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Homeschooling with Technology
Homeschooling with Technology episodes
- Teaching Your Children How to Troubleshoot Tech319: Teaching Your Children How to Troubleshoot Tech
We’ve all faced tech frustrations and needed to troubleshoot tech —whether it’s a stubborn printer, glitchy software, or a bug on your website. As homeschoolers, we have the unique advantage of turning these moments into powerful, real-life learning experiences.
In this episode, you’ll learn:Why modeling tech troubleshooting is so important for your children
How to involve your kids in the problem-solving process (even if you think you know the solution!)
The value of teaching children to use manuals, help functions, and support forums
Why learning to explain a tech problem clearly builds communication and critical thinking skills
How ChatGPT—especially the IT Support GPT—can become your new tech assistant
A practical example of how Meryl fixed a tricky website bug using AI guidance
Ways to use troubleshooting as a writing, reading comprehension, and direction-following exercise
Resources Mentioned:FundaFunda Academy’s Computer Applications Class
ChatGPT
- Edpuzzle
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 Teaching Your Children How to Troubleshoot Tech appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
15 min - Free Online Tools to Study the U.S. Constitution318: Free Online Tools to Study the U.S. Constitution
Do you really know what the U.S. Constitution says? In today’s episode, Meryl welcomes back veteran homeschooler Vicki Tillman to share free and engaging online tools to study the constitution to help homeschoolers (and parents!) better understand this foundational document.
Resources Mentioned:
Vicki’s 30-Day Constitution Challenge
https://vickitillmancoaching.com/National Constitution Center – Constitution 101 Course
https://constitutioncenter.org/the-constitution/constitution-101-courseiCivics (games + lessons)
https://www.icivics.org/
Highly recommended! Try the game Do I Have a Right? —It teaches the Bill of Rights in a fun and immersive way.Let’s Get High School Done (by Natalie Mack)
https://natalie-mack.com/PBS Civics Resources
https://www.pbslearningmedia.org/Khan Academy: US Government and Civics
https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/us-government-and-civicsImpartial Points YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@impartialpointsRutgers University Civic Ed Site
https://civiced.rutgers.edu/Where to find Vicki Tillman & Seven Sisters Homeschool:
Website: Seven Sisters Homeschool
Podcast: The Homeschool Highschool Podcast
Facebook: 7 Sisters Homeschool
Facebook Group: 7 Sisters Homeschool Group
Instagram: @7sistershomeschool
Substack: https://7sistershomeschool.substack.com/
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 Free Online Tools to Study the U.S. Constitution appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
16 min - How to Use Khan Academy in Your Homeschool (Free Lessons)317: Using Khan Academy in your Homeschool
In this episode of Homeschooling with Technology, we explore the many ways homeschoolers can use Khan Academy. While many may be familiar with Khan Academy for math practice, there are many other subjects and tools available that can supplement and enrich a homeschool curriculum.
What Is Khan Academy?Khan Academy is a free, nonprofit learning platform with thousands of lessons, videos, and practice exercises across nearly every subject — no cost, no ads. For homeschoolers it works as a full course or a flexible supplement, and it tracks each student’s progress as they go.
What You Can Teach With Khan Academy- Math — from early counting through calculus, with mastery-based practice that meets kids where they are.
- Science — biology, chemistry, physics, and more.
- Humanities — history, art history, grammar, and reading.
- Economics & finance — including a practical personal-finance course for teens.
- Computing — intro programming and computer science.
- Test prep — free official SAT practice and more.
- Khanmigo — Khan Academy’s AI tutor and teacher helper.
How to Use Khan Academy in Your Homeschool- As a spine — assign a full course and let the mastery system pace your student.
- As a supplement — fill gaps or reinforce a tricky topic with targeted practice.
- For independent work — older students drive their own learning while you track progress.
Is Khan Academy really free? Yes — it’s a nonprofit, and the full platform is free for families, with no ads.
Meryl shares her favorite ways to use it in the episode below.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:- Navigating Khan Academy: If you land on the AI-powered K-Migo tools, click on Explore at the top to access the traditional Khan Academy resources.
- Khan Academy Kids App: Designed for ages 2-8, this free educational app is available on Apple, Android, and Amazon devices.
- Using Khan Academy for Math: A great resource for extra math practice, including grade-based courses and “Get Ready” courses for summer review before advancing to new levels.
- Beyond Math – Other Subjects Available:
- Test Prep: Free SAT prep (math and full digital SAT practice).
- Science & Economics: Middle school and high school levels, including AP courses.
- Computing: Courses like “Computers and the Internet” and AP-level computer science.
- Reading & Language Arts: Grammar and reading comprehension.
- Life Skills: Career planning and personal finance.
- Arts & Humanities: U.S. history, world history, art history, and partner courses with organizations like NASA and Nobel Labs.
How Homeschoolers Can Use Khan Academy Effectively:- Creating a Class Account: Parents can set up an account and assign lessons to their children, tracking progress and mastery points.
- Assigning Specific Lessons: Focus on particular areas of need, such as fractions or ecology, by selecting targeted lessons.
- Interactive Learning: Many courses now include quizzes, mastery assessments, and end-of-module tests.
- Monitoring Student Progress: View student reports to ensure completion and understanding.
- Using Khan Academy as a Supplement: While full courses are available, it’s best used alongside other resources, such as books, projects, and hands-on activities.
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 How to Use Khan Academy in Your Homeschool (Free Lessons) appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
12 min - Mission US: Free History Games That Bring the Past to Life316: Gamify History with Mission US Games
In this episode, we’re diving into how you can gamify history with Mission US games. This immersive, interactive resource has been a favorite of mine for years, and I’m excited to revisit it, especially since they’ve updated their offerings.
What is Mission US?Mission US is a free, interactive educational game platform aimed at middle schoolers, although it’s versatile enough to be used with high school students as well. It allows students to step into the shoes of historical characters and experience key moments in U.S. history.
Website: missionus.org/play
Available MissionsMission US currently offers six operational missions:
- For Crown or Colony? (1770 – American Revolution)
- A Cheyenne Odyssey (1866 – Westward Expansion)
- City of Immigrants (1907 – Immigrant Experience)
- Up from the Dust (1929 – Great Depression)
- Prisoner in My Homeland (1941 – World War II)
- No Turning Back (1960 – Civil Rights Movement)
Note: The Antebellum Era mission is currently under redevelopment.
Why Use Mission US in Your Homeschool?- Immersive Learning: Students play as historical characters, making decisions that shape their journey and outcomes.
- Engaging Content: Each mission is historically accurate and offers a break from traditional learning methods.
- Interactive Features: Includes character profiles, trailers, and decision trackers to keep students engaged.
- Adaptable: While aimed at middle school, the content is rich enough for high school use.
Highlights of Mission US Features- Teacher Dashboard: Homeschool parents can track progress, monitor completion, and review decision outcomes.
- Variety of Formats: Missions are available as apps, downloadable programs, or online games.
- Supplemental Resources: Includes decision trackers, writing activities, reflection prompts, and additional materials like timelines and background information.
Example: “For Crown or Colony?”In this mission, students step into the role of Nat Wheeler, a fictional character navigating life in 1770 Boston. Here’s what to expect:
- Meet Historical Figures: Interact with characters like Paul Revere, Phyllis Wheatley, and Benjamin Edes.
- Decision-Making: Choices impact the story’s progression and outcomes.
- Reflection Opportunities: Writing prompts and discussions deepen understanding.
- Additional Activities: Explore timelines, character profiles, and external resources like Colonial Williamsburg.
Tips for Using Mission US in Your Homeschool- Integrate Writing: Use decision trackers and reflections as writing assignments.
- Encourage Collaboration: Discuss choices and outcomes as a family
- Extend Learning: Assign projects like digital posters, videos, or infographics based on the missions.
- Monitor Progress: Use the teacher dashboard to ensure your child is fully engaging with the material.
Links Mentioned:
- Mission US Website
- FundaFunda’s online high school US History 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 Mission US: Free History Games That Bring the Past to Life appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
17 min - Google Arts and Culture Games315: Google Arts and Culture Games
In this episode of Homeschooling with Technology, we dive into the interactive games and activities available through Google Arts & Culture.
Resources Mentioned:
- Google Arts & Culture – Play Section
Key Highlights:
- Introduction to Google Arts & Culture Games:
- Overview of the “Play” section on the platform.
- How these games can supplement art and cultural education for homeschoolers.
- Game Reviews and Ideas for Homeschoolers:
- Mixtape: Combine famous artworks with music and use it to spark discussions about art and emotions.
- Art Zoom Out: Predict what surrounds a partial artwork and engage in imaginative storytelling.
- Talking Towns: Explore cultural landmarks with AI commentary.
- Doodle Guide: Hone drawing skills with interactive feedback.
- Mice in the Museum: A charming introduction to art for younger learners with two mice discussing paintings.
- Musical Activities:
- Musical Canvas: Draw and create music simultaneously.
- Blob Opera & Kandinsky Experiment: Engage with sound and color through interactive tools.
- Puzzle Games:
- Puzzle Party: Create jigsaw puzzles from famous artworks and collaborate remotely.
- Undough: A playful spin on Hangman, uncovering world monuments.
- Odd One Out: Identify AI-generated art among real pieces.
- Cultural Crosswords & Visual Crosswords: Challenge your knowledge of arts and culture.
- Coloring Pages & Trivia Fun:
- Coloring activities featuring themes like NASA, pandas, and Christmas.
- Trivia games like “Guess the Line,” where AI guesses your drawings.
How to Use These Games in Homeschooling:
- Foster creativity and critical thinking.
- Incorporate games into art, music, and culture lessons.
- Use them for family collaboration and fun learning moments.
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 Google Arts and Culture Games appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
16 min - Google Arts and Culture314: Google Arts and Culture
Google Arts and Culture is a resource I’ve mentioned before, but in this episode we dive into the vast offerings on the site’s homepage. Next week, I’ll explore the games and interactive experiences under the “Play” section.
Whether you’re looking for a free art curriculum, a quick educational activity, or a resource to supplement your homeschooling curriculum, Google Arts and Culture is a treasure trove for learners of all ages.
What is Google Arts and Culture?
Google Arts and Culture is a free platform showcasing art, culture, history, and more through online exhibits, interactive tools, and curated content. You can access it at artsandculture.google.com.Highlights from the Homepage the day I recorded
Turn Your Life into Art:
- Explore the app version of Google Arts and Culture.
- You can experiment with turning photos into artistic creations.
- Assign your high schoolers to explore the app and report their findings!
Online Exhibits:
- Examples include Switzerland’s majestic mountains, Australia’s ocean nomads, and more.
- Each exhibit combines images, videos, and text, offering an immersive experience.
- Great for geography, history, or cultural studies.
Celebrate Events and Topics:
- The homepage features seasonal and topical exhibits, like Black History Month.
- Dive into fascinating themes like “10 Animals with Superpowers” or “Historic Housing in LA.”
Some Games are highlighted
- Da Vinci Stickies: Combine sketches like wings and lungs to create AI-powered inventions.
- Explore Da Vinci’s codices and learn more about his creative genius.
Other Content:
- Browse old newspapers, incredible libraries, and art movements.
- Engage younger learners with color-based art exploration activities.
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 Google Arts and Culture appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
18 min - 3D Modeling with Blender: A Teen’s Perspective313: 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.
13 min - Using AI as a Study Tool312: 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.
16 min - 3 Free Online Games to Teach Kids Cybersecurity311: 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 Free Online Games to Teach Kids Cybersecurity appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
0 min - New Free Online Geography Games for Homeschoolers310: 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 Free Online Geography Games for Homeschoolers appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
18 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.