone in the world,” he said.

“There are lots and lots of interesting people out there with great stories to tell.

“There’s something to learn every time, each connection is a unique experience.”

To log into a video conferencing session visit: www.dartconnections.org.au

To see what else is happening at the technology expo on Saturday and Sunday visit: www.regionaltechexpo.com