Homeschool Tech Hacks Homeschooling With Technology podcast

14:37

323: Innovative Ways to Use Google Talking Tours In this episode we take a deep dive into Google Talking Tours , an AI-powered tool from Google Arts & Culture that lets users explore landmarks and cultural sites around the world with automatically narrated tours. Whether you’re teaching geography, history, writing, photography, or just looking for an engaging and free activity, here are 10 innovative ways homeschool families can use this tool to create meaningful learning experiences. What Are Google Talking Tours? Found in the Google Arts & Culture Experiments Allows students to explore locations via Google Street View Narration starts automatically, offering historical and cultural facts Users can: Take snapshots Ask questions Navigate by category or keyword search to select the place to explore 10 Creative Ways to Use Talking Tours Alternate History Stories Create a Travel Brochure or Video Ad Scavenger Hunt Challenge Dream Day Itinerary Creative Writing Prompt Soundtrack Challenge Prediction Game Photography Composition Practice Be the Tour Guide Art vs. Reality Comparison Links Mentioned Google Talking Tours 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 while 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 Innovative Ways to use Google Talking Tours appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network .…

Homeschooling with Technology

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Replay: How to use Movies in your Homeschool 19:49

12 days ago19:49

19:49

This is a replay of episode 187 . Go to that episode for the show notes. The post Replay: How to use Movies in your Homeschool appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network .

Homeschooling with Technology

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Online help for homeschool children with learning challenges

19 days ago

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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 dealing with ADHD, autism, trauma, and other special circumstances. Meryl and Krisa also discuss how Homeschool Heroes offers a better alternative to Facebook groups by avoiding algorithm issues, and allowing real peer-to-peer connection and expert access. Meryl shares how FundaFunda Academy (the show sponsor) also supports students with learning challenges through flexible, tech-integrated, asynchronous online classes. What You’ll Learn About: What Homeschool Heroes is and how it grew from SPED Homeschool Free resources available, including downloads for curriculum enrichment and high school support How the community groups work — even for free subscribers — and why they offer a better experience than Facebook groups The tagging system that helps homeschoolers find exactly the resources they need The Mindprint Learning cognitive assessment tool for identifying strengths and learning needs The quarterly “Homeschool Parent Day Off” events (next event: May 8, 2025 ) One-on-one consultation services for personalized homeschool help How Homeschool Heroes connects parents with trusted homeschool providers like FundaFunda Academy Important Links: Homeschool Heroes Website Register for the May 8th Day-Off Event (Free and online!) Learn about Mindprint Cognitive Assessments Connect with Homeschool Heroes: Facebook Instagram 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 while 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 Online help for homeschool children with learning challenges appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network .…

Homeschooling with Technology

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Why Math Should Be Fun 19:52

26 days ago19:52

19:52

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 and play into your homeschool math lessons Ideas for helping kids who already believe they are “bad at math” Key Takeaways: Parental attitude matters : When parents say they hate math, kids absorb that belief. Math is more than memorization : Wonder Math helps students embrace mistakes and view math as a problem-solving journey. Gamification works : Earning rewards can help shift a child’s mindset from dread to excitement. Start small : Use cooking, tipping, budgeting, or sports stats to teach math concepts in fun ways. Context matters : Math taught through stories or student interests is easier to retain. Free Offer: Try Wonder Math free for a month using the code MERYL at wondermath.com . Resources Mentioned: Khan Academy YouTube videos on “fun math” topics customized to your child’s interests Wonder Math Blog – especially the Homeschool and Math Fun categories Connect with Wonder Math: Facebook – Wonder Math Education Instagram – Wonder Math Education 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 while 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 Why Math Should Be Fun appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network .…

Homeschooling with Technology

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Replay: Online Poetry Resources 13:55

5 weeks ago13:55

13:55

This is a replay of episode 127 . Go to that episode for the show notes. The post Replay: Online Poetry Resources appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network .

Homeschooling with Technology

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Virtual Vacation: Travel the World Without a Passport 15:20

6 weeks ago15:20

15:20

320: Virtual Vacation: Travel the World Without a Passport Summer is almost here, and while a real vacation might still be a few weeks away, you and your homeschoolers can start exploring the world right now—take a virtual vacation! In this episode, discover Virtual Vacation , a free and engaging website that lets you experience cities around the globe through walking, driving, and flying tours. It’s more immersive than Google Maps and a fantastic way to make geography and cultural studies come alive. Highlights from the episode: What Virtual Vacation offers and how to use it Types of tours: walking, driving, flying, monuments, road trips, live cams, and virtual windows The built-in City Guesser game (similar to GeoGuessr) that tests your geography knowledge Creative ways to use the platform in your homeschool: Creative writing prompts based on real-world settings Comparative studies across multiple cities Language learning by listening to real conversations Memory games inspired by game show-style recall 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 while 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 Virtual Vacation: Travel the World Without a Passport appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network .…

Homeschooling with Technology

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Teaching Your Children How to Troubleshoot Tech 14:32

7 weeks ago14:32

14:32

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 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 .…

Homeschooling with Technology

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Free Online Tools to Study the U.S. Constitution 15:02

8 weeks ago15:02

15:02

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 Challenge https://vickitillmancoaching.com/ National Constitution Center – Constitution 101 Course https://constitutioncenter.org/the-constitution/constitution-101-course iCivics (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-civics Impartial Points YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@impartialpoints Rutgers University Civic Ed Site https://civiced.rutgers.edu/ Where to find Vicki Tillman & Seven Sisters Homeschool: Website: Seven Sisters Homes chool 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 .…

Homeschooling with Technology

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Using Khan Academy in your Homeschool 11:41

9 weeks ago11:41

11:41

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 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 Using Khan Academy in your Homeschool appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network .…

Homeschooling with Technology

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Gamify History with Mission US Games 16:39

10 weeks ago16:39

16:39

316: 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 Missions Mission 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 Gamify History with Mission US Games appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network .…

Homeschooling with Technology

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Google Arts and Culture Games 15:01

11 weeks ago15:01

15:01

315: 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 .…

Homeschooling with Technology

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Google Arts and Culture 17:37

12 weeks ago17:37

17:37

314: 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 .…

Homeschooling with Technology

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3D Modeling with Blender: A Teen’s Perspective 12:47

13 weeks ago12:47

12:47

313: 3D Modeling with Blender: A Teen’s Perspective In this episode, Meryl is joined by teen guest Matthew Jurison, who shares his experiences using Blender, a free 3D modeling and visual effects software. Matthew, a self-taught Blender enthusiast with years of experience, discusses how he got started, the skills he’s developed, and why Blender is an excellent tool for creative teens. He also highlights some of his favorite projects and the challenges he’s faced while learning and creating with Blender Questions Matthew answers about 3D modeling with Blender: What is Blender, what is it used for, and how much does it cost? How did you get started with Blender, and what inspired you to learn it? How did you teach yourself Blender? Is Blender beginner-friendly, or do you need prior skills? What kinds of projects have you created using Blender? How do you export Blender projects for use in game development or filmmaking? What is the coolest project you’ve ever made with Blender? What skills can students develop by using Blender, and how do these skills benefit other areas of life or academics? What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced while using Blender, and how did you overcome them? Resources Mentioned: Blender – Free 3D modeling and visual effects software. YouTube tutorials – Especially this Beginner Blender Tutorial on Youtube Take a look at show sponsor, FundaFunda Academy to see what they offer for online classes and web-based unit studies. Sign up for their newsletter to get monthly AI tips and learn about cool online resources. Follow their Instagram for weekly Tuesday Tech Tips. Join our Facebook Group , especially for the listeners of this podcast! You can ask questions and get advice as you try integrating technology into your homeschool. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and give a rating and maybe even a review! Subscribing will help you make sure you never miss an episode The post 3D Modeling with Blender: A Teen’s Perspective appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network .…

Homeschooling with Technology

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Using AI as a Study Tool 15:08

14 weeks ago15:08

15:08

312: Using AI as a Study Tool In this episode, we look at various AI resources and how they can be effective study tools. Please note there are previous podcast episode that go into more detail about all of these tools. Featured AI Tools & Applications: ChatGPT: Creating custom practice questions at different difficulty levels Getting detailed feedback on answers Explaining complex concepts in simpler terms NotebookLM: Summarizing and organizing large amounts of study material Creating custom study questions from uploaded content Generating different types of test questions (multiple choice, true/false, case studies) Works with digital documents and uploaded handwritten notes Magic School AI: Creating customized learning environments with specific tools Allows teacher (parent) to monitor student progress No login is required for students to access classrooms Resource Mentioned: Video: “ Oxford researchers discovered how to use AI to learn like a genius “ Take a look at show sponsor, FundaFunda Academy to see what they offer for online classes and web-based unit studies. Sign up for their newsletter to get monthly AI tips and learn about cool online resources. Follow their Instagram for weekly Tuesday Tech Tips. Join our Facebook Group , especially for the listeners of this podcast! You can ask questions and get advice as you try integrating technology into your homeschool. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and give a rating and maybe even a review! Subscribing will help you make sure you never miss an episode The post Using AI as a Study Tool appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network .…

Homeschooling with Technology

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3 Online Cybersecurity Games

15 weeks ago