Homeschooling with Technology

If you love practical homeschool tech ideas, start here:

In this episode, Meryl explores Padlet Arcade — a game-based learning branch of the popular Padlet platform. She walks through the types of games available, how to find existing games by subject and grade level, and how to quickly create your own AI-generated review games using a topic, a webpage link, a YouTube video, or your own uploaded materials.

No account is required to play existing games. You can filter the library by:

A free account is required to create games. To get started, click Create and provide one of the following inputs:

Padlet Arcade uses AI to generate game options relevant to your topic. For example, using the Wikipedia page for the Rosenbergs (Cold War unit) produced five suggested game types tailored to that content. Game generation takes about a minute. You can edit questions, change the game type, or request adjustments (make it harder, translate to Spanish, etc.) before publishing.

Cold War Case Files – select the most accurate fact – multiple choice game

The Rosenberg Case: A Timeline – sequencing game

If you use any of these resources, join the conversation in the Homeschooling with Technology Community on Facebook and let us know which ones your family enjoyed most!

Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss any episodes!

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NotebookLM has graduated from Google Labs beta into a fully featured, standalone tool — and it has grown dramatically. In this episode, Meryl walks through all nine features currently available in the Studio panel, explaining how homeschool parents can use them to save time and how students can use them to study more effectively.

What Is NotebookLM?

NotebookLM is a free AI tool from Google that works differently from chatbots like ChatGPT or Claude:

New Feature: Fast Research

If you realize mid-project that you need more sources, you can now use Fast Research to ask NotebookLM to find sources on a specific topic. It returns a list of suggested sources you can preview and selectively add — keeping you in control of what goes into your notebook.

The Studio Panel: 9 Features Explained

The right-hand Studio panel gives quick access to all of NotebookLM’s output formats. You can also make any of these requests directly in the chat.

1. Audio Overview (Podcast)

2. Mind Map

3. Flashcards

4. Infographic

5. Slide Deck

6. Data Table

7. Video Overview

8. Reports

9. Quiz

Bonus Tips

Links & Resources

If you use any of these resources, join the conversation in the Homeschooling with Technology Community on Facebook and let us know which ones your family enjoyed most!

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The post What’s New in NotebookLM appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Google’s Gemini platform now includes a powerful feature called Gems. In this episode, we explore how Gems allow you to create customized AI assistants that can help with homeschooling tasks again and again without rewriting prompts each time.

Meryl explains what Gems are, how they compare to custom GPTs in ChatGPT, and how homeschool parents can use them to create interactive lessons, quizzes, games, and study guides.

She also shares an example she created — an interactive Oregon Trail adventure built using primary sources. In this activity, students pack their wagon, make decisions along the trail, and encounter historically accurate situations while learning key vocabulary and concepts.

Another helpful feature of Gems is the ability to upload documents and resources. This means you can add textbook pages, standards, or other materials and have the AI generate review questions, activities, or learning games based directly on those resources.

The episode also introduces Gem Labs, an experimental feature from Google Labs that allows you to create multi-step workflows.

AI tools are changing rapidly, and Gems provide another way for homeschool parents to turn AI into a creative co-teacher that enhances learning rather than replacing it.

What Gemini Gems are and why they’re useful

How Gems compare to custom GPTs in ChatGPT

Examples of built-in Gems provided by Google

How to create your own Gem

Using uploaded documents to guide AI responses

An example Oregon Trail interactive history game  (you need to be logged in to Google/Gemini to try it)

A brief introduction to Gem Labs experimental workflows

If you use any of these resources, join the conversation in the Homeschooling with Technology Community on Facebook and let us know which ones your family enjoyed most!

Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss any episodes!

The post Gems: Your Custom Homeschool Co-Teacher appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

In this episode, Meryl is joined by Melissa Muir from Think Curio to discuss an important topic for homeschool families: avoiding tech burnout.

While both Meryl and Melissa love educational technology and use it extensively in their teaching, they recognize the need for balance. With recent studies showing that adults, teens, and even younger children are spending significant hours each day on screens, it is crucial to be intentional about how technology fits into homeschool life.

1. Modeling Healthy Tech Habits

Taking intentional breaks from screens (such as a weekly tech Sabbath)

Using app timers and boundaries

Recognizing signs of burnout in ourselves as parents

2. Scheduling with Intention

Designing a homeschool week that includes both online and offline learning

Avoiding back-to-back screen-based classes

Building in screen-free days or partial screen-free times

Being cautious about fully online homeschool models

3. Creating Non-Tech Extensions

Keeping accessible hands-on materials (Legos, puzzles, art supplies)

Using board games to build strategic and social skills

Encouraging real-world interviews and community connections

Taking advantage of local library programs and resources

4. The Power of Storytelling (Off-Screen Learning)

Using storytelling cards and story dice

Incorporating persuasive speaking games like Snake Oil

Leveraging graphic novels for deeper engagement

Connecting storytelling to other subjects (science, history, financial literacy)

Creative language-learning strategies like storyboarding from screenshots

Melissa shares practical examples from her own homeschool routine and emphasizes that the goal is not to eliminate technology, but to use it thoughtfully and avoid burnout.

If you use any of these resources, join the conversation in the Homeschooling with Technology Community on Facebook and let us know which ones your family enjoyed most!

Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss any episodes!

The post Avoiding tech burnout appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

In this episode, we look at how homeschoolers can use Gemini and why it’s worth adding to your tech toolkit — even if you already use ChatGPT.

“My Stuff” dashboard to quickly access everything you’ve created

Model options (Fast, Thinking, Pro) depending on the depth of response you need

Export directly to Google Docs, Sheets, or Gmail to save time and avoid formatting issues

Double-check response tool to verify factual information

Listen feature to have content read aloud

Split-screen setup with chat on one side and a live, editable document on the other

Format, revise, delete, or add directly inside Gemini

Ideal for building lesson plans, worksheets, and activities

Create custom visuals for lessons or social media

Refine prompts to improve perspective and clarity

SAT-style practice questions developed in collaboration with College Board

Integrated Google Map view to visualize locations when doing a search on something within a specific radius from a place

All features discussed are available in the free version.

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 in 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 Homeschooling with Gemini appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

In this episode of Homeschooling with Technology, Meryl interviews Melissa Brander from Pocket Homeschool about the many free technology resources available through your local library.

Most homeschool families think of the library as a place for books. But today’s libraries offer far more — including digital tools, streaming platforms, language programs, research databases, maker spaces, and even technology devices you can borrow.

Melissa shares practical ideas and specific tools to help homeschool families take full advantage of what libraries are already offering — often completely free.

Public computers

Low-cost or free printing (including color printing)

Wi-Fi access

If you occasionally need color printing or device access, your library may be an easy solution.

Many libraries now offer a “Library of Things,” which allows you to check out non-book items such as:

Laptops

Wi-Fi hotspots

Video games

Media converters (such as VHS-to-digital tools)

Devices and other tech equipment

Not every library has this, but it is becoming increasingly common.

Beyond traditional books on CD, libraries now offer:

Playaways (self-contained MP3 audiobook players)

Vox Books and Wonderbooks (print books with built-in audio)

Tonie figures or Yoto cards (at some libraries)

These can be especially helpful for emerging or struggling readers.

Check whether your library offers:

A dedicated library catalog app

Libby (eBooks, audiobooks, magazines)

Hoopla (instant borrows, movies, documentaries, audiobooks)

Kanopy (streaming documentaries and films, often with a kids section)

Kanopy, in particular, can be a powerful tool for homeschool families who use documentaries as part of their curriculum.

Many libraries provide free access to programs such as:

Mango Languages

Transparent Language

These platforms offer structured lessons and can serve as a full curriculum or a supplement to your existing language studies.

Some libraries offer online tutoring platforms (such as Brainfuse), where students can:

Ask questions

Get homework support

Receive help explaining difficult concepts

This can be invaluable when a concept simply is not clicking at home.

Libraries often provide access to academic databases, including:

Elementary and middle school research databases

Historical newspaper archives

Scholarly research tools for high school students

These are especially important for:

Teaching research skills

Finding credible sources

Preparing students for college-level writing

In a world of quick AI-generated answers, learning how to use databases is a critical skill.

Some libraries now include maker spaces equipped with:

3D printers

Laser cutters

Coding tools

Specialized tech equipment

These spaces allow students to experiment with technology that may be too expensive to purchase individually.

Libraries frequently offer workshops and events that may include:

Coding sessions

Digital media workshops

Technology restoration projects

Creative tech activities

Always check your library’s event calendar. And if you do not see something you need, ask — librarians often welcome suggestions from their community.

Website: www.pockethomeschool.com

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 in 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 Tech Tools Through Your Library appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Presentations are a skill students will use again and again—in middle school, high school, college, and eventually the workplace. In this episode, learn about tech tools that can help homeschoolers (and parents!) create attractive, effective presentations without needing advanced design skills.

1. Google Slides
A familiar starting point for many students. Google Slides now offers much stronger templates than it did in the past. And  SlidesAI is an add-on that uses AI to speed up the process of slide creation.

2. Prezi
A non-traditional presentation tool that uses zooming and spatial movement instead of linear slides. Prezi is great for helping students think differently about how information connects and when a more interactive format makes sense.

3. Canva
Canva offers a huge variety of beautiful presentation templates and layouts. Students can:

Start from a template

Build slide-by-slide using layouts

Present directly from Canva or share via link

4. Gamma App
An AI-powered presentation tool that quickly creates visually appealing slides from notes or structured prompts. Use ChatGPT or Gemini to plan content first, then import it into Gamma (referral link) to save time—while still editing images and content to ensure accuracy and quality.

Here is an example: an interactive “Journey of Molly Kelly” presentation used in a middle-school co op class.

Computer Applications (full-year teacher-graded or self-paced parent-graded)

Graphic Design with Canva (graded semester elective or  self-paced, parent-graded version.)

Intro to Artificial Intelligence (half-credit, one semester)

If your kids create a presentation they’re proud of, come share it in the Homeschooling with Technology Community on Facebook—we’d love to see it!

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 make beautiful presentations appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Melissa is a longtime homeschool mom of four, a licensed teacher, and the founder of Curio. She shares five free homeschool resources her family still uses regularly today—resources that have stood the test of time and continue to work well for real homeschool families.

These aren’t just quick links. Melissa explains how her family actually uses each tool, from self-paced science lessons to gap-filling math, audiobooks for reluctant readers, gamified learning for younger kids, and leveled current events for middle and high schoolers.

Nearpod – Interactive, student-paced lessons with VR, activities, and assessments  Also listen to episode 293 where Melissa goes into more detail about Nearpod.

Khan Academy – Free courses for gap filling, mastery, and exploration. And listen to episode 317 where Meryl shares more ideas about Khan Academy

Libby – Using library audiobooks and ebooks to support reading and spelling

Freckle – Gamified math and reading practice for younger learners

ENGOO Daily News – Leveled current events with discussion and writing prompts

If you use any of these resources, join the conversation in the Homeschooling with Technology Community on Facebook and let us know which ones your family enjoyed most!

Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss any episodes!

The post 5 Free Homeschool Resources That Still Hold Up in 2026 appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

The Winter Olympics are almost here, and if your family will be watching, why not turn that excitement into meaningful learning? In this episode, I share a collection of fun, engaging, and mostly free Winter Olympics resources you can use with elementary through high school students—before and during the Games.

These resources cover history, geography, science, music, critical thinking, and more, with very little prep required.

Official Olympics Website – Milano Cortina 2026
Explore schedules, events, host locations, and track the Olympic torch as it travels toward the opening ceremony.

Athlete365 Stories
Behind-the-scenes articles and videos featuring athlete preparation, Olympic Village life, and what happens before competition begins.

15-Minute Olympics Music Lesson – Music in Our Homeschool
A free mini-lesson exploring Olympic music and official songs—short, engaging, and easy to use.

Science of the Winter Olympics (NBC Playlist on YouTube)
Short, engaging videos explaining the physics and math behind Winter Olympic sports like bobsledding and aerial skiing.
Best for middle and high school, but fascinating for all ages.

Olympics History & Culture Unit Study (Grades 4–8)
A low-cost mini unit study covering Olympic history, culture, and the differences between the Summer and Winter Games.
Web-based, hands-on, and reusable for future Olympics.

Free Digital Olympics Breakout (Escape-Room Style Activity)
A fully online breakout activity where students solve clues to unlock the Google Form and “win” the challenge.
Great for families or small groups. Estimated time: ~45 minutes.

FanSchool Olympics Medal Prediction Game
Students predict medal counts by country and learn geography along the way.
Free to play, with possible prizes for top predictions.

Winter Olympics Bingo (Free Printable)
A fun way for the whole family to stay engaged while watching events, learning about flags, countries, and sports.
Use code WINTER (free through February 22).

If you use any of these resources, come join the conversation in the Homeschooling with Technology Community on Facebook and let us know which ones your family enjoyed most!

Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss any episodes!

The post Winter Olympics Resources for Your Homeschool appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

In this episode, we explore Pixar in a Box, a free, self-paced course created by Pixar in partnership with Khan Academy.

Pixar in a Box gives students a behind-the-scenes look at how Pixar films are made. Lessons are taught by Pixar professionals and connect animation to math, science, art, and computer science.

Start with the short introductory video and watch it together to see if it sparks your child’s interest.

You can access Pixar in a Box:

Through Khan Academy

Through the Pixar website (where the intro video appears on the main page)

Pixar in a Box includes 14 main units (plus an orientation). Families can follow the full sequence or jump around.

Example topics include:

Storytelling and film grammar

Animation and simulation

Color science and lighting

Character and environment modeling

Lessons mix short videos, interactive activities, simulations, quizzes, and some offline projects.

The Lesson Finder lets you filter lessons by:

Grade level (5–6 through 9–12)

Subject area (art, math, computer science, science)

Estimated total time: 25–40 hours

This works well for middle school enrichment or as part of a high school elective. With added projects—such as animation work, film analysis, or career research—it can be extended to a ½ credit elective. You can find trailers and how some shorts were made here.

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 in 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 Pixar in a Box: Free Animation & Storytelling Lessons appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.