Sign up to save your podcasts
Or
Share Homeschooling with Technology
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Or
Homeschooling with Technology
Homeschooling with Technology episodes
- How to Build Tech Literacy in Your Homeschool299: Pursuing tech literacy in your homeschool
Crystin Morris, a homeschool mom and founder of Delightfully Feasting, shares ideas on how to approach tech literacy in a homeschool environment. She provides practical guidance for integrating tech skills into everyday learning while maintaining a balanced, holistic approach.
Key Tech Literacy SkillsKristen outlines three foundational skills that she believes every homeschool should prioritize:
- Navigation – Understanding and navigating digital devices and platforms.
- Digital Citizenship – Developing an ethical and moral compass for online interactions.
- Management/Stewardship – Learning to use technology wisely, balancing its benefits and potential drawbacks.
Balancing Tech and Traditional LearningCrystin emphasizes that technology doesn’t have to be viewed as separate from traditional learning tools like books. She incorporates tech intentionally, teaching her children to value both tech and non-tech resources. This approach adapts yearly, with regular conversations and adjustments to meet her children’s developmental needs.
Recommended Tech Resources- Digital Citizenship Curriculum from Common Sense Media: Engaging, age-appropriate resources for teaching digital citizenship.
- Khan Academy: Quality resources on technology and online safety that Kristen uses in her own homeschool.
Beginner-Friendly Tech ProjectsCrystin recommends coding as a great introductory project, as it offers an instant, rewarding experience for kids. She also encourages integrating videos, articles, and online resources as a normative part of homeschooling to show children the wide range of educational tools beyond physical books.
Being Good Consumers, Not Just CreatorsCrystin stresses the importance of teaching children to be thoughtful consumers of tech content, not just creators. This means teaching them to curate their digital experiences, exercise discernment, and make intentional choices about what they consume online.
Addressing AI with a Measured ApproachCrystin advises homeschoolers to approach AI with “measured awareness” rather than fear-driven panic. She encourages parents to focus on what they can control, build familiarity with new technologies, and remember that every major technological advancement in history was met with initial concern.
Links and Resources
- Common Sense Media’s Digital Citizenship Curriculum: Common Sense Media
- Khan Academy Tech and Safety Resources: Khan Academy
Blog post with a list of resources that Crystin mentionsA related post about using technology as a toolPost about irrationally fearing technologyWhere to find Crystin
- Visit Crystin’s website, Delightfully Feasting, for courses and tools: DelightfullyFeasting.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delightfullyfeastingpress/
Take a look at show sponsor, FundaFunda Academy to see what they offer for online classes and web-based unit studies.
Join our Facebook Group, especially for the listeners of this podcast! You can ask questions and get advice as you try integrating technology into your homeschool.
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and give a rating and maybe even a review! Subscribing will help you make sure you never miss an episode
The post How to Build Tech Literacy in Your Homeschool appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
20 min - Instagram’s New Teen Safety Features298: Instagram’s New Teen Safety Features
Upcoming Episode Celebration:
- Episode 300 is just around the corner! Tune in when it releases to enjoy freebies, discounts, and fun activities.
Episode Highlights:
- Overview of Instagram’s New Safety Features for Teens
- Instagram has introduced several safety protocols for users aged 13-18, defaulting their accounts to private to limit access by unknown adults.
- Parental supervision settings vary for teens aged 13-15, while those aged 16+ have more autonomy but can opt for additional parental controls.
- Key Features Introduced by Instagram:
- Restricted Messaging: Teens can only message users they follow, which reduces the risk of unsolicited messages from strangers.
- Sensitive Content Filtering: Topics like mental health and other sensitive subjects are monitored, directing teens toward expert resources rather than peer advice.
- Time and Notification Limits: After 60 minutes of use, teens receive reminders, with a “sleep mode” between 10 PM and 7 AM to limit notifications overnight.
- Parental Control & Teen Feedback:
- Parents can now monitor messaging activity and restrict specific app use times.
- Challenges with Enforcement and Teen Workarounds:
- Instagram uses AI to identify potential age misrepresentation, flagging new accounts and suspicious behavior patterns.
- While these safeguards aren’t foolproof, they represent a step toward more secure use for teens.
- Resources and Additional Reading:
- The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt for parents wanting more context on the effects of social media on teens.
- https://familycenter.meta.com/instagram-safety
- https://about.fb.com/news/2024/09/instagram-teen-accounts
Take a look at show sponsor, FundaFunda Academy to see what they offer for online classes and web-based unit studies.
Join our Facebook Group, especially for the listeners of this podcast! You can ask questions and get advice as you try integrating technology into your homeschool.
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and give a rating and maybe even a review! Subscribing will help you make sure you never miss an episode
The post Instagram’s New Teen Safety Features appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
19 min - NotebookLM: Free AI-Powered Learning for Students297: AI-Powered Learning with Notebook LM
In this episode, we look at an exciting tool that can revolutionize how homeschoolers approach research and learning: Notebook LM, an AI-powered app developed by Google.
In This Episode:- What is Notebook LM?
It is an AI-powered research tool available for free from Google. It’s built on the Gemini platform and helps students (and parents) quickly summarize and organize information from multiple sources.- How to Use Notebook LM for Research
Upload various sources like PDFs, links, and slideshows. Once uploaded, it generates summaries, timelines, FAQs, and even study guides—all based on the material provided.- Key Features of Notebook LM
- Summaries and Timelines: Get concise summaries and chronologies of the content, especially useful for subjects like history or science.
- Study Guides and Quizzes: AI-generated questions, glossaries, and suggested essay topics help reinforce learning.
- Cast Lists for Literature or History: create character bios, making it useful for literature or historical studies.
- FAQs and Glossaries: Automatically generate key terms and important questions for any subject matter.
- Customizable Notes and Sharing: Up to 50 sources and 1,000 notes per project. Easily share notebooks with students or other parents.
- Engaging Audio Overviews – AI Podcasts
One standout feature is that Notebook LM can create audio summaries of your content in a podcast-like format. Here is a sample focused on glaciers, and it’s an engaging, conversational style designed to help students learn while being entertained.Resources Mentioned:- Notebook LM by Google – Free if you have a Google account.
Join the Conversation:- Come share your thoughts in our Facebook Group and tell us how you’re using AI-powered learning tools like Notebook LM.
- Don’t forget to rate and review the podcast on your favorite platform—it helps others discover our show!
Take a look at show sponsor, FundaFunda Academy to see what they offer for online classes and web-based unit studies.
The post NotebookLM: Free AI-Powered Learning for Students appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
14 min - What is Notebook LM?
- 10 Good Ways for Students to Use AI296: 10 Good Ways for Students to Use AI
In this episode we look at 10 good ways for students to use AI. Last week, weshared 10 bad ways students might use AI. If you haven’t listened to the previous episode, check it out for full context, but you can also jump into this one first if you prefer.
Highlights from This Episode:- Reading Assistance
AI can help students by simplifying texts to a more appropriate reading level. For students struggling with older texts or complex academic papers, tools like Magic School AI and Class Companion can translate or rephrase documents to make them more understandable. This is especially useful in subjects like history or literature where archaic language can be a barrier to comprehension.- Editing and Feedback
Students can use AI as a grammar and style editor. Tools like Grammarly and Class Companion can help identify grammar errors, improve sentence structure, and even suggest ideas for expanding a piece of writing. AI should act as a helper, much like a parent or teacher offering feedback.- Idea Generation
AI can help students brainstorm ideas for projects or essays. For example, if a student needs to create a slideshow on Argentina, it can suggest topics that should be included.- Creating Images
Instead of using images with unclear copyright restrictions, students can create their own AI-generated images.- Studying for Tests
AI can help students prepare for tests by generating practice questions and answers. Students can use it to quiz themselves, which can be particularly helpful when parents or teachers aren’t available to help with revision.- Finding Resources
AI tools like Perplexity can suggest credible resources for research projects or papers.- Explaining Concepts
AI can simplify complex ideas or explain concepts in various subjects, such as math, science, or grammar. Students can ask it to break down difficult topics or provide real-life examples to enhance understanding.- Learning with Songs
AI can create custom songs to help students memorize information. AI-generated songs can be a fun and engaging way for students to remember facts, particularly in subjects where rote memorization is needed.- Coding and Debugging Help
AI tools can help identify bugs and correct syntax.- Task Breakdown
AI can help organize ideas, giving structure to an otherwise overwhelming assignment. It can even create a timeline of a task to help keep students on track..For a detailed exploration of these strategies and more, listen to the full episode.
Resources Mentioned:- Class Companion
- Magic School AI
- Grammarly Go
- Canva
- Suno
- Perplexity
Take a look at show sponsor, FundaFunda Academy to see what they offer for online classes and web-based unit studies.
Join our Facebook Group, especially for the listeners of this podcast! You can ask questions and get advice as you try integrating technology into your homeschool.
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and give a rating and maybe even a review! Subscribing will help you make sure you never miss an episode
The post 10 Good Ways for Students to Use AI appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
19 min - Reading Assistance
- 10 Bad Ways for Students to Use AI295: 10 Bad Ways for Students to Use AI
We explore “10 Bad Ways for Students to Use AI.” We’re focusing on how NOT to use AI tools. As AI becomes a major part of our children’s future, it’s crucial that we teach them the right ways to engage with it.
Key Takeaways from the Episode:- No Personal Information
AI platforms may store data to improve models, so personal info shouldn’t be used. Students must avoid sharing sensitive details when using AI for tasks like essay feedback.- Don’t Use AI as a Search Engine
AI can give misleading or overly advanced answers. Students risk providing answers that don’t align with course materials, making it obvious when they cheat.- Avoid Brainstorming with AI
Using AI to generate ideas can lead to laziness. Encourage students to use their own creativity first, then consult AI for additional ideas if needed.- Don’t Write Essays or Short Answers Using AI
This is essentially cheating. Using AI to write homework defeats the purpose of learning and undermines integrity.- Be Wary of Asking AI to Explain History
AI-generated answers may come with biases or inaccuracies, so it’s better to consult multiple primary sources to form a balanced understanding.- Don’t Use AI as an ‘Online Friend’
With AI bots integrated into platforms like Snapchat, it’s easy for students to rely on them for companionship. But real friendships with real people are essential.- Don’t Seek Advice from AI
For life’s challenges, students should turn to trusted adults, not AI. Encourage open communication with family or counselors instead.- Avoid Using AI for Problem-Solving Right Away
Encourage students to try solving problems themselves first, then turn to AI as a last resort. Developing critical thinking is important.- Don’t Over-Edit with AI
AI can help improve writing, but overuse can erase a student’s voice. Teach students to keep their work authentic, even with a few imperfections.- Don’t Use AI for Creative Projects
Relying on AI for creative tasks diminishes human creativity. Students should cultivate their own ideas and skills, experiencing the joy of creating something from scratch.Join the ConversationIf you have other ideas on how AI shouldn’t be used, join the discussion in our Homeschooling with Technology Facebook community. Let’s learn from each other and help our children navigate AI responsibly.
Tune in next week for 10 Good Ways for Students to Use AI!
Take a look at show sponsor, FundaFunda Academy to see what they offer for online classes and web-based unit studies.
Join our Facebook Group, especially for the listeners of this podcast! You can ask questions and get advice as you try integrating technology into your homeschool.
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and give a rating and maybe even a review! Subscribing will help you make sure you never miss an episode
The post 10 Bad Ways for Students to Use AI appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
16 min - No Personal Information
- Online Contests & Competitions for Homeschool Students294: Online Contests for Students
In this episode, we explore a variety of online contests for students that homeschoolers can participate in. These contests provide great opportunities for students to challenge themselves, develop new skills, and even win prizes.
Contests Mentioned in This Episode:
- PicoCTF
- A cybersecurity Capture the Flag (CTF) contest for ages 13 and up. Students work individually and in teams to solve challenges and develop critical thinking skills. Free training materials and practice challenges are available on the website.
- Exploravision
- A research-based contest where students, mentored by professionals, investigate a real-world problem. Available for high school and possibly younger students.
- EngineerGirl Writing Contest
- A writing contest focusing on engineering topics. Open to 3rd-12th graders, divided into different grade levels. The contest includes both boys and girls despite its name.
- The Stock Market Game
- A team-based game where students invest virtual money in the stock market. Open to students nationwide, it also includes an essay contest, InvestWrite, where students can win money and recognition.
- Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Contests
- Patriot’s Pen: An essay contest for middle school students.
- Voice of Democracy: A speech contest for high school students. Students record and submit their speeches, and winners can advance to regional and national levels.
- Scholastic Art & Writing Contest
- This well-known contest includes categories like art, writing, and even programming. Winners can earn recognition like the Golden Key Award, which looks great on college applications.
- Jane Austen Essay Contest
- An essay contest for fans of Jane Austen, with cash prizes for winners. Essays from previous winners are available for review on the website.
- Classics and Mythology Contests
- Offered by etclassics.org, these online contests focus on Latin, Greek, and mythology for different age groups and ability levels.
- 15-Second Vocabulary Contest
- A creative challenge hosted by the New York Times, where students create 15-second videos defining vocabulary words.
Bonus Resource: Showsponsor Fundafunda has compiled a comprehensive guide with over 30 contest opportunities for homeschoolers. You can find the Homeschool-friendly Contests pdf on the FundaFunda Academy website for just $2.99. It includes a description of each contest, grade levels, and whether they are free or require a fee.
Take a look at show sponsor, FundaFunda Academy to see what they offer for online classes and web-based unit studies.
Join our Facebook Group, especially for the listeners of this podcast! You can ask questions and get advice as you try integrating technology into your homeschool.
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and give a rating and maybe even a review! Subscribing will help you make sure you never miss an episode
The post Online Contests & Competitions for Homeschool Students appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
14 min - Nearpod: The Homeschool Resource You Never Knew You Needed293: Nearpod: The Homeschool Resource You Never Knew You Needed
In this episode,guest Melissa Muir, shares how she uses Nearpod, an incredible tool that can transform your homeschooling experience. Melissa has been homeschooling her children in Ecuador for 13 years. She works with online teachers and homeschoolers, providing resources, self-paced classes, and tech-based tools to make learning more fun and effective.
What is Nearpod?
Nearpod is a platform offering a wide range of pre-made lessons across subjects. It’s free to start and offers interactive content such as:– PDFs and videos (without YouTube distractions)– Virtual Reality (VR) field trips– Drag-and-drop activities– Gamified quizzes– PHET simulations and 3D modelsHow to Use Nearpod in Homeschooling
Melissa explains how homeschoolers can use Nearpod for specific topics or subjects that need extra resources. From history lessons to foreign languages, Nearpod provides engaging, supplemental learning activities.Plans and Costs
Nearpod offers a free plan (Silver), which gives access to plenty of content but limited storage. Paid plans like Gold ($159/year) offer additional storage and logins. Melissa share a code for 3 months of Gold freeWhy Use Nearpod?
– Access to curriculum you may not own or feel equipped to teach– Student-led, interest-based learning– Easy to search by grade level and topic for ready-to-use lessonsResources and Links
– Nearpod– 3 months of Nearpod Gold free:Where to find MelissaMelissa Is Teaching on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@melissaisteachingMore from Melissa Is Teaching: https://melissaisteaching.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissaisteachingTake a look at show sponsor, FundaFunda Academy to see what they offer for online classes and web-based unit studies.
Join our Facebook Group, especially for the listeners of this podcast! You can ask questions and get advice as you try integrating technology into your homeschool.
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and give a rating and maybe even a review! Subscribing will help you make sure you never miss an episode
The post Nearpod: The Homeschool Resource You Never Knew You Needed appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
18 min - Why Homeschool Parents and Teens Should Consider Remote Tech Careers in Salesforce292: Why Homeschool Parents and Teens Should Consider Remote Tech Careers in Salesforce
In this episode, we explore the potential of remote tech careers in Salesforce for homeschool parents and teens. Our guest, Bradley Rice, shares insights on why Salesforce could be a great fit for the homeschooling community.
Key Points- Introduction to Salesforce
- What is Salesforce?
- How businesses use Salesforce
- Career Opportunities in Salesforce
- Types of roles available
- Salary expectations and growth potential
- Why Salesforce is Suitable for Homeschoolers
- Flexibility and work-life balance
- Remote work opportunities
- Skills development for teens
- Getting Started with Salesforce
- No prior experience necessary
- Basic tech skills required
- Learning resources (Trailhead, YouTube, Udemy)
- Job Market and Demand
- Current state of Salesforce job market
- Realistic expectations for job hunting
- Impact of AI on Salesforce Careers
- Current and potential future impacts
- Opportunities in AI-related roles
Resources Mentioned- Trailhead: Free Salesforce training platform
- TalentStacker: Free resources for homeschoolers wanting to get started with Salesforce
- Salesforce for Everyone Podcast (Episodes 1-8)
- FundaFunda Academy’s Computer Applications Class
Take a look at show sponsor, FundaFunda Academy to see what they offer for online classes and web-based unit studies.
Join our Facebook Group, especially for the listeners of this podcast! You can ask questions and get advice as you try integrating technology into your homeschool.
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and give a rating and maybe even a review! Subscribing will help you make sure you never miss an episode
The post Why Homeschool Parents and Teens Should Consider Remote Tech Careers in Salesforce appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
32 min - MathCounts: A Free Math Competition for Middle Schoolers291: MathCounts
Meryl continues her conversation with Hayley Story, who runs a local homeschool math club. Last week, Hayley shared details about three math contests, and in this episode, she dives into the final one: MathCounts. Hayley provides an overview of the competition, her experience as a first-time coach, and tips for homeschool parents interested in starting their own MathCounts team.
Key Points from the Episode:
- What is MathCounts?
- A nationally recognized math competition for grades 6-8.
- Features four rounds of team and individual math challenges.
- Held across all 50 U.S. states and territories, for U.S. citizens only.
- The competition rounds include: Sprint (individual), Target (individual with calculators), Team (group of four), and Countdown (live competition).
- Preparation Tips:
- Practice is key: MathCounts provides free resources, including videos and practice tests.
- Homeschoolers can form teams to practice and participate at various levels (school, chapter, state, and national).
- Watching previous national Countdown rounds on YouTube can be helpful for preparation.
- Why Homeschoolers Should Consider MathCounts:
- MathCounts is a prestigious competition and provides a sense of community and teamwork.
- The competition is well-organized, and homeschoolers are welcomed and accommodated.
- The competition offers advancing levels, and for those who progress to nationals, travel and accommodation are covered.
Pros and Cons of MathCounts:
- Pros:
- Prestigious and nationally recognized.
- Well-organized with clear rules.
- Great resources and support for coaches.
- Creates a sense of team spirit and community.
- Cons:
- High competition level: Students often train intensively with tutors.
- Not many students advance to higher levels (only four individuals and one team from each chapter).
- Time commitment required for both students and coaches.
Other Contests Mentioned: Hayley also recapped the other contests discussed in previous episodes: Bebras, Noetic, and AMC 8, offering comparisons for homeschool parents looking for different math challenges.
Resources and Links Mentioned:
- Visit the MathCounts website for more details and to access free practice materials.
- Check out videos of previous Countdown Rounds on YouTube for practice.
- Listen to last week’s episode on other math competitions.
Take a look at show sponsor, FundaFunda Academy to see what they offer for online classes and web-based unit studies.
Join our Facebook Group, especially for the listeners of this podcast! You can ask questions and get advice as you try integrating technology into your homeschool.
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and give a rating and maybe even a review! Subscribing will help you make sure you never miss an episode
The post MathCounts: A Free Math Competition for Middle Schoolers appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
21 min - Math Contests Revisited290: Math Contests Revisited
In this episode of the Homeschooling with Technology podcast, we revisit the topic of math contests with guest Haley Story. This episode builds on Haley’s previous discussion from Episode 243 Math Contests, where she introduced listeners to the topic. Now, with a year of experience running multiple contests, Haley shares valuable insights on what works, what doesn’t, and how these contests can benefit homeschoolers, particularly those in middle school.
Episode Highlights:
- Recap of Math Contests:
- Math contests are academic competitions that involve problem-solving and logic skills rather than traditional math problems found in school or on standardized tests.
- Benefits of participating in math contests include exposure to the fun side of math, development of test-taking skills, and opportunities to build community and friendships within the homeschooling community.
- Why Homeschoolers Should Consider Math Contests:
- Math contests can introduce students to academic competitions with less time commitment compared to other contests.
- Participation can help students develop resilience in competitive environments and realize that they may not always be the best, exposing them to a world of gifted peers.
- Important Considerations:
- Stress the difference between a competition and a test to avoid pressure on students to achieve perfect scores.
- Make the contests low-key and fun to ensure students enjoy the experience, with activities like game days or social events after contests.
- Let math contest days replace regular math assignments to avoid overwhelming students.
- Types of Students Who Thrive in Math Contests: Haley suggests that all students should try a math contest, but those who particularly enjoy logic puzzles, are motivated by competition, or have a strong interest in math will likely benefit the most.
- Math Contests Covered:
- Bebras Challenge: An international computational thinking contest with fun, interactive logic puzzles. It’s free, accessible to students from kindergarten through 12th grade, and an excellent introduction to academic contests.
- Noetic Learning Math Contest: A 20-question contest with a mix of easy and challenging problems, ideal for grades 2 through 8. This contest is offered twice a year and is perfect for group settings.
- American Mathematics Competitions (AMC 8): A more challenging contest aimed at middle school students, the AMC 8 is a 25-question, 40-minute multiple-choice exam that covers topics like algebra, geometry, and number theory. Haley describes the AMC 8 as ideal for students who are more serious about math competitions and looking for a national-level challenge. There is also an AMC10 and AMC12 for high schoolers
- Practical Tips for Organizing Contests:
- Form a homeschool group to register participants for contests like Bebras.
- Offer small prizes and participation awards to keep the contests enjoyable.
- For group settings, consider organizing a math club or circle to foster a sense of community among participants.
Article mentioned:
- Some great articles are found on AoPS website. Here is one: https://artofproblemsolving.com/blog/articles/math-competitions-when-youre-not-competitive
Take a look at show sponsor, FundaFunda Academy to see what they offer for online classes and web-based unit studies.
Join our Facebook Group, especially for the listeners of this podcast! You can ask questions and get advice as you try integrating technology into your homeschool.
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and give a rating and maybe even a review! Subscribing will help you make sure you never miss an episode
The post Math Contests Revisited appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
23 min
About Homeschooling with Technology
From the publisher's feed
On Homeschooling with Technology, former programmer and veteran homeschool mom Meryl van der Merwe helps families use tech with confidence and wisdom — the best apps and online tools, AI for planning…
and learning (used safely), and practical tips that fit real homeschool days. No jargon, no overwhelm. Listen to an episode below and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify for a fresh tip each week.