Homeschooling with Technology
306 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 days ago - ★★★★★ - 33 ratingsThe Homeschooling with Technology Podcast is a weekly show, hosted by Meryl van der Merwe, where she shares ideas on how to use technology to be more productive as a homeschool parent and on how to use technology to make lessons more engaging. In addition, she covers techie skills your children need to learn and how to easily incorporate them into your homeschooling. Meryl homeschooled her 4 children after working as a computer programmer for many years. She uses technology whenever she can when teaching both live co-op classes and online classes for homeschoolers. In this podcast, she shares all the best tech resources she finds with you.
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Episodes
Online Resources for Learning Computer Science
July 17, 2024 13:00 - 17 minutes - 17.5 MB283: Online Resources for Learning Computer Science Computer science encompasses more than just coding and programming; it includes history, hardware, software, algorithms, computational thinking, the internet, cybersecurity, and more. Highlights and Resources: ScienceTrek.org A fun and interactive site with various options including games Includes books and facts that cover the history of computers, how they […] The post Online Resources for Learning Computer Science appeared first on Ulti...
Online Olympic Resources for Homeschoolers
July 10, 2024 13:00 - 5 MB282: Online Olympic Resources for Homeschoolers Here are several online Olympic resources that will help you extend the excitement of the games into educational opportunities for your children. From interactive apps and science videos to music lessons and virtual museum tours, we’ve got a variety of tools to make the most of the Olympic […] The post Online Olympic Resources for Homeschoolers appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
Is Writing Proficiency still important in the AI era?
July 03, 2024 13:00 - 19 minutes - 19.4 MBEpisode 281: Is Writing Proficiency Still Important in the AI Era? Guest Jennie Miller, English Teacher at FundaFunda Academy, shares her thoughts on the relevance of writing proficiency in the AI era. Jennie’s Classes: Freshman English: An introductory high school English class focused on learning how to write academically and analyze classic and contemporary literature […] The post Is Writing Proficiency still important in the AI era? appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
Board games that promote STEM skills
June 26, 2024 13:00 - 26 minutes - 26 MB280: Board games that promote STEM skills Guest Haley Story shares board games that promote STEM skills – and she has many ideas for all ages. Why board games? A fun family time Great for summer Also some solo games for screen-free time The kinds of board games she discusses All of these games involve […] The post Board games that promote STEM skills appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution and your Homeschool
June 19, 2024 13:00 - 24 minutes - 24 MB279: The Fourth Industrial Revolution and your homeschool This episode discusses how we are living in the midst of the Fourth Industrial Revolution driven by technologies like AI, nanotech, blockchain, Internet of Things, etc. and how this affects our homeschool The 4th Industrial Revolution started around 2011 and is characterized by AI, IoT, nanotech […] The post The Fourth Industrial Revolution and your Homeschool appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
Learning with Micro:bit
June 12, 2024 13:00 - 14 minutes - 14.5 MB278: Learning with Micro:bit Guest Joseph Lemke shares with us how he is learning with Micro:bit and why this is a great way for students to explore coding. What is a Micro:bit? programmable microcontroller, like a tiny computer has built in sensors like temperature, gyroscope, compass, microphone, speaker, touch button, blue tooth antennae to talk […] The post Learning with Micro:bit appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
Finding and Using Online Classes for Homeschooling Effectively
June 05, 2024 13:00 - 22 minutes - 22 MB277: Finding and Using Online Classes for Homeschooling Effectively In this episode we look at the importance of finding and using online classes as part of homeschooling effectively. Choosing the Right Online Class: Determine your goals and what’s best for your children. Consider your children’s learning styles and your budget. Decide on the level of […] The post Finding and Using Online Classes for Homeschooling Effectively appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
Replay with Update: Online Stock Market Resources
May 29, 2024 13:00 - 11 minutes - 12.6 MBThis is a replay of episode 95 – you can find the original show notes here. The Stock Market Contest run by show sponsor FundaFunda Academy is happening this summer – June 1 to July 31 for grades 4 – 12. You can register here. The post Replay with Update: Online Stock Market Resources appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
Making Math Fun: Building a Thriving Homeschool Math Club
May 22, 2024 13:00 - 25 minutes - 25.1 MB276: Making Math Fun: Building a Thriving Homeschool Math Club My guest, Haley Story, has built a thriving homeschool math club and taught children that math can be fun. Haley was on episode 243 where she talked to us about Math Contests These are the questions Haley answers in this episode: 1. Why did […] The post Making Math Fun: Building a Thriving Homeschool Math Club appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
Web Development for Homeschoolers
May 15, 2024 13:00 - 23 minutes - 23.2 MB275:` Web Development for Homeschoolers In this episode, host Meryl van der Merwe interviews Robert Walsh, an experienced web developer and educator from Excalibur Solutions Stem Academy. They dive into the fundamentals of web development, discussing HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and the advantages of learning to code websites over using drag-and-drop builders. Robert shares insights on […] The post Web Development for Homeschoolers appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
Ethical AI Use for Scholarship Success
May 08, 2024 16:51 - 21 minutes - 108 MB274: Ethical AI Use for Scholarship Success Guest, Monica Matthews, a scholarship expert, talks to us about Ethical AI use for scholarship success for your children. Monica was also the guest on episode 117 where she shared tips for completing online scholarship applications that will help students be successful. Find Monica at her website, How 2 Win Scholarships, her Facebook page and her […] The post Ethical AI Use for Scholarship Success appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Netw...
Engaging Online Art History Resources
May 01, 2024 13:36 - 12 minutes - 13.1 MB273: Engaging online art history resources In today’s episode, guest Holly Egan who teaches the Art History class for teens at show sponsor FundaFunda Academy, shares her favorite online art history resources. Main supplemental websites for her art history class: Smart History -Has over 800 contributors from all over the world https://smarthistory.org/ National Geographic – great […] The post Engaging Online Art History Resources appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
Vacation Planning with AI
April 24, 2024 13:00 - 18 minutes - 18.7 MB272: Vacation Planning with AI In this episode one Vacation Planning with AI, Meryl discusses using AI tools like Claude, ChatGPT, Copilot, and others to plan their upcoming summer road trip out west in their Sprinter van. She shares her experience asking the AI for suggestions on stops, restaurants, activities and more along their […] The post Vacation Planning with AI appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
Magic Student AI Tools
April 17, 2024 13:00 - 18 minutes - 18.8 MB271: Magic Student AI Tools This episode covers the Magic Student AI tools from Magic School, following last week’s episode ( (Episode 270 – Magic School AI)) on the teacher tools. Magic School Features to Explore New Google Chrome extension to easily access the tools New YouTube channel explaining how the different products work Can […] The post Magic Student AI Tools appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
Magic School AI
April 10, 2024 13:00 - 18 minutes - 18.8 MB270: Magic School AI In this episode we explore a new resource called Magic School AI, which can be used by homeschoolers to help their children retain and understand concepts, and provide engaging ideas for lessons. In this episode we look at the tools for teachers (ie would be used by the homeschool parent). Next […] The post Magic School AI appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
Teen Podcasters Share Their Journey
April 03, 2024 13:00 - 16 minutes - 16.8 MB269: Teen Podcasters Share Their Journey In this episode, host Meryl van der Merwe interviews Laila Alvarez and Damien Segovia, two homeschooled teen podcasters, who share their experience starting and running their own podcast called “IKR?!”. Topics Covered: What inspired Laila and Damien to start a podcast The name and focus of their podcast […] The post Teen Podcasters Share Their Journey appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
Importance of critical thinking skills in navigating social media
March 27, 2024 13:00 - 5 MB268 : Importance of critical thinking skills in navigating social media Guest Stephanie Simoes from Critikid.com talks about the Importance of Critical Thinking Skills in Navigating Social Media and how to teach our children these skills. Key Points: Critical thinking involves the ability to distinguish between logical and flawed reasoning, understanding logical fallacies, cognitive biases, […] The post Importance of critical thinking skills in navigating social media appeared first on Ult...
Comparing AI Assistants
March 20, 2024 13:10 - 19 minutes - 19.3 MB267: Comparing AI Assistants In this episode you will find me comparing AI Assistants – depending on your needs your favorites may be different to mine, so I suggest you try them all out too!. Just as you probably have a favorite supermarket, you will likely have a favorite AI assistant after you try some […] The post Comparing AI Assistants appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
Teaching students to use Tinkercad
March 13, 2024 13:00 - 5 MB266:Teaching students to use Tinkercad Robert Walsh from Excalibur Solutions Stem Academy explains the why and the how behind teaching students to use Tinkercad. What is STEM? Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Why does my child need STEM education even if they aren’t interested in a STEM career? Children do not know what they […] The post Teaching students to use Tinkercad appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
10 Ways I am using AI in 2024
March 06, 2024 14:00 - 19 minutes - 19.5 MB265: 10 Ways I am using AI in 2024 I use AI like I would a personal assistant. I give clear instructions and check the results. I use it for tasks that free me up to be creative in other areas, or to help me get started on a task. Here are 10 ways […] The post 10 Ways I am using AI in 2024 appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
The Anton App: Interactive Lessons for Kids
February 28, 2024 14:00 - 8 minutes - 9.64 MB264: The Anton App: Interactive Lessons for Kids The Anton App offers bite-sized interactive learning opportunities for K – 8th grade. It is free and some of its features include: Works on all devices No ads Earn coins for games Covers a wide range of subjects Can customize avatars to look like oneself Games are […] The post The Anton App: Interactive Lessons for Kids appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
Gamified Science Apps for Neurodiverse Brains
February 21, 2024 14:00 - 5 MB263: Gamified Science Apps for Neurodiverse Brains In today’s episode, host Meryl Van Der Merwe interviews homeschooling mom And Clark about two gamified science apps she uses with her neurodiverse kids — Brilliant and TytoOnline. These gamified science apps make science interactive and engaging for both neurodiverse and neurotypical students. Brilliant offers supplemental math and […] The post Gamified Science Apps for Neurodiverse Brains appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Netw...
Equipping your children for careers in an AI world
February 14, 2024 14:00 - 18 minutes - 18.3 MB262: Equipping your children for careers in an AI world With the AI revolution upon us and facing a future we can only guess at, how do we homeschoolers equip our children for careers in an AI world? Key Topics Covered: How rapidly AI is changing and transforming the job landscape 3 scenarios […] The post Equipping your children for careers in an AI world appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
Benefits of Video Projects
February 07, 2024 14:04 - 16 minutes - 17 MB261: Benefits of video projects There are many benefits of video projects for homeschool students – and this episode unpacks some of those benefits Main Points: Kids and teens enjoy the video medium and will likely enjoy creating videos Video creation is a useful skill for college and jobs There are many scholarships that […] The post Benefits of Video Projects appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
Unlocking the Power of Padlet
January 31, 2024 15:30 - 20 minutes - 20.3 MB260: Unlocking the Power of Padlet In this episode I explain some of the power of Padlet, a free tool you can use in many ways in your homeschool. Topics covered in this episode: What is Padlet How does it work Pricing Accessibility Expanding features eg export as pdf or a slideshow Templates – eg […] The post Unlocking the Power of Padlet appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
Duolingo Math
January 24, 2024 14:00 - 16 minutes - 16.8 MB259: Duolingo Math DuoLingo has added Math to its popular language-learning app. In this episode, learn what this app has to offer for your children – and you! Currently only available on iPhone app (coming soon to Android & browsers) Two levels so far: Beginner and Intermediate Can skip Beginner and go straight to Intermediate […] The post Duolingo Math appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
From Tech Consumer to Tech Creator
January 17, 2024 17:39 - 5 MB258: From Tech Consumer to Creator Ava Jekel, our teen guest, loved watching Youtube videos and became interested with how they were made. So she started learning how to make her own and transitioned from tech consumer to tech creator. These are the tools she mentions in the episode that she uses regularly: Pexels – […] The post From Tech Consumer to Tech Creator appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
12 Tech Tools to try in your homeschool in 2024
January 10, 2024 22:00 - 20 minutes - 20.2 MB257: 12 Tech Tools to try in your homeschool this year Start the year by planning to try these 12 Tech Tools – either for the first time, or learn their latest features. Decide to try one each month so that it is not overwhelming. Here are the 12 Tech Tools mentioned Canva ChatGPT or […] The post 12 Tech Tools to try in your homeschool in 2024 appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
Teaching Economics Through Online Games
January 03, 2024 14:00 - 12 minutes - 12.9 MB256: Teaching Economics Through Online Games Economics is useful in everyday life and teaching economics through online games can help students get a better understanding of the concepts they are learning about. Games mentioned in this episode SimCity Rollercoaster Tycoon Stock Market Game / How the Market Works Lemonade Stand Money, Banking and the Federal […] The post Teaching Economics Through Online Games appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
Kitchen Science
December 27, 2023 14:00 - 17 minutes - 17.6 MB255: Kitchen Science with Randi Smith Randi Smith from Peanut Butter Fish Lessons is my guest and in this episode she shares how she has been using Kitchen Science as a homeschool elective class Books mentioned in the episode Kitchen Science Lab Culinary Reactions: The Everyday Chemistry of Cooking Randi’s blog post with all the […] The post Kitchen Science appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
Replay: Tech Electives for High School
December 21, 2023 01:25 - 15 minutes - 15.7 MBThis is a replay of episode 178 – you can find the original show notes here. The post Replay: Tech Electives for High School appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
Tech the Halls: STEM Christmas gifts
December 13, 2023 14:00 - 16 minutes - 16.6 MB254: Tech the Halls: STEM Christmas gifts STEM Christmas Gifts not only bring hours of fun to children of all ages, but also prepare children for the future. In this episode, I talk about gifts in these 4 categories 1. Hardware 2. Video Games 3. STEM Board Games 4. Engineering Toys * Mentioned: 30 Days […] The post Tech the Halls: STEM Christmas gifts appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
Hour of Code 2023
December 06, 2023 14:00 - 18 minutes - 18.3 MB253: Hour of Code 2023 The Hour of Code takes place each year during Computer Science Education Week in the week of the birthday of Admiral Grace Hopper. If you don’t know about her contribution to the field of computer science, here is a short video to watch with your children Each year you can […] The post Hour of Code 2023 appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
Ideas for Using New AI Tools in Canva
November 29, 2023 14:00 - 21 minutes - 21.5 MB252: Ideas for Using New AI Tools in Canva Rebecca Brinkman from Rose and Bird unpacks some of the new AI tools in Canva. Rebecca was the guest on episode 210 – Taking Holiday Photos with Storytelling in Mind and 227 – Why all teens should learn Canva All the tools available in Magic Studio […] The post Ideas for Using New AI Tools in Canva appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
Replay: 10 Websites You Will Be Thankful I Told You About
November 22, 2023 17:43 - 17 minutes - 17.4 MBThis is a replay of episode 159 – you can find the original show notes here. The post Replay: 10 Websites You Will Be Thankful I Told You About appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
How to Use Tech to Inspire a Love of Learning
November 15, 2023 14:00 - 19 minutes - 19.1 MB251: How to use tech to inspire a love of learning Guest Kami Wanous from The Freedom Scholar gives some great ideas on how to use tech to inspire a love of learning. Here are the 6 ideas she covers: Using short videos or online classes (one time class) to spark interest – like YouTube […] The post How to Use Tech to Inspire a Love of Learning appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
Verizon Learning Portal
November 08, 2023 14:00 - 15 minutes - 16.1 MB250: Verizon Learning Portal The Verizon Learning Portal is a free collection of online lessons for K – 12. In this episode I share some of the cools things I found in it and what it was like working through a lesson. I also share about the 7 full courses they offer. ———————————————————————————————- Take a […] The post Verizon Learning Portal appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
Digital Music Production
November 01, 2023 13:00 - 22 minutes - 22.5 MB249: Digital Music Production In this episode, music industry veteran Brent Daniels shares resources teens can use for digital music production. Online Tools Mentioned in this Episode Garageband (iOS) Bandlab, Soundtrap (Windows / Chrome) Next level – Logic Pro (Apple) Waveformfree (cross platform) Pro Tools – Avid Sub and FL Studio Where to find Brent […] The post Digital Music Production appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
Learn tech skills with passion led projects
October 25, 2023 13:00 - 18 minutes - 18.9 MB248: Learn tech skills with passion led projects Today’s episode explains how to learn tech skills with passion led projects. Use topics your children are interested in and integrate tech to create a meaningful project. Ideas on how to use tech to gather information for the project online research surveys through Google forms store data […] The post Learn tech skills with passion led projects appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
Digital Tools to Help you Write a Novel
October 18, 2023 16:23 - 15 minutes - 15.7 MB247: Digital tools to help you write a novel Just in time for NaNaWriMo, guest Jennie Miller shares some digital tools to help you write a novel. These can be used by middle and high schoolers. The resources Jennie mentions are Young Writer’s Program through NaNoWriMo Scrivener and the app Scapple by Literature and Latte […] The post Digital Tools to Help you Write a Novel appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
Resources to teach netiquette
October 11, 2023 13:00 - 16 minutes - 16.5 MB246: Resources to teach netiquette Children need to be taught by their parents how to behave well online and so I have found some resources to teach netiquette to help you do that. Also be sure to listen to episode 212 – Teaching Children to be Kind Online Resources mentioned in this episode Digital Citizenship […] The post Resources to teach netiquette appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
Online games that promote thinking and build math skills
October 04, 2023 13:00 - 16 minutes - 17.2 MB245: Online games that promote thinking and build math skills Dennis DiNoia from Mr.D Math is our guest and he shares some of his favorite games that promote thinking and build math skills. Online games mentioned in this episode Online Chess with a twist Yahtzee 2048 game Backgammon Logic Puzzles Calculators.org (math, board games and […] The post Online games that promote thinking and build math skills appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
How much tech is too much tech
September 27, 2023 13:00 - 16 minutes - 17.1 MB244: How much tech is too much tech In this episode, listeners are encourage to work through how much tech is too much tech for their family. A number of factors are mentioned to consider. The podcast projects created by Manoush Zomorodi are Bored and Brilliant Bootcamp Infomagical FundaFunda Classes mentioned in this episode: Health […] The post How much tech is too much tech appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
Math Contests
September 20, 2023 13:00 - 17 minutes - 17.8 MB243: Math contests with Haley Story Haley runs a math club and as part of the club she encourages the participants to take part in math contests. Haley begins by explaining why you should consider registering your homeschooler for these contests. She goes on to talk about: 1. Noetic 2. Bebras 3. Math Counts 4. […] The post Math Contests appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
Science Olympiad
September 13, 2023 13:00 - 22 minutes - 22.2 MB242: Science Olympiad I have coached a homeschool Science Olympiad team for many years and have seen the huge benefits it has provided to the students involved. For more information about the contest visit Soinc.org. If you can’t find a team in your area – start one! ———————————————————————————————- Take a look at show sponsor, FundaFunda […] The post Science Olympiad appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
Replay: How to modify online curriculum for special needs students: Part 2
September 06, 2023 13:00 - 22 minutes - 22.4 MBGuest Lindsay Leiviska explains how to modify online curriculum for special needs students. You can find Lindsay online at A Heart For All Students. Her podcast is also called “A Heart for All Students”. This is a replay of episode 126 – you can find the original show notes here. The post Replay: How to modify online curriculum for special needs students: Part 2 appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
Replay: How to modify online curriculum for special needs students: Part 1
August 30, 2023 13:00 - 21 minutes - 21.7 MBThis is a replay of episode 125 – you can find the original show notes here. The post Replay: How to modify online curriculum for special needs students: Part 1 appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
How Learning Tech Skills Young Can Benefit Your Child
August 23, 2023 13:03 - 17 minutes - 17.9 MB241: How Learning Tech Skills Young Can Benefit Your Child Guest Charis Guilford, a high school senior, explains how learning tech skills young can benefit your child by sharing her own story. These are the questions she answered. Listen to the episode to get inspired to teach your children how to use a computer effectively. […] The post How Learning Tech Skills Young Can Benefit Your Child appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
AI in the tools you already use
August 16, 2023 13:00 - 13 minutes - 14.2 MB240: AI in the tools you already use Do you know there is probably AI in the tools you already use? Here are the ones mentioned in this episode: 1. Gmail – Smart reply / compose 2. Canva Text to image (under Apps) Magic Write AI Photo editing Magic Create Presentations 3. Google slides – […] The post AI in the tools you already use appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
Free vs Paid Online Resources
August 09, 2023 13:00 - 16 minutes - 16.8 MB239: Free vs paid online resources Free vs Paid Online Resources? This episode covers reasons you might choose one over the other and I give a few ideas on where to find free resources. For all the details listen to the episode. Things to consider 1. Budget 2. Priorities 3. Kids abilities and interests 4. […] The post Free vs Paid Online Resources appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.