1. iTunes U: iTunes U is the best way to create and experience courses on iPad. The iTunes U app gives you access to complete courses from leading universities and other schools — plus the world’s largest digital catalog of free education content — right on your iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch. Whether you’re majoring in molecular biology at a university, taking Spanish in high school, or just interested in European history, you now have a valuable tool to help you learn anytime, anywhere.

2. Elevate – Brain Training: Elevate is a brain training program designed to improve focus, speaking skills, processing speed, memory, math skills, and more. Each person is provided with his or her own personalized training program that adjusts over time to maximize results.

The more you train with Elevate, the more you’ll improve critical cognitive skills that are proven to boost productivity, earning power, and self-confidence. Users who train at least 4 times per week have reported dramatic gains and increased confidence.

Check out last week’s list of apps: Top 5 Free Social Networking Apps for iPhone

3. PhotoMath: PhotoMath is the world’s smartest camera calculator! Just point your camera to a Math expression, and PhotoMath will instantly display the answer. Use it to get help when you’re stuck with a problem. Hit the steps button, and see a full step-by-step solution! Check below to see the full list of supported Math problems.

Students can use it as a tool to learn Math, while parents can use it to quickly check their kid’s homework. With PhotoMath, you can have a Math teacher in your pocket! PhotoMath currently supports basic arithmetic, fractions, decimal numbers, linear equations and several functions like logarithms. Support for new Math is constantly added in new releases as we aim to make all the Math easy to learn.

4. Quizlet – Flashcards & Study Tools: Quizlet makes simple tools that let you study anything, anywhere. Download the FREE app to study on the go; play games to study; create your own flashcards; search millions created by others; improve your study habits; and/or study with images and audio.

5. Duolingo – Learn Languages for Free: Duolingo is Apple’s 2013 App of the Year! Learn Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Italian, and English. Totally fun. Totally free. Duolingo is changing the way people learn languages. With Duolingo, you learn a language completely free, without ads or hidden charges. You have fun while you learn, leveling up and competing with friends.

Apps 6-10:

6. Memorando – Brain Games

7. Learn Languages: Rosetta Stone

8. Lumosity

9. Mathway

10. Fit Brains Trainer

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If you bought a smartphone for yourself or your kids the first thing you’ll want to do is install apps. I’m kicking off a four week podcast series on the top apps available for iPhone. If you’re an Android user, don’t despair. Nearly all of these apps are also available for your Galaxy S4 too.

Here are the Top 5 Social Networking Apps for iPhone as of December 2, 2014

1. Facebook Messenger – Facebook introduced this app in 2011 but it never really caught on with smartphone users. In April 2014, Facebook removed the messaging functionality from their Facebook app and required users to download the Facebook messenger app if they wanted to send and receive private messages on their mobile devices.

Some of the things you should lookout for with this app is that it will want to use location services, there is heavy data mining, and if you’re not careful you can use up your data plan by placing phone calls. Parents should be aware of their child’s privacy settings and remind them to think before they send a private message to someone.

2. Facebook – The 800 lbs. gorilla of social networking claims the top three spots on this list. Facebook seems like it’s been around for eons (in Internet years). Just like any other social networking site, it entices users to connect with others, for free, in exchange for showing you advertisements.

Concerns over kids using social media don’t stop with just the website. There are privacy concerns as well as the fact that not all the ads that appear on Facebook would be considered “wholesome”.

3. WhatsApp Messenger – The third app in the Facebook franchise, WhatsApp is, simply, a texting app. If your kid’s friends are using WhatsApp then you can bet you’ll see it on their phone too. This is just another way for kids to text each other.

As with texting, your kids should be made aware that pictures, videos, and text do not disappear. Just like with normal texting, they should think before tapping “send” and be aware that what they are sharing could be shared with the entire Internet.

4. Pinterest – You moms have been pinning away over there but you need to know that some of the companies and individuals pinning there aren’t just look for crafts. Pornographic images, tattoo pictures with nudity, racist, and violent images can be found there. With the new messaging features this is another site where you’ll want to make sure your kids aren’t “friends” with anyone they don’t know.

5. Twitter – As more and more parents start using Facebook more kids are leaving it and turning to Twitter. Why? Because they don’t want to be stalked and embarrassed by their parents. Unlike other social media platforms, Twitter limits your status updates to 140 characters (the old limit for SMS messages) and can sometimes force you to be creative when posting a status.

Parents of tweens and teens need to know that Twitter is a lot like the American West in the 1800s. They could be exposed to pornography, profanity, and hate-speech. Like all social networking apps they want to know your location so be sure to disable that feature. Although the TOS for Twitter says users need to be 13 or older I recommend that your kids are at least 16.

Here are apps 6-10 which you should also keep an eye on. I’ve linked to iParentTV where they’ve provided a review.

6. Kik – Similar to WhatsApp this is a texting app. Find out more at iParent.tv.

7. Skype – The old-school VOIP calling service isn’t gong away soon.

8. Viber – Texting and group chats on steroids.

As tempting as it may be to buy a “door buster” tablet or smartphone on Black Friday you should beware of these “great deals” because many have security vulnerabilities that will put your personal and financial data at risk.

This week I share my tips for avoiding scams when looking for a discount device. Happy Thanksgiving!

Santa or the Grinch: Android Tablet Analysis for the 2014 Holiday Season – Bluebox Security

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The Wired Homeschool is a proud member of the Tech Podcast Network. For more family-friendly tech podcasts visit techpodcasts.com

Music for the podcast by Kevin Macleod.

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Feedback

I love feedback! I got some great feedack from Lori in New Zealand, Wendy in Colorado, and Mark in the United Kingdom. Mark also sent along this great graphic if you want to compare technical specification of the latest smartphones.

How much does iOS 8.1.1 improve your iPhone 4s?

Microsoft refreshes Office for iPad, iPhone and adds more features for free. Microsoft is taking the “freemium” route with Office for iOS and that means more features in the free version. Changes for Office 365 Home or Personal subscribers who use Office for iPad

ClickN Kids Tablet 2 is Intel-powered educational Android KitKat slate | ZDNet

$179 10-inch Windows 8.1 tablet coming to Walmart | ZDNet

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Leave a Voicemail

You can call 518-290-0228 to leave me a message or use this convenient widget to record a message right from your computer.

Etc.

Want to be notified of any upcoming news regarding the podcast or if I’m speaking in your area? Join my spam-free mailing list. You’ll receive monthly updates and news about future projects and I’ll let you know if I’m speaking in your area at a homeschooling convention.

The Wired Homeschool is a proud member of the Tech Podcast Network. For more family-friendly tech podcasts visit techpodcasts.com

Music for the podcast by Kevin Macleod.

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

This week I had the privilege of interviewing Craig Gross. Craig Gross is an author, speaker, and father of two young kids. He shot to prominence in 2002 when he founded the website XXXchurch.com as a response to the hurting he saw in those struggling with online pornography. In the 12 years since, XXXchurch.com has had over 70 million visitors and has become the leading voice on the topics of pornography and sexual addiction. In 2004, Craig also spearheaded the development of X3watch, an internet accountability system used by over 1 million people, and is the author of nine books. He currently resides in Los Angeles with his wife Jeanette and their two children, Nolan and Elise.

iparent.tv is an online resource that features hundreds of videos and posts to keep parents in the loop on all the latest tech fads that your kids might or might not be into. Want to know how to set the privacy settings on the Xbox One? We show you how. Want to decide whether SnapChat is right for your teenager? We give you the info. Want to find out what Reddit is all about? We have the answers.

Connect Socially!

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You can call 518-290-0228 to leave me a message or use this convenient widget to record a message right from your computer.

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Want to be notified of any upcoming news regarding the podcast or if I’m speaking in your area? Join my spam-free mailing list. You’ll receive monthly updates and news about future projects and I’ll let you know if I’m speaking in your area at a homeschooling convention.

The Wired Homeschool is a proud member of the Tech Podcast Network. For more family-friendly tech podcasts visit techpodcasts.com

Music for the podcast by Kevin Macleod.

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

I spent most of the week preparing for a message at chruch this week so I didn’t have time to put a new podcast together. Instead, I decided to edit down an old interview I did with Daniel J. Lewis of the Noodle.MX Network.

Daniel is a podcaster, public speaker, and a website and graphic designer. We talked about how Daniel’s experience being homeschooled prepared him for his future.

Connect Socially!

Leave a Voicemail

You can call 518-290-0228 to leave me a message or use this convenient widget to record a message right from your computer.

Etc.

Want to be notified of any upcoming news regarding the podcast or if I’m speaking in your area? Join my spam-free mailing list. You’ll receive monthly updates and news about future projects and I’ll let you know if I’m speaking in your area at a homeschooling convention.

The Wired Homeschool is a proud member of the Tech Podcast Network. For more family-friendly tech podcasts visit techpodcasts.com

Music for the podcast by Kevin Macleod.

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Apple and Google recently announced new tablets for the masses and people will be rushing to stores to buy them. Before you buy your next full-sized tablet you’ll want to know which one gives you the best value and will meet your needs.

It’s a tablet beat-down between the Google Nexus 9 and the iPad Air 2. Both tablets give me the wiggles inside but the Nexus 9 edges out the iPad Air 2 in my opinion. Listen to find out why.

Connect Socially!

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You can call 518-290-0228 to leave me a message or use this convenient widget to record a message right from your computer.

Etc.

Want to be notified of any upcoming news regarding the podcast or if I’m speaking in your area? Join my spam-free mailing list. You’ll receive monthly updates and news about future projects and I’ll let you know if I’m speaking in your area at a homeschooling convention.

The Wired Homeschool is a proud member of the Tech Podcast Network. For more family-friendly tech podcasts visit techpodcasts.com

Music for the podcast by Kevin Macleod.

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

There’s a lot of tech news that I cram into this episode along with your answers to the question of the week.

New Kindle Devices

* Kindle Voyage—Prices starts at $199. The device comes with a 300 ppi display, new adaptive front light, it’s thinner than all other devices, and has a battery that lasts weeks.

* Kindle with Touch—Prices start at $79. New touchscreen, faster processor and double the previous storage.

* Kindle Paperwhite—Prices start at $119. Double the storage but remains mostly the same.

* Kindle Fire HD Kids Edition—Prices start at $149. Comes with 1 year of FreeTime Unlimited, a “kid-proof” case, and 2 year worry-free guarantee.

* Kindle Fire HD—Prices start at $99. 6- or 7-inch display. 8GB or 16GB of storage. Multiple colors.

* Kindle Fire HDX—Prices start at $179. 7- or 8.9-inch display. 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB of storage. 4G LTE cellular service available.

Reference: http://www.ereaderortablet.com/amazon-unveils-kindles-for-201415

Windows 10

Microsoft recently announce the name of their upcoming operating system: Windows 10. According to Microsoft they chose to skip a version number because this isn’t an incremental release. Here’s what you can expect:

* A different experience on different platforms

* Minor new features

* A different approach to touch

* Continuum will allow tablet users to easily switch between touch and keyboard modes

Reference: http://winsupersite.com/windows-10/microsoft-announces-windows-10

Ello

New ad-free social network that charges for premium features. Here’s what parents need to know:

* Fake accounts are OK.

* Very little privacy.

* There is adult content.

* Currently invite-only.

Connect Socially!

Leave a Voicemail

You can call 518-290-0228 to leave me a message or use this convenient widget to record a message right from your computer.

Etc.

Want to be notified of any upcoming news regarding the podcast or if I’m speaking in your area? Join my spam-free mailing list. You’ll receive monthly updates and news about future projects and I’ll let you know if I’m speaking in your area at a homeschooling convention.

The Wired Homeschool is a proud member of the Tech Podcast Network. For more family-friendly tech podcasts visit techpodcasts.com

Music for the podcast by Kevin Macleod.

It’s National Podcast Day! Celebrate this day doing something to promote podcasting. If this is your first time listening to a podcast, share it with someone else. Write a podcaster and tell them how much you appreciate what they’re doing. Or share you favorite podcast with a friend. For more ways to celebrate National Podcast Day take a look at my post How to Celebrate National Podcast Day with The Wired Homeschool.

Educational Podcasts by Subject

History: The British History Podcast—The British History Podcast is a chronological telling of the story of Britain. Starting in the Ice Age, and moving forward. The focus is upon the human drama that is played out in history. Rather than providing a dry recount of dates and names, it provides a three dimensional image of what these people, places, and events were like. The people were real flesh and blood individuals with dreams, fears, and flaws.

Foreign Languages: Coffee Break German—Coffee Break German is indeed everything you need to learn German, whether you’re an absolute beginner or you’re returning to German to refresh your knowlege. You’ll be accompanied by experienced teachers throughout your Coffee Break German experience, so you’ll make solid progress and build your range of expression and mastery of German grammar quickly.

Mathematics: The Math Dude Quick and Dirty Tips for Math—The Math Dude makes understanding math easier and more fun than you ever thought possible. Host Dr. Jason Marshall provides clear explanations of math terms and principles, and his simple tricks for solving basic algebra problems will have even the most mathphobic looking forward to working out whatever math problem comes their way. Math Dude’s Quick and Dirty Tips to Make Math Easier will strengthen your fundamental skills and help you understand the language of math.

Science: 365 Days of Astronomy—The 365 Days of Astronomy Podcast is a project that is publishing one podcast per day, 5 to 10 minutes in duration, for all 365 days of the year. The podcast episodes are written, recorded and produced by people around the world. We are looking for individuals, schools, companies and clubs to provide 5 – 10 minutes of audio for the daily podcast. You can do as few as 1 episode or up to 12 episodes (one per month, subject to our editorial discretion). Our goal is to encourage people to sign up for a particular day (or days) of the year.

Grammar/Literature: Grammar Girl—Your friendly guide to the world of grammar, punctuation, usage, and fun developments in the English language. Grammar Girl provides short, friendly tips to improve your writing. Whether English is your first language or your second language, these grammar, punctuation, style, and business tips will make you a better and more successful writer. Grammar Girl is a Quick and Dirty Tips podcast.

Arts: Photography Roundtable—Photography Roundtable is THE photography podcast made specifically for YOU, the photographer. If you are looking for motivation, tips, education, and gear news for your photography, David Johnston delivers more than you could ask for. David has designed Photography Roundtable to be as ...

National Podcast Day is right around the corner. I’ve known about it for a month and been remiss in mentioning it. I’d like you to celebrate the day with me.

I’ve been podcasting since 2005. You could say I’m part of the old guard. I wouldn’t go so far as to say I’m one of the pioneers but I have been doing this for a long time.

Next week I’ll release an episode on September 30th with a list of educational podcasts that I think would be great to include as a supplement to your homeschooling curriculum.

I’ll be including a podcast from each of the following categories:

I’d love to hear from you what podcasts you listen to and if you have any that you recommend for the categories mentioned above.

You can send me your list by emailing [email protected], leaving a comment below, send voice mail by calling 518-290-0228, or use SpeakPipe.

If this is the only podcast you listen to or you don’t have any podcasts to recommend here are a few other ways you can participate in National Podcast Day on September 30th:

Things are getting a little silly here but I think you get the point. There are many ways you can support podcasting. Honestly, I think the best way would be to send an email or voicemail to a podcaster telling him or her how much you appreciate what they do.

A lot of podcasters do it for the love of podcasting and the subject they’re talking about. There are very few people who are making money by podcasting. Most of the podcasts you see in iTunes directory are hobby podcasters. We do it because we love to hear ourselves talk.

The best support we can get is a simple “thank you” from a listener. One “thank you” can help a podcaster over a hump. One “thank you” can erase the sting of 100 negative comments.

How you choose to participate is up to you. I hope at the very least you’ll send a note of thanks to each podcaster you stick in your ears each week. I hope every podcaster has too much email to deal with on September 30th because their inbox is full of notes of thanks.