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Homeschooling with Technology episodes
- Create your own Digital Planner289: Create your own Digital Planner
In this episode, we discuss various tools and methods to create your own digital planner, perfect for homeschooling or managing other aspects of life.
We mention practical and customizable options like Google Calendar, Google Sheets, and Trello, and then talk about more visually appealing solutions using Canva and SlidesMania.
Key Takeaways:
- Google Calendar: Create multiple calendars for different aspects of your life (homeschooling, chores, etc.) and customize them with color coding. Easily share and collaborate with others.
- Google Sheets: Use spreadsheets to organize your homeschool plans by subject and week. Great for those who prefer a simple, column-based approach.
- Trello: A project management tool that can be adapted as a planner. Organize tasks by subject or child using lists and cards, with easy drag-and-drop functionality.
- Canva: Ideal for creating visually appealing planners. Start with customizable templates and adapt them for homeschooling.
- SlidesMania: Free templates in Google Slides or PowerPoint format, offering flexibility and organization in a well-structured format.
Resources Mentioned:
- Google Calendar
- Google Sheets
- Trello
- Canva Personal Planners
- SlidesMania Planner Templates
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 Create your own Digital Planner appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
10 min - Search and Research in the AI era288: Search and Research in the AI era
In this episode, we explore the evolving landscape of search and research in the age of artificial intelligence (AI). We reflect on the shift from traditional search engines like Google and Bing to the use of AI tools such as ChatGPT, Perplexity, and other large language models (LLMs). We discuss the pros and cons of using AI for research, the importance of understanding source credibility, and the challenges of ensuring that students are accessing reliable information.
AI in Search Engines:
Search engines have used AI for years to tailor results based on location, search history, and preferences. However, AI’s role has grown with the introduction of tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, and others that provide summarized information.
Challenges with AI-Based Research:
Unlike traditional search engines, AI tools often provide summaries without showing the original sources, which can obscure the origins of information. It is important to teach our children to verify sources and understand potential biases.
Importance of Source Verification:
Whether using traditional search engines or AI tools, it’s crucial to evaluate the credibility of the sources. Parents need to teach their children these skills.
Google Scholar and AI Research Tools:
For serious research, students can use Google Scholar, which focuses on scholarly articles. Also consider AI research tools like Research Rabbit and Elicit, which provide links to academic articles.
Citing AI in Classwork:
Since AI outputs are not consistent and lack original source material, students should avoid citing AI except when discussing AI itself.
Teaching Search Skills:
To avoid over-reliance on AI, teach effective search strategies. These skills are taught in show sponsor’s Computer Applications class, which is available in both live and self-paced formats.
Resources Mentioned:
Ditch That Textbook: Article on citing AI in classwork.
Google Scholar: A reliable source for scholarly articles.AI Research Tools: Research Rabbit and Elicit.Computer Applications Class: Available with weekly deadlines / teacher-graded or self-paced / parent-graded, includes lessons on effective search strategies.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 Search and Research in the AI era appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
15 min - Bringing History to Life With Technology in Your Homeschool287: Bringing History to Life with Technology
If your children find history boring, here are 8 ideas on bringing history to life with technology
- Videos:
- Use YouTube channels, documentaries, and docudramas to visualize historical events.
- Battle simulation videos and feature movies can also provide an immersive experience.
- Compare movies to actual historical facts for a deeper learning experience.
- Online Games:
- Incorporate games like Mission USA, “Be George Washington,” and Oregon Trail to make history interactive.
- Video Games:
- Civilization and other strategy games can be used to learn about different civilizations
- Virtual Museum Field Trips:
- Explore museums online, such as Ellis Island or Anne Frank’s house, to experience history virtually.
- Reading Old Newspapers:
- Use Chronicling America to access historical newspapers and explore what life was like in the past
- Museum Websites:
- Museum websites, like the Smithsonian, offer primary sources and interactive resources
- Google Maps & Google Arts and Culture:
- Virtually visit historical sites and explore ancient ruins to connect with history.
- Google Arts and Culture offers specific experiences related to historical events
- Digital Escape Rooms:
- Engage with history through digital escape rooms that require problem-solving and critical thinking.
FundaFunda Academy Discount Offer:
Special offer: 50% off with code HWTHISTORY until 30 September 2024 for:
- World War II web-based unit studies— “Who’s Who World War II” and “World War II Year by Year.”
- Mystery of the Painted Pyramid
- Two digital breakouts: “Mosby’s Treasure” (American Civil War) and “The Mystery of the Amber Room” (World War II).
High School History Classes from FundaFunda Academy mentioned in this episode
- World History
- US History
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 Bringing History to Life With Technology in Your Homeschool appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
16 min - Essential Computer Skills for Students in 2024286: Essential Computer Skills for Students in 2024
What are the essential computer skills for students in 2024? These are 5 that are covered in this episode.
- Understanding Computers and How They Work:
- Importance of knowing the basics of computers.
- Learn about binary, algorithmic thinking etc
- Practical examples and benefits of understanding computer fundamentals.
- Learning to Code:
- Coding as a valuable skill across various fields.
- Introduction to coding through Scratch and Python.
- Real-life applications of coding skills in different careers.
- Benefits of understanding coding even for non-technical roles.
- Free and paid resources for learning to code.
- Digital Literacy:
- Importance of managing digital footprints and understanding internet safety.
- Developing skills for evaluating online information.
- Media literacy and critical thinking.
- Online etiquette, email communication, and virtual collaboration.
- Life skills like online shopping and booking travel safely.
- Computer Applications:
- Mastery of essential tools like Google Drive (Docs, Sheets, Slides).
- Importance of graphic and video tools like Canva.
- Organizing tools such as schedulers and to-do lists.
- Understanding AI:
- Basics of AI and its integration into everyday tools.
- Importance of responsible AI usage and understanding its limitations.
- Age-appropriate introduction to AI tools and prompt engineering.
Teaching Methods:
- Enrolling in structured classes, such as those offered by show sponsor FundaFunda Academy.
- Integrating technology skills into everyday life.
- Using educational games and practical applications to teach younger children.
- Incorporating technology into “school” projects.
Resources Mentioned:
- FundaFunda Academy classes (Computer Science, Computer Applications, Scratch, Python, Web Development, Canva, Adobe Photoshop).
- Google Drive unit study.
- Common Sense Media for age-appropriate games.
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 Essential Computer Skills for Students in 2024 appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
18 min - Class Companion: an AI Tool for improving writing285: Class Companion: an AI Tool for improving writing
This episode focuses on Class Companion, an AI tool for improving writing skills.
Features of Class Companion:
- Suitable for all ages and subjects, including English, social sciences, and Spanish.
- Offers pre-made assignments and the ability to create custom ones.
- AI provides feedback on organization, thesis statements, and content accuracy and more
- Allows multiple revisions for mastery and detailed tracking of student progress.
Using Class Companion:
- Parents can set up classrooms, add students, and assign tasks.
- AI monitors the use of cut-and-paste actions.
- Provides immediate feedback and suggestions for improvement.
- Parents can review AI feedback and add their own assessments.
Class Companion in Practice:
- Meryl explains how to use Class Companion for AP exam preparation.
- Discusses demo classroom examples
- Emphasizes the tool’s ability to foster independent learning and improvement.
Show sponsor FundaFunda Academy Writing Classes:
- Writing Fun Class: For 6th-8th graders, featuring creative and engaging assignments.
- Writing Mechanics Class: Prepares 8th graders for high school, covering essay types and editing.
- High School Classes: Including British Lit, American Lit, and honors level courses by Jennie Miller.
- Jane Austen Class: A fun half-credit course for fans of Jane Austen.
- Visual Literacy Class: Focuses on graphic novels, movies, and video games.
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 Class Companion: an AI Tool for improving writing appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
19 min - The Best YouTube Channels for Homeschool History284: YouTube Channels to Supplement Your Homeschool History Curriculum
These are all YouTube channels you can use to supplement your homeschool history curriculum and make history lessons more engaging for students
For even more ideas, visit this Facebook post by the Homeschool Historian.
- The History Channel:
- Offers a wide range of history-related content, including documentaries and series on various historical periods and events.
- Provides in-depth and well-researched content suitable for older students
- Crash Course:
- Offers entertaining videos on U.S. and world history.
- Known for high production quality, engaging visuals, and clear explanations.
- Speaks fast!
- Khan Academy:
- Provides extensive history content with a focus on detailed explanations and thorough coverage of historical events.
- Sometimes a little dry
- Tom Ritchie:
- Focuses on AP courses, but useful for everyone
- Offers a serious yet engaging teaching style, with visual aids similar to Crash Course.
- Heimler’s History:
- Known for concise and engaging history lessons, usually 5-7 minutes long
- Uses clear explanations and visual aids to help students grasp complex historical concepts
- Mr. Betts Class:
- Provides historically accurate content through parodies, cartoons, and memes.
- Bridges the gap between modern media and educational content, making history relatable and enjoyable for students.
- Horrible Histories:
- British series, ideal for middle school students
- Features reenactments and comedic presentations of historical events.
- Covers European and some American history, including topics like ancient civilizations and world wars.
- The Daily Bellringer:
- Provides quick, engaging history lessons designed to capture students’ attention
- Uses a lively and dynamic teaching style to make historical events and concepts memorable.
- Hip Hughes:
- Known for energetic and enthusiastic teaching, covering a wide range of historical topics.
- Combines humor with clear explanations to make history accessible and fun for students of all ages.
Tips for Using These Channels:
- Use these channels as supplements to a primary history curriculum.
- Pair video lessons with assignments to ensure active learning and retention.
- Utilize platforms like Edpuzzle, Kahoot, Quizizz, and Quizlet to incorporate quizzes and interactive elements.
- Encourage note-taking and discussions to make the learning experience more interactive.
History Classes from FundaFunda Academy mentioned in this episode
- World History (high school)
- US History (high school)
- World War 2 Year by Year web-based unit study (4th – 8th grade)
- Who’s Who in World War 2 web-based unit study (4th – 8th grade)
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 The Best YouTube Channels for Homeschool History appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
16 min - Free Online Resources for Learning Computer Science283: 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 work, and internet safety.
- Studio.Code.org
- Offers numerous programming and computer science resources.
- Filterable catalog by grade, duration, topic, device, and curriculum.
- Includes Hour of Code activities for short, engaging lessons.
- Khan Academy
- Known for its math courses, but also offers comprehensive computer science resources.
- Includes AP options and modules on digital information, the internet, and online data security.
- CSFieldGuide.org.nz
- Features interactive simulations and curriculum on various computer science topics.
- Useful for teaching concepts like algorithms, data representation, and binary.
- Crash Course
- Provides video content on computer science, including history and how computers work.
- Videos are about 16 minutes long, suitable for high school students.
- CodeHS.org
- Offers a complete computer science curriculum that aligns with state standards, including Tennessee.
- Allows for comprehensive learning or picking and choosing resources.
- ClassCentral.com
- Database of university-level MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) in computer science.
- Suitable for advanced high school students looking for a challenge.
Computer Science Class from FundaFunda Academy
- New Class: an online computer science class for high schoolers, also suitable for advanced middle school students
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 Free Online Resources for Learning Computer Science appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
18 min - Online Olympic Resources for Homeschoolers
282: 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 season in your homeschooling journey.
Key Resources Discussed:
- Official Olympics App – Free, provides schedules and update
- 15-minute Music Lesson on Olympic Music (from Music in Our Homeschool)
- Free printable download available that goes along with the lesson
- Science of the Summer Olympics: Engineering and Sports
- Nine educational videos on various Olympic topics
- Fan School
- Free Olympics prediction game
- Opportunity for kids to write articles
- Olympic Bingo Board
- Available from FundaFunda Academy for $0.99
- FundaFunda Academy’s Mini Unit Study on Olympic History and Culture
- Web-based, $5, covers both summer and winter Olympics
- Literary Adventures for Kids – Online Book Club
- “The Boys in the Boat” – Middle school and high school versions available
- Olympic Museum Online Resources
- Virtual 360 tours of the Olympic Museum
- Various PDFs and educational materials available
Additional Tips:
- Use videos on EdPuzzle for ad-free video watching with embedded questions
- This blog post has some more ideas and a giveaway for the mini unit study
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 Olympic Resources for Homeschoolers appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
14 min - Is Writing Proficiency still important in the AI era?Episode 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
- American Literature: A look at 400 years of American history through the lens of prominent writers and thinkers
- British Literature: A survey of works and ideas starting in Anglo-Saxon England through the Postmodern Era
- Senior English: An independent English course that focuses on high stakes themes, reflective writing, and the overall impact of storytelling
Key Discussion Points:
- The Importance of Writing Skills:
- Writing proficiency is still essential despite advancements in AI.
- Writing fosters critical thinking and deeper understanding of complex issues.
- Learning to write helps students articulate thoughts and opinions effectively.
- Concerns About AI in Writing:
- AI can produce factually incorrect information.
- Over-reliance on AI can hinder the development of critical thinking and essay structure skills.
- Mastery of writing involves understanding MLA format and following detailed instructions.
- The Value of Traditional Writing Education:
- Organic learning and the struggle of writing are crucial for intellectual growth.
- Writing helps students learn to express themselves and develop a personal voice.
- Personal experiences and stories in writing are irreplaceable by AI.
- Real-Life Applications:
- Writing skills are essential for professional communication, such as emails and reports.
- Critical thinking and the ability to articulate thoughts verbally are enhanced through writing practice.
- Teaching Strategies:
- Encourage students to write independently and resist the temptation to use AI for assignments.
- Parents should discuss the importance of writing with their children and monitor their work.
- Teachers need to be aware of students’ writing styles to detect discrepancies indicating AI use.
Conclusion:
- Writing proficiency remains critical in the AI era for developing critical thinking and effective communication skills.
- Parents and educators should emphasize the importance of learning to write independently
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 Is Writing Proficiency still important in the AI era? appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
20 min - Board Games That Build STEM Skills280: 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 meaningful decisions—no Candy Land!
- No party games or word games
- Not only teaches children about cause and effect of their decisions—makes the games tolerable (and usually fun) for adults
- STEM focus. All of these games involve making decisions based on:
- Math to optimize score
- Probability
- Logical reasoning
- Computational skills and reasoning
- Spatial reasoning
How to learn rules (parents learn first!)
- If you (or your spouse) don’t love reading rules… Try Youtube!
- Also, many of the more complicated games have online versions and some people prefer learning that way
Games that reinforce math facts for young kids- Uno
- Connect 4
- Darts (there are great kid-friendly magnetic versions)
- Rummy Cube –slightly older kids (Caleb started around 5…kids have to learn to rearrange numbers/sets in their head to make the best moves…logic and some pattern recognition (mathematical sets) and some probability )
- Five Crowns Junior
- Blokus
- Katamino
- Wedgits building tower with cards
- Pyramid stacking toy
Games for slightly older kids that teach mathematical logic and computational skillThese are all solo challenges, but kids tend to enjoy them, and the games come with a deck of challenge cards that begin easy and increase in difficulty
- Laser Maze
- Gravity Maze
- Rush Hour
- And others by ThinkFun–REALLY good for computational skills and logic
Similar reasoning, but multi-player
- Tsuro
For middle school/older:Fast games:
- Point Salad
- Century, Golem edition: longer game. But to calculate your optimal deals and trades, need to scale the math of the point values for each gemstone–some are better deals than others! Lots of optimization
- For Sale and Incan Gold
- Silver and Gold
Longer Games:
- Settlers of Cata
- Splendor
- Space Cowboy
- Azule
- Gizmos: A super-fun game, though longer and more involved. Computational thinking skills: stacking your cards to trigger multiple events and optimizing each turn
- Potion Explosion: another longer, involved game that teaches some computational thinking and optimization skills. A bit of spatial logic as well picking marbles from the track. A super fun game to play with your kids: recommend for upper elementary and older.
- Cribbage (lots of adding to 15/31, and counting/probability in odds of getting cards that will add to 15).
- Acquire–great for introducing stock market and risks and rewards of investing, aslo with a small spatial component as companies have to be formed on a Cartesian grid.
- Modern Art–a favorite! You are the owner of a modern art gallery and must make money selling paintings. But modern art’s worth is solely based on its current popularity and past performance. Besides the super fun theme, to do well at this game players need to calculate their expected return for each card they sell, but based on the probability of what other players will do. A brilliant game that combines bidding and math. Downside: it’s a bit long to play, and probably will not appeal to kids who can’t sit still and strategize for at least an hour New edition. Old edition on Ebay
- Lost Cities and Battle Line: 2-player. Both are great for similar reasons: The scores are directly based on addition and multiplication of the cards you are able to PLAY, but players need to understand the probability of their gaining advantageous cards in time to play them. Also need to be able to do enough mental math to decide which moves will turn out to be the largest net benefit for you in the end
Hopefully you have discovered some board games that teach STEM skills to introduce in your homeschool!
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 Board Games That Build STEM Skills appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
27 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.