Shows
Homeschooling with TechnologyOnline help for homeschool children with learning challenges
322 : Online help for homeschool children with learning challenges
Episode Summary:
In this episode, Meryl chats with Krisa Wynn about Homeschool Heroes, an online platform designed to support homeschool families with children who have learning challenges — or as they call them, “unique learners.” Krisa shares how the platform provides free and paid resources, community groups, learning assessments, consultations, and quarterly day-off events for homeschoolers.
Homeschool Heroes is an expansion of the original SPED Homeschool nonprofit, but now offers even more ways to connect, support, and empower homeschool families, including those dealin...2025-04-3000 minHomeschooling with TechnologyWhy Math Should Be Fun
321: Why Math Should Be Fun
In this episode, host Meryl van der Merwe is joined by Mina Neuberg from Wonder Math, to explore why making math fun is essential.
Topics Covered:
The connection between math and technology careers
Why so many students and parents struggle with math anxiety
How a growth mindset can transform math learning
What makes Wonder Math unique: live instruction, gamification, story-based learning, and continuity
The importance of contextual, real-world math applications
Simple, practical ways to bring joy...2025-04-2319 minHomeschooling with TechnologyTeaching Your Children How to Troubleshoot Tech
319: 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 manu...2025-04-0214 minHomeschooling with TechnologyFree Online Tools to Study the U.S. Constitution
318: 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 Challengehttps://vickitillmancoaching.com/
National Constitution Center – Constitution 101 Coursehttps://constitutioncenter.org/the-constitution/constitution-101-course
iCivics (games + lessons)https://www.icivics.org/Highly recommended! Try the game Do...2025-03-2615 minHomeschooling with Technology3D 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...2025-02-1912 minHomeschooling with Technology300: Celebrating 300 Episodes: 15 Tools in 15 Minutes with Exclusive Bonuses
300: Celebrating 300 Episodes: 15 Tools in 15 Minutes with Exclusive Bonuses
Join us as we celebrate the 300th episode of Homeschooling with Technology! Host Meryl van der Merwe highlights 15 top tech tools she uses in both her online classes and everyday life. Each tool has been featured at some point over the podcast’s journey, making this episode a refresher or a first-time introduction to tools that can benefit homeschoolers. As a bonus, our show sponsor, FundaFunda Academy, is offering special discounts, free resources, and an exciting giveaway!
Exclusive Bonuses: Listeners can enjoy discounts, free items, an...2024-11-1325 minHomeschooling with TechnologyMathCounts
291: MathCounts
Meryl continues her conversation with Hayley Story, who runs a local homeschool math club. Last week, Hayley shared details about three math contests, and in this episode, she dives into the final one: MathCounts. Hayley provides an overview of the competition, her experience as a first-time coach, and tips for homeschool parents interested in starting their own MathCounts team.
Key Points from the Episode:
What is MathCounts?
A nationally recognized math competition for grades 6-8.
Features four rounds of team and individual math challenges.
Held across all 50 U.S. s...2024-09-1120 minHomeschooling with TechnologyClass Companion: an AI Tool for improving writing
285: 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.
Pr...2024-07-3100 minHomeschooling with TechnologyThe Fourth Industrial Revolution and your homeschool279: The Fourth Industrial Revolution and your homeschool
This episode discusses how we are living in the midst of the Fourth Industrial Revolution driven by technologies like AI, nanotech, blockchain, Internet of Things, etc. and how this affects our homeschool
The 4th Industrial Revolution started around 2011 and is characterized by AI, IoT, nanotech becoming mainstream and integrated into daily life, even if we don’t realize it (Netflix recommendations, Siri/Alexa, etc.) You can find interesting blog posts about it on the World Economic Forum
The recent release of ChatGPT has...2024-06-1924 minHomeschooling with TechnologyWeb Development for Homeschoolers275:` Web Development for Homeschoolers
In this episode, host Meryl van der Merwe interviews Robert Walsh, an experienced web developer and educator from Excalibur Solutions Stem Academy. They dive into the fundamentals of web development, discussing HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and the advantages of learning to code websites over using drag-and-drop builders. Robert shares insights on the ideal age for kids to start learning web development, free online resources, and the benefits of taking a structured web development course.
Robert Walsh was also a guest on Episode 266 where he talked about teaching students to...2024-05-1523 minHomeschooling with TechnologyVacation Planning with AI
272: Vacation Planning with AI
In this episode one Vacation Planning with AI, Meryl discusses using AI tools like Claude, ChatGPT, Copilot, and others to plan their upcoming summer road trip out west in their Sprinter van. She shares her experience asking the AI for suggestions on stops, restaurants, activities and more along their route through states like Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma and others before arriving at Capitol Reef National Park.
She also covers using AI to plan a hypothetical trip to Boston with kids aged 6, 9 and 14, asking for child-friendly museum recommendations un...2024-04-2418 minHomeschooling with TechnologyTeen Podcasters Share Their Journey269: Teen Podcasters Share Their Journey
In this episode, host Meryl van der Merwe interviews Laila Alvarez and Damien Segovia, two homeschooled teen podcasters, who share their experience starting and running their own podcast called “IKR?!”.
Topics Covered:
What inspired Laila and Damien to start a podcast
The name and focus of their podcast “IKR?!”
Number of episodes recorded so far and topics covered
Technical aspects – equipment used, editing software, posting to platforms
Skills they’ve learned from podcasting
Advice for parents/teens interested in starting a podcast
How they are marketing the...2024-04-0316 minHomeschooling with TechnologyGamified Science Apps for Neurodiverse Brains263: Gamified Science Apps for Neurodiverse Brains
In today’s episode, host Meryl Van Der Merwe interviews homeschooling mom And Clark about two gamified science apps she uses with her neurodiverse kids — Brilliant and TytoOnline. These gamified science apps make science interactive and engaging for both neurodiverse and neurotypical students. Brilliant offers supplemental math and science courses while Tyto is a 3D video game focused on middle and high school science.
Brilliant
Offers math, science, computer science courses and puzzles
Pay monthly or annually
Has free preview available
For advanced middle school and h...2024-02-2100 min
Homeschool Success with Kami Wanous14. How Contests Can Help Your Child's Future Success with Meryl van der MerweHealthy, positive competition is always helpful, including in academics.
Did you know that participating in academic contests and competitions can help your child stand out on transcripts for college applications, job applications, trade schools and anything else your kids might want to do?
They can also help challenge them into deeper learning and mastery of subjects, not to mention other real-life skills as well!
Join me and Meryl van der Merwe for a discussion about how you can implement this into your homeschool curriculum!
Meryl van der Merwe homeschooled her 4 children...2023-10-1642 minHomeschooling with TechnologyThe Art of Collaboration: AI-Driven Unit Studies
236: The Art of Collaboration: AI-Driven Unit Studies
Randi Smith from Peanut Butter Fish Lessons is my guest again and in this episode we demonstrate how you can collaborate with AI to create AI-driven unit studies.
Randi is using Khanmigo and Meryl is using ChatGPT. Be sure to listen to our 3-part series on ChatGPT we recorded a few months ago for more ideas on how to use AI in your homeschool
Also see Randi’s post on Creating a Unit Study with AI for another example of AI-Driven Unit Studies.
...2023-07-1226 minHomeschooling with TechnologyOrganizing Digital Homeschool Resources
219: Organizing Digital Homeschool Resources with Brooke Poston
Our guest in this episode is Brooke Poston from Homeschool Resource Co who has some great tips to share on organizing digital homeschool resources.
Brooke explains what she means by digital resources and supplemental content and where one can find this content. She then details how to create an inventory spreadsheet to keep track of everything.
Finally, she breaks down the 3 main ways to organize content and the benefits and drawbacks of each.
Listen to the episode for some easy-to-implement ideas.
2023-03-0117 minHomeschooling with TechnologySafe Phones Kids Can Wear
207: Safe Phones Kids Can Wear
You probably don’t want your elementary-age child to have a phone – but there are times you wish you could contact them – and that is where safe phones that kids can wear ie watches are such a good option.
My sister, Lynne Robinson, bought one for her daughter and she answers these questions plus more:
Why did you get this watch?
How useful has it been?
What can the kids do on the watch?
What can’t they do?
Who can children call / text?
Currently (Nov 2022) the watc...2022-11-1619 minHomeschooling with TechnologyUsing tech to encourage thankfulness in your homeschool
206: Using tech to encourage thankfulness in your homeschool
Here are some ideas on using tech to encourage thankfulness in your homeschool. Listen to thee episode which goes into more detail:
Email teachers and coaches
Write Reviews – books, podcasts, classes etc.
Create Digital cards or use a tool like Canva to make ones to print out.
Zoom or FaceTime or call
Use tech to remind your family to send thank yous. Set reminders on your phone. Use the Notes app or aa tool like Evernote or Google docs to keep track of people you wa...2022-11-0913 minHomeschooling with TechnologyHow to Select Tech Tools for your Homeschool
205: How to Select Tech Tools for your Homeschool
It is overwhelming when looking at all thee options to figure out how to select tech tools that will be useful and not distracting in your homeschool.
Tech tools should do one of these things
1. Solve a problem
2. Prepare your kids for college and their future
3. Provide “professional” development for you
Listen to the episode to learn how I suggest you find the right tech tool to fit your needs
The three Facebook groups I ment...2022-11-0220 minHomeschooling with TechnologyAI Resources for your Homeschool
204: AI resources for your homeschool
In this episode, we look at some free AI resources you can use for your homeschool.
The AI tools mentioned are:
Google AI experiments and in particular Quick Draw and AI Duet
Autodraw
Instapainting
Craiyon
Dream by Wombo
Verse by Verse
Quillbot
Wordtune
Speechify
Love the podcast? Write a review wherever you listen to it, or share about it on social media. Take a photo or screenshot as proof and send it to meryl@fundafunda.com. To say thanks, select any $20 web-based unit study from show...2022-10-2617 minHomeschooling with TechnologyCarschooling with Technology
203: Carschooling with technology
Homeschool moms can find themselves carschooling on occasion, regularly, or on vacation – here are some ideas on carschooling with technology.
Here are some websites and apps mentioned in this episode – listen to the full episode for all the ideas.
Vocabulary.com
Stack the States app
CDC Solve the Outbreak app
iCivics apps
Duolingo
Studystack
Quizlet
Knowt
Love the podcast? Write a review wherever you listen to it, or share about it on social media. Take a photo or screenshot as proof and send it to meryl@fundafunda.com. To s...2022-10-1917 minHomeschooling with TechnologyHow to use movies in your homeschool
187: How to use Movies in your Homeschool
In this episode, guest Rachel van der Merwe, discusses how to use movies in your homeschool. Rachel is Assistant professor of media studies at the University of Groningen and FundaFunda’s teacher of the “I Spy: A Course in Visual Literacy” online class.
Rachel starts off talking about Movies vs Documentaries – listen in for her interesting perspective.
Some specific content areas we cover and the movies mentioned are:
History movies – Newsies
Geography movies – Michael Palin’s videos
English – Movies based on...2022-06-2919 minHomeschooling with TechnologyOnline Choose Your Own Adventure Games
Episode 185: Online Choose Your Own Adventure Games
Host: Meryl Van de Merva | Podcast: Homeschooling with Technology
Welcome!
This episode explores online choose-your-own-adventure games, ideal for homeschoolers to engage in reading, decision-making, and critical thinking.
What are Choose-Your-Own-Adventure Games?
These games offer stories where players make choices that shape the narrative. Traditionally available as books, they are now accessible as online games. Meryl recalls playing a text-based version called Adventure Game in her youth—and many similar options are still available today.
Create Your Own Adventure
...2022-06-1519 minHomeschooling with Technology4 Ways Challenging Yourself as a Homeschooling Mom Leads to Leveling Up Your Homeschooling Life
146: 4 Ways Challenging Yourself as a Homeschooling Mom Leads to Leveling Up Your Homeschooling Life
In this episode, guest Sarah Miller-Snyder shares 4 ways challenging yourself as a homeschool mom leads to leveling up your homeschool.
Sarah has been a guest on the podcast twice before. She has shared about Podcasts for hhomeschool families and Podcasts for kids of all ages, so be sure to listen to those if you haven’t already.
Sarah has her own podcast, The Online School Mom. I am her guest on the episode “Online electives to boost your...2021-08-2523 minHomeschooling with TechnologyTechnology and the Middle School Years
145: Technology and the Middle School Years
In this episode we look at technology and the middle school years from two different perspectives:
1. How much technology is too much?
The first topic I discuss is video gaming. The article I reference is here.
The Instagram account to look at is @juliebravewriter. Click on “Video Games” under highlights in Stories.
The second topic is Social Media. The website I reference is Social Media Test Drive. I also mention a previous podcast episode: Homeschooling Digital Natives
2. How much tech...2021-08-1819 minHomeschooling with TechnologyNon-tech skills students learn from coding
144: Non-tech skills students learn from coding
There are many non-tech skills students learn from coding. This means learning to program is useful even when students don’t decide to pursue a degree where programming is core to it. These are the skills i talk about in this episode:
Critical Thinking
Logic
Problem Solving
Project Planning
Perseverance
Attention to detail
Creativity
Students will also learn humility.
Show sponsor FundaFunda offers the following programming classes:
Intro to Game Programming Unit Study – self-paced 4 module online class that introduces students to game design, game logi...2021-08-1118 minHomeschooling with TechnologyAsynchronous vs Synchronous online classes
143: Asynchronous vs Synchronous Online Classes
In this episode, we take a look at asynchronous vs synchronous online classes and consider which might be a better fit for your family.
Synchronous Classes
* Live class – Zoom / Google Meet
* Interaction? Passive? Discussion?
* Homework outside of class?
* Specific day/time
* If you miss a class is it recorded?
Asynchronous Classes
* Not live – but could take different formats
* Self-paced or deadlines?
* Videos + quizzes or more?
* Graded or not?
* Interaction with teacher? other students?
Sh...2021-08-0418 minHomeschooling with TechnologyAcademic Integrity in Online Classes114: Academic Integrity in Online Classes
In this episode, Suzette Laporte-Ayo and Dr. Dana Underwood, FundaFunda Academy‘s Spanish and Biology teachers, join Meryl to discuss the problem of academic integrity in online classes.
Suzette has also been the guest on episode 25 where she shared how to use Quizlet to learn foreign language vocabulary.
Dana was one of the guests on episode 88 when we discussed online resources to make science engaging.
There are three main areas of concern that we discuss:
1. Plagiarism (For ways to teach your children not to...2021-01-1329 minHomeschooling with TechnologyReplay: 4 Free Online History games
This is a rerun of episode 42 which covers 4 Free Online History Games. I know many listeners are looking for free online games so enjoy!
You can find the show notes on the original episode here.
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and give a rating and maybe even a review!
Contact Meryl via email on meryl@mediaangels.com or connect with her on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook
The post Replay: 4 Free Online History games appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
2020-12-3012 minHomeschooling with TechnologyReplay: Classtools – online educational fun
If you are looking for some new fun educational activities for your children in the new year, ClassTools is a great place to go. Listen to this replay as I tell you how I like to use some of the tools.
The original episode and the show notes can be found here.
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and give a rating and maybe even a review!
Contact Meryl via email on meryl@mediaangels.com or connect with her on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook
2020-12-2310 minHomeschooling with TechnologyReplay: Online Tools For Photography
With the holiday season coming up, this seemed like a good time to rerun episode 42 which covers Online Tools for Photography. Our guest is Piers van der Merwe.
I hope these tools come in useful!
You can find the show notes on the original episode here.
The post Replay: Online Tools For Photography appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
2020-11-2515 minHomeschooling with TechnologyUsing Tech in your Early Elementary Homeschooling Journey
109: Using Tech in your Early Elementary Homeschooling Journey with Tiffany Aguirre
Our guest in this episode is Tiffany Aguirre from Life With Many Blessings. Tiffany shares how she is using tech in early elementary homeschooling.
Here is the list of different apps and websites Tiffany talks about:
Allowance & Chores Bot
Sound It Out (Word Builder App)
GoodNotes (Writing Practice)
Teach Your Monster to Read
Khan Kids
And check out Tiffany’s awesome all-in-one homeschool planner for iPads.
Join our Facebook Group especially for the listeners of this podcast! You ca...2020-11-1813 minHomeschooling with TechnologyOnline Grammar Games
108: Online Grammar Games
This year I have put together an online Writing Fun class for middle schoolers and decided to add online grammar games to each week’s work.These are ones I found that are worth sharing with your elementary and middle school children.
Madtakes – an online version of Madlibs
Brainpop – Most of the grammar concepts listed have a “Sortify” game to use for practice
Freerice – Freerice has a grammar category
Semicolon Wars: The fight for Punctuation Island – This game from Mr. Nussbaum teaches more than just semicolon...2020-11-1112 minHomeschooling with TechnologyTeach your Children about Phishing
107: Teach your Children about Phishing
Everyone with an email address and a phone is regularly affected by phishing attempts, and in this episode, I give some tips on how to teach your children about phishing.
My first suggestion is that when you receive a phishing attempt by email or phone, you show your children and talk about it with them.
You can also watch these videos with them:
The video by Commoncraft on this page
E-Safe: Phishing Emails – Internet Safety
Stay Safe from Phishing and Scams
Spear phishing is very ta...2020-11-0417 minHomeschooling with TechnologyPreparing our children for jobs of the future
106: Preparing our children for jobs of the future
As we homeschool, we do have to consider if we are preparing our children for jobs of the future and that is what we consider in this episode.
Some of the ideas mentioned are:
1. Will the job still exist – and if so, will it be changed in any way?
2. Technological know-how job seekers will need
3. They may need to know how to program
4. They will need to know how to work virtually
5. Make sure they kn...2020-10-2814 minHomeschooling with TechnologyOnline Resources for Creative Writing
105: Online Resources for Creative Writing with Ayanna Murray
Ayanna Murray is the guest in this episode and she shares her favorite online resources for creative writing. Ayanna is an author herself and she shares how she taught her children to enjoy and excel at creative writing. You can learn about Ayanna at her website – Ayannamurray.com.
I met Ayanna through a Facebook group I host – Homeschooling College-bound Teens. You are welcome to join us there too!
These are the resources Ayanaa mentioned. Be sure to listen to the episode for more deta...2020-10-2116 minHomeschooling with TechnologyCreative Ways to Use Tech for Foreign Language Learning
104: Creative Ways to Use Tech for Foreign Language Learning
This episode explains some creative ways to use tech for foreign language learning. This is not about apps and websites to teach a language, but rather on how to use tech to allow you to practice what you are learning in a natural way. The ideas I share can be used for all ages.
1. Listen to music in foreign languages
2. Read simple e-books in foreign languages
3. Watch TV shows and movies in foreign languages
4. Set shopping sites to...2020-10-1411 minHomeschooling with TechnologyUsing Youtube in your Homeschool
103: Using Youtube in your Homeschool
This episode covers a number of tools that can help you when you are using Youtube in your homeschool. Listen to the episode which explains these in more detail.
1. Use Filters when you search on Youtube to find videos that meet your needs
2. Playlists – a useful way to share related Youtube videos with your children
3. Choose from these free tools to remove the sidebar:
Watchkin
Safeshare
Viewpure
Padlet
Google Slides
4. 360-degree videos put you “in the video and Google cardboard can enhance the...2020-10-0711 minHomeschooling with TechnologyHow to use Google Lens in your homeschool
Episode 102: How to use Google Lens in your homeschool with Dr. Kristin Moon
Today’s interview is with Kristin Moon from Kristin Moon Science and she explains what Google Lens is and how to Use Google Lens in your homeschool. You can also follow her on Facebook
Dr. Moon teaches Chemistry for show sponsor FundaFunda Academy and Biology at True North Homeschool Academy.
Be sure to listen to our other interviews with her including the one where she talks about PHET Simulations
This is a useful blog post that hi...2020-09-3011 minHomeschooling with TechnologyMoving and Creating with Minecraft Earth
Episode 101: Moving and Creating with Minecraft Earth
Minecraft Earth is an augmented reality app that could be described as a cross between Minecraft and Pokemon GO. It gets students moving because they have to move to collect resources and it gets them creating as they build their own worlds.
Students can not only build, but can also participate in Adventures and take on Challenges. As they progress through the game they accumulate points and level up. Leveling up as well as completing challenges earns rewards.
Students can take items they collect...2020-09-2309 minHomeschooling with Technology100 Free Digital Resources for Homeschool Families
Episode 100: 100 Free Digital Resources for Homeschool Families
This is the 100th episode of the podcast and to celebrate I created a document that lists 100 free digital resources for homeschool families.
Some of the items on the list have paid versions as well as free, but the free version is enough to be useful.
All of the resources have multiple uses or will take a while to play through if it is just one game. Many have been featured in previous shows.
In this episode, I highlight a few of...2020-09-1614 minHomeschooling with TechnologyOnline Election Resources For Students
99: Online Election Resources For Students
With the upcoming election, this seems to be a good time to talk about online election resources for students.
iCivics
Lots of teacher resources
Also games – Win the White House, Cast your Vote
Scholastic
Race to 270 – simulation that teaches about the electoral college
The Issues – choose reading levels for explanations on what different parties believe about different issues
Kid Reporters – articles about the election written by students
Quizzes
Redistricting Game
5 missions that teach what gerrymandering is
Ballet...2020-09-0911 minHomeschooling with TechnologyDigital Resources for Music Appreciation
98: Digital Resources for Music Appreciation
Our guest in this episode is Gena Mayo who blogs about many topics (including homeschooling and fashion) at I Choose Joy specifically about music and homeschooling at Music in Our Homeschool.
Digital Resources for Music Appreciation For All Ages
Philharmonia.co.uk
This orchestra provides live (online through YouTube during the pandemic) concerts. Especially check out the Instrument Guides and the Family Concerts (also on their YouTube channel)
Naxos.com
Naxos Records is the world’s leading classical music la...2020-09-0213 minHomeschooling with TechnologyProfile of a Successful Online Learner
97: Profile of a Successful Online Learner
So many students in high school and college are now learning online, and they don’t always know how to navigate and excel in a different environment to the physical classroom.
As I have been teaching online for many years now, I hope this episode helps those of you with online learners – and those of you who will have online learners in the future.
Here are the tips covered in this episode to help your child from an early age be ready to be a succ...2020-08-2623 minHomeschooling with TechnologyOnline Forensic Science Resources
96: Online Forensic Science Resources
Our guest in this episode is Emily Boyle and she shares with us online forensic science resources. Emily coaches Crime Busters and Forensics for a homeschool Science Olympiad team and she teaches Forensic Science to high schoolers at FundaFunda Academy.
These are the resources Emily mentions:
Science News has a section for students and there are articles on Forensic Science
Forensic Technology Center of Excellence has a Just Science Podcast. For resources by topic use this link
National Institute of Justice
FBI has a kids page
GA Virtual...2020-08-1912 minHomeschooling with TechnologyOnline Tools to learn about the Stock Market
95: Online Tools to learn about the Stock Market
In this episode, the following online stock market resources are mentioned:
1. TED ED talk How does the Stock Market work?
2. Stock Market rap song
3. Quizlet and Quizizz are good websites to use to teach students the basic terms in a fun way.
4. New Generation Personal Finance has videos, games and activities including the game Build Your Stax
5. How the Market Works simulation
6. The Stock Market Game contest which is a team event for 4th – 12th gr...2020-08-1210 minHomeschooling with TechnologyOnline Classes and Costs
94: Online Classes and Costs
When you consider online classes and their costs, you need to remember that you usually get what you pay for.
Free online classes will expect parents to grade and may not be as in-depth as paid classes.
Low-cost online classes are usually self-paced with automatic grading (ie assignments are quizzes) or parent grading. These kinds of classes can afford big sales on their products as most of the work is done during course creation.
The more involvement by teachers the more classes are likely to...2020-08-0514 minHomeschooling with TechnologyA year-round virtual curriculum fair
93: A year-round virtual curriculum fair
Our guest in this episode is Heather Bowen from Mom for All Seasons and in this interview you can learn about the year-round virtual curriculum fair she has created.
This virtual curriculum fair allows you to find curricula based on age, subject, type of curriculum, and worldview. It is very easy to narrow down your search to find a number of options that fit the criteria you specify. Each week all the special offers from vendors are listed on the main page.
The website is Top...2020-07-2916 minHomeschooling with TechnologyThe role of tech with special needs students
92: The role of tech with special needs students
Our guest in this episode is Peggy Ployhar, founder/CEO of SPED Homeschool, and she is going to share with us about using tech with special needs students. Peggy has a wealth of wisdom to share, and you will need to listen to this episode to get the maximum benefit.
This sums up what Peggy covers in this episode:
Teaching struggling students is difficult, thus many parents look to technology to ease that difficulty, but if not considered properly it can complicate the...2020-07-2217 minHomeschooling with TechnologyHow your teens can build their own computer
91: How your teens can build their own computer
August Smith, who is now studying to be a Mechanical Engineer is our guest and explains how your teens can build their own computer – because it is something he did as a high school student.
August has been a student at, and then a teaching assistant for show sponsor FundaFunda Academy. The classes he has assisted with are the Scratch and Python coding classes.
Resources August used
Youtuber OZTalkszHW
pcpartpicker.com
August explains why teens should build their own PC, the di...2020-07-1514 minHomeschooling with TechnologyHow to make virtual field trips engaging
90: How to make virtual field trips engaging
In this episode, our guest, Shannan Swindler, shares how to make virtual field trips engaging. Shannan’s home base is in Scotland, where she and her husband homeschool their two kids (ages 11 & 15) and they learn on location throughout Europe as much as possible. She is a classical style home educator living out her God-breathed dream of raising her family in Europe. She’s passionate about many things, especially helping others learn on location using the world as their classroom. You can join her at Captivating Compass for homeschool and...2020-07-0816 minHomeschooling with TechnologyCreating Electives with Online Resources
89: Creating Electives with Online Resources
In this episode, I first explain why I believe homeschoolers should add electives for high school and then I dive into the topic – creating electives with online resources
Find content for electives in the following places:
Great Courses
Your public library’s online resources eg Lynda, documentaries
MOOCs
Youtube look for playlists on topics, How to videos if the elective is a hands-on
Google – Look for an outline of what should be covered in the syllabi of high school or colleges courses, videos, games, tutorials, and contests (these...2020-07-0114 minHomeschooling with TechnologyReplay: Tips for Buying and Selling Curriculum Online
This is a replay of episode 36. You can find the show notes here
The post Replay: Tips for Buying and Selling Curriculum Online appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
2020-06-2416 minHomeschooling with TechnologyOnline resources to make science engaging
88: Online Resources to make Science Engaging
In this episode, show sponsor, FundaFunda‘s science teachers share some of their favorite online resources to make science more engaging.
Heather Fulghum (Ecology and Earth Science teacher) mentions these resources
For Water Quality – virtualbiologylab.org
Jeopardy labs
Pokemon go lab – listen for the explanation!
Dr. Dana Underwood (Biology 1 and Biology 2 teacher) has these suggestions
allow kids a choice for projects (they’ve done scratch/python, stop-motion animation, and more traditional things like powerpoint)
use animations for complicated molecular things
use online articles for current...2020-06-1717 minHomeschooling with TechnologyOnline Resources to teach kids about racism
87: Online Resources to Teach Kids about Racism
In this episode, I share some online resources to teach kids about racism. All the websites I refer to are linked below.
Resources to help parents know how to talk about racism
National Museum of African American History and Culture has a section “Talking About Race.” Be sure not to miss the videos on implicit bias in the “Being Antiracist” topic.
NY Times book list for kids
Coretta Scott King Book Award winners
Movies – Akeelah and the Bee
Younger children – CNN/Sesame Street town hall on racism
In...2020-06-1017 minHomeschooling with TechnologyDigital Games That Teach Problem-Solving
86: Digital Games That Teach Problem Solving
Tara Walker is our guest and she shares with us some digital games that teach problem-solving.
Tara Walker is completing her Ph.D. in the College of Media, Communication and Information at the University of Colorado Boulder in Media Research and Practice. Her research focuses on mental illness and health in mass communication. She has been the Instructor of Record for Media Ethics and Law, History of Advertising, Strategic Writing for Public Relations, and Creative Concepts. She has also taught writing and rhetoric classes...2020-06-0318 minHomeschooling with TechnologyVirtual Travel
85: Virtual Travel
If your travel plans have been disrupted, then consider virtual travel.
Start by going to Google Earth and you can either search for a place, use the Voyager button on the left, or the one “I am feeling lucky” to get taken to a random place. Once there drag the pegman to some place on the map and you will be in Google Streetview and ready to explore.
Once you have don’t some exploration on foot, then it is time to do some research to fin...2020-05-2715 minHomeschooling with TechnologyEvernote Online Filing System
84: Evernote online filing system with Rachel van der Merwe
The guest for this episode is Rachel van der Merwe, a Ph.D. candidate in media studies at the University of Colorado Boulder. Rachel has four years of teaching experience at the undergraduate level and currently teaches the upper-level course Media and Popular Culture for CU Boulder. She is also my daughter and the teacher of the Visual Literacy class for show sponsor, FundaFunda Academy.
What is Evernote?
The Evernote app describes itself as a digital notebook, but...2020-05-2018 min
Homeschool Success Stories2 - Success with Academics in Homeschooling - with Meryl van Der MerweMeryl van der Merwe homeschooled her 4 children and has taught at a homeschool co op for 10 years. She is a computer programmer by training who loves traveling and reading. She is the founder of Fundafunda.com .Her kids have all moved on from...
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/amber-semerau/message2020-05-1743 minHomeschooling with TechnologyFree Quiz Creation Tools
83: Free Quiz Creation Tools
Free quiz creation tools can be used to create quizzes for your children to take OR if your children are old enough, you can get them to create the quiz as a way of learning or revising material you are studying. These are the tools mentioned in this episode. Listen to the episode to hear how each of these is different and why I like each of these tools.
1. Google Forms – learn how to use it to create quizzes here
2. Educandy
3. The Pa...2020-05-1312 minHomeschooling with TechnologyPodcasts for Kids of all Ages
82: Podcasts for Kids of All Ages
Sarah Miller-Snyder from Podcastliving.com is our guest to share with us her knowledge about podcasts for kids and teens. I met Sarah in my Facebook group, Homeschooling College-bound Teens. You are welcome to join us there too! And visit show sponsor FundaFunda Academy to see if any of their classes are good fits for your children. Many of them use podcasts occasionally in assignments!
Why should kids listen to podcasts?
Here are 5 reasons kids should listen to...2020-05-0623 minHomeschooling with TechnologyWays to integrate technology into your homeschool
81: 6 easy ways to integrate technology into your homeschool
Here are 6 easy ways to integrate technology into your homeschool. Don’t try to do them all at once – just try implementing one way first and then add as you go.
1. Daily Schedule
Ideas for ways to do that:
Google Sheets
Trello
2. Record keeping
Keep track of community service hours and grades at the very least. Google Sheets is a free option, but you can also use a tool like Homeschool Trac...2020-04-2916 minHomeschooling with TechnologyCreative Ways to use Zoom
80: Creative Ways to use Zoom
If you have 8th – 12th graders, don’t miss the annual High School Challenge from show sponsor FundaFunda Academy. High schoolers can win gift cards and money while completing challenges that teach them about being prepared for college.
Tips on using Zoom
You can mute other people in the Zoom room
Disabling the whiteboard in your user settings will disable the ability for others to use annotations (and prevent them from drawing all over your screen)
You can select someone’s video to spotlight ie make their video...2020-04-2215 minHomeschooling with TechnologyOnline income opportunities for homeschool moms
79: Online income opportunities for homeschool moms with Bekki Sayler, Abby Banks, and Lea Bosse
In this episode, my 3 guests each explain different online income opportunities they are currently using. All have low start-up costs and should be doable for most homeschool moms.
1. Printables with Bekki Sayler
You can find Bekki at A Better Way to Homeschool. Her Facebook Group, Make and Sell Printables is a good place for people to start with printables.
Bekki offers a class on how to do it – use code TOGETHER! for a...2020-04-1518 minHomeschooling with TechnologyVirtual Community Service Opportunities
78: Virtual Community Service Opportunities
The coronavirus and social distancing have made it harder for our children to be involved in community service projects, but thankfully there are still many virtual community service opportunities.
Students should keep records of the community service they do as it will help them win scholarships and look impressive to colleges. In addition, they can achieve certificates and medals in the Congressional Award program.
Show Sponsor, FundaFunda Academy, is hosting its 3rd annual High School Challenge in April and...2020-04-0817 minHomeschooling with TechnologyVirtual Labs
77: Virtual Labs with Dr Kristin Moon
Our guest is Dr Kristin Moon from Kristin Moon Science . You can find her on Facebook too.
Dr. Moon teaches Chemistry for show sponsor FundaFunda Academy and Biology at True North Homeschool Academy.
Be sure to listen to our other interview with her where she talks about PHET Simulations.
Virtual Biology Labs
Expandable Mind is the website Kristin refers to
3 virtual labs from their site that she...2020-04-0120 minHomeschooling with TechnologyUsing technology to alleviate cabin fever
76: Using Technology to Alleviate Cabin Fever
Here are 3 resources show sponsor FundaFunda Academy is offering that will help you!
30 days of educational activities for elementary school – 5 activities per day all laid out for you!
High School Challenge – a mini college prep class where students can win cash and gift cards
Free live tutorials from a number of the FundaFunda teachers delivered over Zoom.
1. Exercise: find online videoas. YMCA has a number they are offering.
2. Documentaries / Educational programming: Consider a subscription to a streaming service. One Netflix show...2020-03-2521 minHomeschooling with TechnologyOnline Resources to Teach about the Coronavirus
Episode 75: Online Resources to Teach about the Coronavirus
In this episode, you will learn about some free resources to help you understand the coronavirus and teach your kids about it.
If you haven’t already listened to episode 58 How to Teach your Kids to Identify Fake News, I suggest you listen to it. In that episode, I share resources you can go through with. your children. Understanding fake news will help children figure out what the facts are and what is just hype and false information.
These are the online re...2020-03-1816 minHomeschooling with TechnologyCommunication Tools for your Homeschool
Episode 74: Communication Tools for your Homeschool
Here are the 5 communication tools mentioned in this episode. Listen to the episode to hear more about them.
All these are free or have a free version that is all you are likely to need.
1. GroupMe
Use the GroupMe app when you need to communicate with a group of people.
2. WhatsApp
WhatsApp can be used to message and call people all over the world.
3. Marco Polo
Marco Polo is an asynchronous video app that...2020-03-1117 minHomeschooling with TechnologyProject Based Learning Techie Style
Episode 73: Project Based Learning Techie Style
What is Project-Based Learning?
Project-Based Learning is a teaching method in which students learn by actively engaging in real-world and personally meaningful projects.
From pblworks.org
In the episode, I explain in more detail what PBL is, and I provide some examples. in addition to the examples I mention, you can find more ideas for projects here.
How to add tech to project-based learning
1. Online research that can include
videos/documentaries
online articles
interviews conducted through video...2020-03-0413 minHomeschooling with TechnologyFree Tools to create slideshows
Episode 72: Free Tools to Create Slideshows
In this episode, I talk about the following free tools to create slideshows. Listen to the episode for more detail about each of them.
Powerpoint / Keynote
Macs come with Keynote and many PCs will have Powerpoint on them when you buy them. These are both very powerful and have lots of features.
Google Slides
Google Slides allows people to collaborate and work on the same slideshow. It also allows one to leave comments.
Prezi
Prezi has a unique look and feel and...2020-02-2613 minHomeschooling with TechnologyVirtual Field Trips
71: Virtual Field Trips
In this episode, I talk to Jayda Justus, aka The History Mom about virtual field trips.
Jayda is a writer and blogger at The History Mom, where she reviews historical sites and
experiences for families. These reviews provide helpful tips and reading lists to enhance visits
for children and families and encourage parents to make history sightseeing part of their
vacations.
Show sponsor FundaFunda Academy incorporates virtual field trips into their online high school US History class as well as their history web-based unit...2020-02-1920 minHomeschooling with TechnologyFree Online Vocabulary Games
Free Online Vocabulary Games
Host: Meryl van der Merwe
Podcast: Homeschooling with Technology
Welcome to Homeschooling with Technology! I’m Meryl van der Merwe, a graduated homeschool mom, tech enthusiast, and teacher at Fundafunda Academy. In this episode, we explore free online vocabulary games to supplement your homeschool curriculum.
Why Vocabulary is Important
Building a strong vocabulary helps students excel in reading, writing, public speaking, and standardized tests, like the ACT. While non-digital methods work well, today we’ll focus on four online tools that make vocabulary practice fun...2020-02-1212 minHomeschooling with TechnologyDigital Portfolios
69: Digital Portfolios
These are the tools to create digital portfolios discussed in this episode.
1. Padlet
Padlet is like a giant pinboard and makes it easy to pin graphics, videos, and text.
2. Google slides
Google Slides allows one to scroll through slides to view students’ work.
3. Seesaw
Seesaw is an website designed specifically for digital portfolios. It is suitable for younger students as it has very tight privacy features.
4. Pathbrite
Pathbrite offers similar options to seesaw but wit...2020-02-0515 minHomeschooling with TechnologyHomeschool Moms Can Be Gamers
68: Homeschool Moms Can Be Gamers
Don’t imagine gamers as teen boys who play first-person shooter games and one has to drag away from the computer. That’s a stereotype – homeschool moms can be gamers!
Merriam-Webster defines a gamer as ” a person who plays games especially : a person who regularly plays computer or video games”.
There are some many different types of games that there is really something for everyone!
Why should homeschool moms be gamers?
1. Way to keep up your techie skills and learn ne...2020-01-2915 minHomeschooling with TechnologyApps and websites to help students access reading materials and educational videos
67: Apps and websites to help students access reading materials and educational videos with Dr. Monica Burns
In this episode, we welcome Dr. Monica Burns to share her favorite apps and websites to help students access reading materials.
Dr. Monica Burns is an EdTech and Curriculum consultant, author and former New York City public school teacher. She visits schools across the country to support PreK-20 teachers to make technology integration meaningful and sustainable. Monica’s website ClassTechTips.com helps educators place “tasks before apps” by promoting deeper learning with technology.
...2020-01-2217 minHomeschooling with TechnologyDigital to-do lists for you and your children
66: Digital to-do lists for you and your children
Although there is nothing wrong with using paper “to-do” lists, digital to-do lists can be so much more convenient and flexible. Using them can help you and your children organize your lives.
Here are 3 different options to consider using:
1. Notes on your phone
When you are on the move, using the notes app on an iPhone (and something similar on other phones) is an easy way to see what you need to do. On the iPhone, you can even turn...2020-01-1514 minHomeschooling with TechnologyFree Online Anatomy Games
65: Free Online Anatomy Games
Here are the online anatomy games mentioned in the podcast.These games were shared with me by the authors of 3 of FundaFunda Academy’s anatomy unit studies. And right now until 15th January, you can get 50% off all their regular-priced web-based unit studies with code JAN2020
Golden Hour Game
Be part of a medical response team to someone with a head injury and learn about the brain.
Code Fred: Survival Mode This is a game that teaches about the endocrine system and how our bod...2020-01-0811 minHomeschooling with TechnologyNew Years Resolutions for Digital Habits
64: New Years Resolutions for digital habits
The beginning of a new year is a good time to reflect on our lives – including our digital habits. Here are some ideas for New Years Resolutions for Digital Habits.
Bad tech habits we can change
Track your online time for a week to see where you are wasting time online
Sign up for the Infomagical challenge to take a close look at your habits.
Consider signing your teens up for FundaFunda Academy’s Computer Applications class next year as it includes a modul...2020-01-0112 minHomeschooling with TechnologyReplay: Techie Family Fun
This is a replay of episode 13. You can find the show notes here
The post Replay: Techie Family Fun appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
2019-12-2510 minHomeschooling with TechnologyReplay: Tech Toys and Games
This is a replay of episode 12. You can find the show notes here
The post Replay: Tech Toys and Games appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
2019-12-1812 minHomeschooling with TechnologyPlanning the holidays with tech
63: Planning the Holidays with Tech
Here are some ideas for planning the holidays with tech
Gifts
I covered the topic in detail in Episode 10: Christmas Shopping the Techie Way
You might also find this blog post about using Trello for gift shopping helpful.
Google Calendar
Use Google Calendar to keep track of who needs to be where, who will be in for meals, who needs the car etc.
Doodle
Trying to work out the best day to hold a h...2019-12-1117 minHomeschooling with TechnologyParticipate in the Hour of Code
62: Participate in the Hour of Code
The Hour of Code will be held during the week of 9 – 15 December 2019, BUT you can participate in the activities any time during the year.
The goal is not to learn to code, but to learn what coding is and that coding is fun and creative and anyone can do it.
Visit the Hour of Code website to find a wide range of options of short tutorials that will introduce children to code.
Here are a few you will find on the web...2019-12-0413 minHomeschooling with TechnologyReplay: 10 Techie Tools I am grateful for
This is a replay of episode 9. You can find the show notes here
The post Replay: 10 Techie Tools I am grateful for appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
2019-11-2714 minHomeschooling with TechnologyOnline Educational Thanksgiving Activities
Episode 61: Online Educational Thanksgiving Activities
Here are the online educational Thanksgiving activities mentioned in this episode. Be sure to listen to learn more about each one.
Before you start, spend some time getting to understand what the first Thanksgiving was really like from sources like this one online and the book, Lies my Teacher Told Me.
1. A Virtual Thanksgiving Field Trip
Scholastic has a great website that allows you to take a tour of the Mayflower, cross the ocean on it, and see what life was like t...2019-11-2012 minHomeschooling with TechnologyTeaching kids soft skills for digital communication
Episode 60: Teaching Kids Soft Skills for Digital Communication – interview with Lisa Nehring
Lisa Nehring from True North Homeschool Academy and the Soft Skills 101 podcast is the guest on today’s show. She shares with us some of the soft skills for digital communication we need to teach our children.
Learn more about the importance of soft skills in this article by Lisa Nehring.
Some of the topics covered in this episode that you should be talking to your children about are:
1) checking and responding to emails/messages in a re...2019-11-1319 minHomeschooling with TechnologyOnline Personal Finance games and interactive activities
Episode 59: Online Personal Finance games and interactive activities
Online personal finance games and interactive activities give teens the opportunity to practice their financial literacy skills. Here are the websites mentioned in this episode:
1. Online Insurance Games
Playinsure.com offers 2 games – one for home insurance and one for auto insurance. For both, you play for 30 virtual days and different events happen each day. Your decisions at the start of the game are important – try to make it through a month and have money in the bank at the end...2019-11-0611 minHomeschooling with TechnologyHow to teach your kids to identify fake news
Episode 58: How to teach your kids to identify fake news
In this episode, I suggest a number of ways for you to teach your kids to identify fake news.
To start, it would be useful to listen to this Planet Money episode, Finding the Fake News King, in which they trace a piece of fake news back to the person who created it.
The ideas below are all taught in our sponsor, FundaFunda Academy’s Computer Applications class which covers digital literacy as well as computer skills.
...2019-10-3011 minHomeschooling with TechnologyTeaching kids about copyright and plagiarism
Episode 57: Teaching Kids about Copyright and Plagiarism
Are you teaching your kids about copyright and plagiarism? Too many students in my online classes are routinely plagiarising and breaking copyright. I don’t think many realize that what they are doing is wrong.
Copyright
Be sure to explain to your children that unless the project they are doing falls into the “fair use” category, they should never assume they can use any photographs, clipart, music etc they find online.
To find material that they can legally use, the easiest thing...2019-10-2313 minHomeschooling with TechnologyLearning History through Video Games
Episode 56:Learning History through Video Games with Charlene Hess
Charlene Hess of Hess Un-Academy joins me in this episode as we talk about learning history through video games. Be sure to visit her Facebook page.
When my children were young we all enjoyed playing Orgeon Trail together. Oregon Trail is seen as the first educational computer game to gain widespread appeal because it was also fun. As they got older the played other video games based in history like Knights and Merchants, Caesar 3, Rome: Total War and Battlefield 1942.
One of...2019-10-1617 minHomeschooling with TechnologyHow much screentime for your children?
Episode 55: How much screentime for your children?
My previous episode on Homeschooling Digital Natives gives context to this episode so if you haven’t listened to it yet, you might it helpful as you consider the question, “How much screentime for your children?”
I suggest you look for balance and to help you, here are some things I think you should consider:
1. Too much time on computer screens isn’t good for any of us. This is particularly true at night as it affects sleep. See this article by Beth Napoli aka Tech...2019-10-0920 minHomeschooling with TechnologyHomeschooling Digital Natives
Episode 54: Homeschooling Digital Natives
Most of you are digital immigrants homeschooling digital natives.
In 2001 Mark Prensky coined the terms “digital natives” and “digital immigrants”. ‘Digital Native’ is used to describe someone born in the digital era. ‘Digital Immigrant’ is used to describe someone born before the digital era.
This comic created by Adam Ellis shows how digital immigrants can have a skewed view of digital natives.
As digital immigrants, we tend to divide our activities between “online” and “offline” whereas for digital natives the online world is just part of their reality –...2019-10-0214 minHomeschooling with TechnologyWhy Homeschool Moms Need to be Tech-Savvy
Episode 53: Why homeschool moms need to be tech-savvy with Felice Gerwitz
It’s our one year birthday!! Before we talk about “Why Homeschool Moms Need to be Tech-Savvy” let’s talk about birthday gifts!
If you find this podcast useful, the best gift you can give us is a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. OR you can share about the podcast on your Facebook page, a Facebook group you are in or an online forum.
If you do any of these things, email me a screenshot of the revi...2019-09-2523 minHomeschooling with TechnologyUsing Technology to Eat Healthy
Episode 52: Using Technology to Eat Healthy with Debbie Hanyon
In this episode, Debbie Hanyon from Homeschooling Dietitian Mom, joins us to share how she uses technology to eat healthy. Debbie is a homeschool mom and she has a number of resources on her website other homeschool moms will find helpful. Take a special look at her Meal Planning for Kids Curriculum.
Debbie’s favorite apps and websites for healthy eating are:
My Fitness Pal
Spark People calorie tracker
Is My Food Safe app only available for Apple products. This app helps yo...2019-09-1818 minHomeschooling with TechnologyFree Website Creation Tools
Episode 51: Free Website Creation Tools
Why is it a good idea to teach students to create websites?
Useful skill
Can be used for community service- 4-H group, Lego League Team, homeschool support group
If they start a business they will need one
Digital portfolios
As a way to share what they are learning instead of producing a written report
Here are 5 free website creation tools I have used:
1. Weebly
Weebly has unlimited bandwidth even on the free plan, you can add a PayPal button and it is easy...2019-09-1113 minHomeschooling with TechnologyHow to Create Online Choose Your Own Adventure Games
Episode 50: How to Create Online Choose Your Own Adventure Games
Here are 3 different resources students can use to create online choose-your-own-adventure games.
1. Text Adventures
Text Adventures actually has 3 different options to create choose-your-own-adventure games. There is the option to download software, but I have always used the online version.
Initially, you are asked to select between Quest and Squiffy. Select Quest (Squiffy is a little more complicated and only text).
Then you can start creating a Quest game. Now select ‘Gamebook’ in the drop-down option rather than...2019-09-0411 minHomeschooling with TechnologyPHET Science Simulations
Episode 49: PHET Science Simulations with Kristin Moon
Today’s interview is with Kristin Moon from Kristin Moon Science and the topic is PHET Science Simulations. You can also follow her on Facebook.
Why use simulations
Simulations allow students to have a concrete idea of concepts that are difficult to explain.
What are PHET simulations
They are free simulations on the topics of math, physics, chemistry, biology, and earth science that are useful for students of all grade levels. They are created by the University of Colorado in Bo...2019-08-2816 minHomeschooling with TechnologyWeb-based Unit Studies
Episode 48: Web-based Unit Studies
Web-based unit studies are NOT simply pdfs instead of physical books, but rather interactive and accessed through an online classroom.
What are web-based unit studies?
mini online self-paced classes
make use of online resources eg videos, interactive websites, online games, audio, infographics
have online projects where the students use digital tools to show what they have learned
Why include web-based unit studies in your homeschool?
unique nature of the resources which can bring subjects alive
engaging
kids learn techie skills
prepares students for online classes at...2019-08-2114 minHomeschooling with TechnologyFanschool games – bringing the fun of fantasy sports to education
Episode 47: Fanschool – bringing the fun of fantasy sports to education with Eric Nelson
Eric Nelson first created Fanschool games when he was a teacher and he played it with his classes. A few years ago he put it online – and now your family can enjoy playing too.
Fanschool Games
You can find the 2 Fanschool games – Fanpolitics and Fangeopolitics – on their website. It is free to use for up to 35 people so perfect for a family to play against each other or to use in a co-op class.
These games require...2019-08-1416 minHomeschooling with TechnologyUsing technology to improve writing
Episode 46: Using technology to improve writing
Here are the tools mentioned in the episode that can be used by your children to improve writing skills.
1. Grammarly
2. Hemingway app
3. The Most Dangerous Writing Prompt Generator –
4. Purdue OWL Online Writing Lab (OWL) at Purdue University
5. My Access
6. Online Writing Club from True North Homeschool Academy.
7. FundaFunda Academy has 2 writing classes that use technology to help students improve and have fun doing it. We have Writing Fun class for middle school which is perfect fo...2019-08-0717 min