Homeschooling with Technology

By Meryl van der Merwe

The 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 us... more

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FAQs about Homeschooling with Technology:

How many episodes does Homeschooling with Technology have?

The podcast currently has 394 episodes available.

Homeschooling with Technology episodes:

February 19, 20253D Modeling with Blender: A Teen’s Perspective
313: 3D Modeling with Blender: A Teen’s Perspective

In this episode, Meryl is joined by teen guest Matthew Jurison, who shares his experiences using Blender, a free 3D modeling and visual effects software. Matthew, a self-taught Blender enthusiast with years of experience, discusses how he got started, the skills he’s developed, and why Blender is an excellent tool for creative teens. He also highlights some of his favorite projects and the challenges he’s faced while learning and creating with Blender
Questions Matthew answers about 3D modeling with Blender:
What is Blender, what is it used for, and how much does it cost?
How did you get started with Blender, and what inspired you to learn it?
How did you teach yourself Blender?
Is Blender beginner-friendly, or do you need prior skills?
What kinds of projects have you created using Blender?
How do you export Blender projects for use in game development or filmmaking?
What is the coolest project you’ve ever made with Blender?
What skills can students develop by using Blender, and how do these skills benefit other areas of life or academics?
What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced while using Blender, and how did you overcome them?
Resources Mentioned:
Blender – Free 3D modeling and visual effects software.
YouTube tutorials – Especially this Beginner Blender Tutorial on Youtube
Take a look at show sponsor, FundaFunda Academy to see what they offer for online classes and web-based unit studies. Sign up for their newsletter to get monthly AI tips and learn about cool online resources. Follow their Instagram for weekly Tuesday Tech Tips.
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 3D Modeling with Blender: A Teen’s Perspective appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
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13min
February 12, 2025Using AI as a Study Tool
312: Using AI as a Study Tool
In this episode, we look at various AI resources and how they can be effective study tools. Please note there are previous podcast episode that go into more detail about all of these tools.
Featured AI Tools & Applications:
ChatGPT:
Creating custom practice questions at different difficulty levels
Getting detailed feedback on answers
Explaining complex concepts in simpler terms
NotebookLM:
Summarizing and organizing large amounts of study material
Creating custom study questions from uploaded content
Generating different types of test questions (multiple choice, true/false, case studies)
Works with digital documents and uploaded handwritten notes
Magic School AI:
Creating customized learning environments with specific tools
Allows teacher (parent) to monitor student progress
No login is required for students to access classrooms
Resource Mentioned:
Video: “Oxford researchers discovered how to use AI to learn like a genius“
Take a look at show sponsor, FundaFunda Academy to see what they offer for online classes and web-based unit studies. Sign up for their newsletter to get monthly AI tips and learn about cool online resources. Follow their Instagram for weekly Tuesday Tech Tips.
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 Using AI as a Study Tool appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
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16min
February 05, 20253 Online Cybersecurity Games
311: 3 Online Cybersecurity Games
These online cybersecurity games are a great way to teach students about how to keep safe online – and what exactly is involved in careers in this field.
Games Reviewed:
Gandalf
Players try to trick Gandalf into revealing passwords across multiple levels
Involves critical thinking and AI prompting skills
Two versions available:
Original Gandalf game (8 levels)
New version: “Gandalf and Friends” (5 levels)
Cyber Mission
Developed by US Military
Features four progressive games:
Protect
Defend
Analyze
Strike
Three difficulty levels per game (Bronze, Silver, Gold)
Includes educational resources and cybersecurity career information
PBS Nova Labs Cybersecurity Game
Designed for grades 6-12
Approximately 75 minutes of gameplay
Features four main components:
Coding challenges
Password cracking challenges
Social engineering scenarios
Network attack defense
Combines coding practice with cybersecurity concepts
Special Offer:
$20 discount code – CYBER20 (ends 31 March 2025) on FundaFunda’s Computer Science class
Take a look at show sponsor, FundaFunda Academy to see what they offer for online classes and web-based unit studies. Sign up for their newsletter to get monthly AI tips and learn about cool online resources. Follow their Instagram for weekly Tuesday Tech Tips.
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 3 Online Cybersecurity Games appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
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0min
January 29, 2025New Online Geography Games
310: New Online Geography Games
This episode features 7 new online geography games – new to me at least – but some are very new and use AI technology to increase the fun. All are free and can be played with no sign in required. Many allow you to create private rooms to play in.
Games Featured in This Episode
GeoScents: Choose categories like World, Europe, Africa etc. Select where the given place is on a world map. Options include creating private rooms for group play.
Statdle Guess the country based on 4 categories eg alphabetical order, latitude. Narrow down options as you go, and use hints if you get stuck.
GeoQuest: Good for younger children. Identify countries on a zoomable map with helpful directional hints. Practice mode and daily challenges available.
GuessWhereYouAre.com: A Google Street View game that drops you into random locations.. Use clues from the environment to figure out where you are.
Nightmare on View Street: A creative twist on geography that incorporates AI-generated ghosts and monsters against a background of a famous place that you must guess.
Touring Test: A geography guessing game based on AI-generated pictures and descriptions.
Time Portal: Travel back in time to guess the location and year of historical events. AI-generated videos.
Take a look at show sponsor, FundaFunda Academy to see what they offer for online classes and web-based unit studies. Sign up for their newsletter to get monthly AI tips and learn about cool online resources. Follow their Instagram for weekly Tuesday Tech Tips.
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 New Online Geography Games appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
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18min
January 22, 2025Drawing Made Easy with Free Online Tools
309: Drawing Made Easy with Free Online Tools
In this episode, we’re exploring free online tools to make drawing fun and accessible for homeschoolers of all ages. Whether your child is a budding artist or you’re just looking for a creative activity to incorporate into your homeschool routine, these four resources offer a variety of ways to engage with art.
1. Art for Kids Hub (YouTube Channel)
A family-friendly YouTube channel featuring step-by-step drawing tutorials.
The host, a dad, teaches alongside his children, showing that kids can create their own unique versions.
Topics range from famous figures (e.g., Martin Luther King Jr.) to fun subjects like Spider-Man, snowflakes, and penguins.
Most tutorials are under 10 minutes and can be embedded into tools like Google Slides or Padlet for easy access.
2. Kleki
A straightforward digital drawing tool with no login required.
Ideal for beginners with simple tools like layers, cropping, and flipping, but also offers more advanced options as skills improve.
Drawings can be downloaded or shared, making it versatile for creative projects.
3. AutoDraw
Combines traditional digital drawing tools with AI-powered assistance.
The “magic pencil” helps turn rough sketches into polished drawings by guessing what you’re drawing.
Great for those who want guidance while still adding their personal touch.
Tutorials are available for added support.
4. Quick Draw (by Google)
A fun Pictionary-style game where AI guesses what you’re drawing within 20 seconds.
Offers a humorous and interactive way to practice drawing and develop quick-thinking skills.
Great for all ages and even doubles as a vocabulary booster for younger children.
Take a look at show sponsor, FundaFunda Academy to see what they offer for online classes and web-based unit studies. Sign up for their newsletter to get monthly AI tips and learn about cool online resources. Follow their Instagram for weekly Tuesday Tech Tips.
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 Drawing Made Easy with Free Online Tools appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
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12min
January 15, 2025Navigating Digital Risks with Kid Safe GPT
308:Navigating Digital Risks with Kid Safe GPT
Kid Safe GPT is a custom GPT that helps parents navigate the risks in online games and apps and social media sites
Key Highlights:
Common Sense Media: This website has a page about online games and includes info on risks. The list of games it covers is fairly limited though.
Introduction to Kid Safe GPT:
Developed by Paul Roetzer, CEO of SmarterX.ai, as his response to a teen’s suicide after interactions with character.ai
A free tool integrated with ChatGPT that helps parents identify and mitigate risks associated with games, apps, and social media platforms.
Includes areas on understanding risks, talking to kids, and creating safety guidelines.
Sample prompts for popular platforms like Minecraft, Roblox, and Snapchat.
Minecraft Example:
Risks Identified: Stranger interactions, in-game purchases, inappropriate mods, excessive screen time, and privacy concerns.
Proactive Strategies: Private servers, single-player mode, parental controls, approved mods, and time limits.
Conversation Starters: How to approach your child about safety and understand their experiences.
Why Use Kid Safe GPT:
Offers insights into risks parents might overlook.
Helps guide conversations about digital safety.
Supports creating safety agreements with children for responsible usage.
Action Steps for Parents:
Create a free ChatGPT account if you don’t already have one.
Explore KidSafe GPT at https://smarterx.ai/kid-safe-gpt
Use sample prompts to evaluate apps and games your kids use.
Implement recommended safety measures and have ongoing conversations with your children.
Recommended Resource:
The AI Show: Learn more about the latest in AI technology. (on all podcast players and Youtube)
Here is the segment discussing Kid Safe GPT

Take a look at show sponsor, FundaFunda Academy to see what they offer for online classes and web-based unit studies. Sign up for their newsletter to get monthly AI tips and learn about cool online resources. Follow their Instagram for weekly Tuesday Tech Tips.
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 Navigating Digital Risks with Kid Safe GPT appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
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13min
January 08, 2025Prompting 101: A Beginner’s Guide for Homeschoolers
307: Prompting 101: A Beginner’s Guide for Homeschoolers
Today’s episode is all about Prompting 101: A Beginner’s Guide for Homeschoolers.
If you’re new to AI tools like ChatGPT, I recommend starting with Episode 306: Starting Out with AI in Your Homeschool, where I introduce the basics.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
What is prompting?
Prompting is the process of giving AI tools like ChatGPT directions in plain English to help you achieve specific tasks.
A fun way to practice prompting:
Check out Google Labs’ game “Say What You See” to improve descriptive skills and practice crafting precise prompts. It’s a great activity for both kids and parents.
Getting started with ChatGPT:
ChatGPT is free and easy to use.
Sign up in under 30 seconds and start exploring its capabilities for homeschooling.
Download my free PDF of 20 prompts to inspire your first AI interactions. (Sign up for FundaFunda Academy’s monthly newsletter to access this resource.)
Practical example:
I demonstrate how to create a game-based activity for middle schoolers to learn punctuation rules.
Start with a basic prompt and refine it as needed.
Customize themes to match your child’s interests, like pirates, dinosaurs, or pop culture references.
Key Takeaways:
Think of AI as a junior intern in your homeschool. It will improve as you give it clearer instructions.
Experiment with multiple tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and Perplexity to find what works best for you.
Keep prompting: The more context and specificity you provide, the better results you’ll get.
Please complete this survey so I can help you integrate AI and other tech in your homeschool
Listener Survey: Click here to fill it out.
Take a look at show sponsor, FundaFunda Academy to see what they offer for online classes and web-based unit studies. Sign up for their newsletter to get monthly AI tips and learn about cool online resources. Follow their Instagram for weekly Tuesday Tech Tips.
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 Prompting 101: A Beginner’s Guide for Homeschoolers appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
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15min
January 01, 2025Getting started with AI in your homeschool
306: Getting started with AI in your homeschool
Happy New Year! As we kick off 2025, it’s clear that AI is set to continue transforming our world—sometimes for better, sometimes for worse. In this episode of Homeschooling with Technology, we’re diving into how you can begin integrating AI into your homeschool. Whether you’re completely new to AI or feeling a bit overwhelmed, this episode will give you practical steps to get started.
Key Takeaways:
Why You Should Embrace AI in Your Homeschool:
Ease Your Workload: AI tools can simplify planning, grading, and research.
Teach Responsible Use: Equip your kids with the skills to use AI ethically and effectively.
Shape the Future: Understanding AI empowers you to influence how it impacts your family and society.
Understanding AI:
You’ve likely been using AI already—think Netflix recommendations, Facebook ads, Grammarly, and more.
Recent advancements like ChatGPT and other generative AI tools have made AI more accessible and versatile.
Generative AI creates new content, such as text, images, music, and videos, based on patterns it learns from data.
How to Get Started:
Learn First, Then Teach: Familiarize yourself with AI tools before introducing them to your children.
Create a Plan: Dedicate 15 minutes a week (or even a month) to explore new tools.
Use a Spreadsheet: Track tools, resources, and ideas for incorporating AI into your homeschool.
Focus on Pain Points: Identify challenges in your homeschool routine (e.g., lesson planning, grading, or finding resources) and prioritize AI tools that can address those issues.
Review Old Episodes: Revisit past episodes of this podcast for guidance on specific tools and strategies to get started with AI in homeschooling.
Start Small: Begin with one tool or feature that aligns with your immediate needs or interests.
Please complete this survey so I can help you integrate AI and other tech in your homeschool
Listener Survey: Click here to fill it out.
Take a look at show sponsor, FundaFunda Academy to see what they offer for online classes and web-based unit studies. Sign up for their newsletter to get monthly AI tips and learn about cool online resources. Follow their Instagram for weekly Tuesday Tech Tips.
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 Getting started with AI in your homeschool appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
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23min
December 18, 2024Last Minute Digital Gift Ideas
305: Last Minute Digital Gift Ideas
Forgotten to get gifts for everyone? Or just run out of ideas? These unique digital gift ideas are ones homeschool families will love to give or receive! Here are the 12 ideas I mention in this episode.
Online Escape Room Experiences
Interactive virtual escape rooms themed a the whole family can solve together. Editable gift vouchers make it easy to print off or email the gift.
Annual Subscription to a Streaming Service
Choose something unique like CuriosityStream (documentaries), BroadwayHD (theater), or MasterClass (learning from experts).
Online party games
Jackbox is the go-to for our family – be sure to check for age-appropriate ones.
Board Games Adapted for Online Play
Buy a Tabletopia – $80 for 6 months or Board Game Arena premium subscription for families to enjoy classic and modern board games virtually.
Scavenger Hunts
Scavengerhunt.com – Gift a year or just one hunt for 2 or 6 people. Can use in many cities all around the world
Audiobooks
Prepay for a subscription to Pinna (audiobooks and podcasts designed for kids) or an Audible Kids+ plan.
Online Gaming
Listen to last month’s episode – STEAM gift cards or Nintendo Online Subscripition
Online Cooking Classes
Live or recorded – YesChef
Digital Classes – Art, Graphic Design, Stop Motion, Music
Give them access to online art platforms like Skillshare, Procreate tutorials, or an Udemy course for digital drawing and painting. Show sponsor FundaFunda Academy offers some that are suitable as gifts
Virtual Coding Camps
Enroll them in platforms like CodeCombat, or FundaFunda Academy’s Scratch or Python classes for fun and engaging coding experiences.
Digital Tools Subscription
Gift access to tools like Canva Pro, Adobe Creative Cloud etc
Digital Comic Book Subscription (e.g., Marvel Unlimited, DC Universe Infinite):
Access to a vast library of comics for all ages. e.g., Marvel Unlimited, DC Universe Infinite
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 Last Minute Digital Gift Ideas appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
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16min
December 11, 2024AI Assisted Holiday Planning and Prep
304: AI Assisted Holiday Planning and Prep
This episode covers AI Assisted Holiday Planning and Prep. Lots of ways to save time on tasks so you can spend time with family and friends.
1. Creating a Detailed Schedule
Demonstrated using ChatGPT
Example prompt: Sharing entire holiday to-do list
Benefits:
Breaks down overwhelming tasks
Creates day-by-day planning
Can incorporate family member tasks
2. Gift Shopping and Ideas
Tips for effective prompts:
Provide detailed personal preferences
Be specific about constraints (budget, interests)
Refine results with follow-up questions
3. Recipe and Leftover Management
Used AI to find recipes for leftover turkey
Suggestion: Provide available ingredients for more personalized recipe recommendations
4. Party and Travel Planning
Game suggestions for various age groups
Christmas party games for 6-75 year olds
Car trip games for children 10-14
Detailed game instructions available through AI
5. Educational Holiday Learning
Example: Exploring Christmas traditions in Iceland
AI-suggested resources:
Book recommendations
YouTube video suggestions
Interactive websites
Cultural research projects
Potential quiz and activity ideas
Practical AI Tool Tips
Use specific, detailed prompts
Try multiple AI platforms
Cross-reference suggestions
Use for inspiration when stuck
Recommended Platforms
ChatGPT
Claude
Perplexity
Gemini
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 AI Assisted Holiday Planning and Prep appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
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18min

FAQs about Homeschooling with Technology:

How many episodes does Homeschooling with Technology have?

The podcast currently has 394 episodes available.