Hundreds of school children are now seeing the world through fresh eyes after a series of unique online chat sessions hosted by the Learning Place.

Skye Bortolli was a highlight of the chats

A new component of the 2009 Ideas Festival, the 'Think Do Tank' attracted an estimated 500 youngsters from Queensland state schools, all of whom engaged in discussions surrounding real-world issues.

'As a teacher, it was an inspiration to see that these students had such passion for the topics that were explored and soaked up everything our guests had to offer,' said Learning Place Senior Project Officer Rebekah Hermann.

'These really were some of the best online chat sessions that I have been involved in.'

The event was organised as a way of presenting ideas, promoting public debate, and fostering and celebrating innovation in education.

Some of the online chat guests included a body image expert, humanitarian and an anti-whaling campaigner.

At just 15 years old, it was of no surprise that whale-lover Skye Bortolli was a big hit with her peers.

'All of the sessions were very good, but Skye really was a highlight – it was also very timely being that the chat coincided with a whale beaching in WA.'

'Students were thus able to make real connections with Skye while they tried to make sense of this disaster.'