Best Meryl Van Der Merwe Podcasts (2025)

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Useful Technology in Homeschooling Special Needs High Schoolers 12:14

2d ago12:14

12:14

328: Useful Technology in Homeschooling Special Needs High Schoolers with Melody Durham In this episode, Meryl chats with homeschool mom, Melody Durham, who shares the tech tools that have helped her dyslexic high schooler succeed. From smart pens to speech-to-text software, Melody explains what’s worked, why it’s made a difference, and how to advo…

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Fun group games to play online

9d ago

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327: Fun group games to play online Whether you’re on a long trip, stuck indoors on a rainy day, or trying to connect with faraway family, group games to play online can be a great way to build memories and share laughter. In this episode, Meryl shares the games her Science Olympiad team enjoyed during a long bus ride to Nationals—and offers sugges…

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Why Scratch is the Perfect First Programming Language to Learn 17:08

16d ago17:08

17:08

326: Why Scratch is the Perfect First Programming Language to Learn In this episode, host Meryl van der Merwe is joined by returning guest Matthew Jurison, a homeschool teen. Together, they explore why Scratch is an ideal language for beginners learning to code. What You’ll Learn: How Scratch compares to text-based languages like JavaScript and Pyt…

1
Gamified Chess with Duolingo 12:44

23d ago12:44

12:44

Gamified Chess with Duolingo In this episode, we explore Duolingo’s newest addition—chess, which of course is gamified the way their languages are. What you’ll learn in this episode: Why Duolingo has added chess and how it fits into their gamified platform How Duolingo teaches chess step-by-step, making it accessible even for beginners How gamified…

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Free online curriculum 16:09

1M ago16:09

16:09

324: Free Online Curriculum In this episode, Meryl shares strategies and specific resources for stretching your homeschool budget by leveraging high-quality free curriculum. You’ll hear about four “all-in-one” programs, dozens of subject-specific tools, how to snag freebies from vendors, and tips for DIYing your own courses with AI assistance. 1. “…

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Innovative Ways to use Google Talking Tours 14:37

1M ago14:37

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 a…

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

1M 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.By Meryl van der Merwe

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Online help for homeschool children with learning challenges

2M 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 pai…

1
Why Math Should Be Fun 19:52

2M 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 Wond…

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Replay: Online Poetry Resources 13:55

2M 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.By Meryl van der Merwe

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

2M 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 gl…

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Teaching Your Children How to Troubleshoot Tech 14:32

3M 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…

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

3M 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:…

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Using Khan Academy in your Homeschool 11:41

3M 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 …

1
Gamify History with Mission US Games 16:39

3M 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 …

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Google Arts and Culture Games 15:01

4M 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 the…

1
Google Arts and Culture 17:37

4M 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…

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

4M 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 …

1
Using AI as a Study Tool 15:08

4M 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 feed…

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3 Online Cybersecurity Games

5M ago

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311: 3 Online Cybersecurity Games These online cybersecurity games are a great way to teach students about how to keep safe online – and what exactly is involved in careers in this field. Games Reviewed: Gandalf Players try to trick Gandalf into revealing passwords across multiple levels Involves critical thinking and AI prompting skills Two versio…

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New Online Geography Games 17:11

5M ago17:11

17:11

310: New Online Geography Games This episode features 7 new online geography games – new to me at least – but some are very new and use AI technology to increase the fun. All are free and can be played with no sign in required. Many allow you to create private rooms to play in. Games Featured in This Episode GeoScents: Choose categories like World,…

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Drawing Made Easy with Free Online Tools 11:33

5M ago11:33

11:33

309: Drawing Made Easy with Free Online Tools In this episode, we’re exploring free online tools to make drawing fun and accessible for homeschoolers of all ages. Whether your child is a budding artist or you’re just looking for a creative activity to incorporate into your homeschool routine, these four resources offer a variety of ways to engage w…

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Navigating Digital Risks with Kid Safe GPT 12:16

5M ago12:16

12:16

308:Navigating Digital Risks with Kid Safe GPT Kid Safe GPT is a custom GPT that helps parents navigate the risks in online games and apps and social media sites Key Highlights: Common Sense Media: This website has a page about online games and includes info on risks. The list of games it covers is fairly limited though. Introduction to Kid Safe GP…

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Prompting 101: A Beginner’s Guide for Homeschoolers 14:12

5M ago14:12

14:12

307: Prompting 101: A Beginner’s Guide for Homeschoolers Today’s episode is all about Prompting 101: A Beginner’s Guide for Homeschoolers. If you’re new to AI tools like ChatGPT, I recommend starting with Episode 306: Starting Out with AI in Your Homeschool, where I introduce the basics. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: What is prompting? Prompti…

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Getting started with AI in your homeschool

6M ago

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306: Getting started with AI in your homeschool Happy New Year! As we kick off 2025, it’s clear that AI is set to continue transforming our world—sometimes for better, sometimes for worse. In this episode of Homeschooling with Technology, we’re diving into how you can begin integrating AI into your homeschool. Whether you’re completely new to AI or…

1
Last Minute Digital Gift Ideas

6M ago

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305: Last Minute Digital Gift Ideas Forgotten to get gifts for everyone? Or just run out of ideas? These unique digital gift ideas are ones homeschool families will love to give or receive! Here are the 12 ideas I mention in this episode. Online Escape Room Experiences Interactive virtual escape rooms themed a the whole family can solve together. E…

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AI Assisted Holiday Planning and Prep 17:13

6M ago17:13

17:13

304: AI Assisted Holiday Planning and Prep This episode covers AI Assisted Holiday Planning and Prep. Lots of ways to save time on tasks so you can spend time with family and friends. 1. Creating a Detailed Schedule Demonstrated using ChatGPT Example prompt: Sharing entire holiday to-do list Benefits: Breaks down overwhelming tasks Creates day-by-d…

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2024 Hour of Code Highlights 11:06

7M ago11:06

11:06

303: 2024 Hour of Code Highlights In this episode, we explore highlights from the 2024 Hour of Code, an initiative during Computer Science Education Week to introduce students (and even parents!) to coding in fun and engaging ways. Whether your children are new to coding or already experienced, there’s something here for everyone. What is Hour of C…

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Gaming Gift Ideas that Won’t Break the Bank 21:05

7M ago21:05

21:05

302: Gaming Gift Ideas that Won’t Break the Bank Heidi Lathram, is a homeschooler, homesteader, gamer, and educator with over 15 years of teaching experience and she share gaming gift ideas your children will love – and are affordable. Below are links to various things Heidi mentioned in the podcast – you need to listen to the episode to understand…

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Tech Tool for Dyslexia: How Lexercise Can Help Homeschoolers

7M ago

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301: Tech Tool for Dyslexia: How Lexercise Can Help Homeschoolers This episode with guest Tauna Meyer from Proverbial Homemaker discusses Lexercise, a tech tool designed to help homeschooling families with children who have dyslexia. Tauna is sponsored by Lexercise but is really seeing a difference with her son. Key Points: Homeschooling a child wi…

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Celebrating 300 Episodes: 15 Tools in 15 Minutes with Exclusive Bonuses 25:17

7M ago25:17

25:17

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 episod…

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Pursuing tech literacy in your homeschool

8M ago

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299: Pursuing tech literacy in your homeschool Crystin Morris, a homeschool mom and founder of Delightfully Feasting, shares ideas on how to approach tech literacy in a homeschool environment. She provides practical guidance for integrating tech skills into everyday learning while maintaining a balanced, holistic approach. Key Tech Literacy Skills …

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Instagram’s New Teen Safety Features 18:23

8M ago18:23

18:23

298: Instagram’s New Teen Safety Features Upcoming Episode Celebration: Episode 300 is just around the corner! Tune in when it releases to enjoy freebies, discounts, and fun activities. Episode Highlights: Overview of Instagram’s New Safety Features for Teens Instagram has introduced several safety protocols for users aged 13-18, defaulting their a…

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AI-Powered Learning with Notebook LM 13:24

8M ago13:24

13:24

297: AI-Powered Learning with Notebook LM In this episode, we look at an exciting tool that can revolutionize how homeschoolers approach research and learning: Notebook LM, an AI-powered app developed by Google. In This Episode: What is Notebook LM? It is an AI-powered research tool available for free from Google. It’s built on the Gemini platform …

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10 Good Ways for Students to Use AI 18:58

8M ago18:58

18:58

296: 10 Good Ways for Students to Use AI In this episode we look at 10 good ways for students to use AI. Last week, weshared 10 bad ways students might use AI. If you haven’t listened to the previous episode, check it out for full context, but you can also jump into this one first if you prefer. Highlights from This Episode: Reading Assistance AI c…

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10 Bad Ways for Students to Use AI 15:02

8M ago15:02

15:02

295: 10 Bad Ways for Students to Use AI We explore “10 Bad Ways for Students to Use AI.” We’re focusing on how NOT to use AI tools. As AI becomes a major part of our children’s future, it’s crucial that we teach them the right ways to engage with it. Key Takeaways from the Episode: No Personal Information AI platforms may store data to improve mode…

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Online Contests for Students 13:23

9M ago13:23

13:23

294: Online Contests for Students In this episode, we explore a variety of online contests for students that homeschoolers can participate in. These contests provide great opportunities for students to challenge themselves, develop new skills, and even win prizes. Contests Mentioned in This Episode: PicoCTF A cybersecurity Capture the Flag (CTF) co…

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Nearpod: The Homeschool Resource You Never Knew You Needed 17:22

9M ago17:22

17:22

293: Nearpod: The Homeschool Resource You Never Knew You Needed In this episode,guest Melissa Muir, shares how she uses Nearpod, an incredible tool that can transform your homeschooling experience. Melissa has been homeschooling her children in Ecuador for 13 years. She works with online teachers and homeschoolers, providing resources, self-paced c…

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Why Homeschool Parents and Teens Should Consider Remote Tech Careers in Salesforce 31:13

9M ago31:13

31:13

292: Why Homeschool Parents and Teens Should Consider Remote Tech Careers in Salesforce In this episode, we explore the potential of remote tech careers in Salesforce for homeschool parents and teens. Our guest, Bradley Rice, shares insights on why Salesforce could be a great fit for the homeschooling community. Key Points Introduction to Salesforc…

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MathCounts 20:35

9M ago20:35

20:35

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 in…

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Math Contests Revisited 22:50

10M ago22:50

22:50

290: Math Contests Revisited In this episode of the Homeschooling with Technology podcast, we revisit the topic of math contests with guest Haley Story. This episode builds on Haley’s previous discussion from Episode 243 Math Contests, where she introduced listeners to the topic. Now, with a year of experience running multiple contests, Haley share…

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Create your own Digital Planner 9:32

10M ago9:32

9:32

289: Create your own Digital Planner In this episode, we discuss various tools and methods to create your own digital planner, perfect for homeschooling or managing other aspects of life. We mention practical and customizable options like Google Calendar, Google Sheets, and Trello, and then talk about more visually appealing solutions using Canva a…

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Search and Research in the AI era

10M ago

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288: Search and Research in the AI era In this episode, we explore the evolving landscape of search and research in the age of artificial intelligence (AI). We reflect on the shift from traditional search engines like Google and Bing to the use of AI tools such as ChatGPT, Perplexity, and other large language models (LLMs). We discuss the pros and …

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Bringing History to Life with Technology 15:56

10M ago15:56

15:56

287: Bringing History to Life with Technology If your children find history boring, here are 8 ideas on bringing history to life with technology Videos: Use YouTube channels, documentaries, and docudramas to visualize historical events. Battle simulation videos and feature movies can also provide an immersive experience. Compare movies to actual hi…

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Essential Computer Skills for Students in 2024 17:43

11M ago17:43

17:43

286: Essential Computer Skills for Students in 2024 What are the essential computer skills for students in 2024? These are 5 that are covered in this episode. Understanding Computers and How They Work: Importance of knowing the basics of computers. Learn about binary, algorithmic thinking etc Practical examples and benefits of understanding compute…

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Class Companion: an AI Tool for improving writing

11M ago

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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 organiza…

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YouTube Channels to Supplement Your Homeschool History Curriculum 15:45

11M ago15:45

15:45

284: YouTube Channels to Supplement Your Homeschool History Curriculum These are all YouTube channels you can use to supplement your homeschool history curriculum and make history lessons more engaging for students For even more ideas, visit this Facebook post by the Homeschool Historian. The History Channel: Offers a wide range of history-related …

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Online Resources for Learning Computer Science 17:20

11M ago17:20

17:20

283: Online Resources for Learning Computer Science Computer science encompasses more than just coding and programming; it includes history, hardware, software, algorithms, computational thinking, the internet, cybersecurity, and more. Highlights and Resources: ScienceTrek.org A fun and interactive site with various options including games Includes…

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Online Olympic Resources for Homeschoolers

12M ago

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282: Online Olympic Resources for Homeschoolers Here are several online Olympic resources that will help you extend the excitement of the games into educational opportunities for your children. From interactive apps and science videos to music lessons and virtual museum tours, we’ve got a variety of tools to make the most of the Olympic season in y…

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Is Writing Proficiency still important in the AI era? 19:27

12M ago19:27

19:27

Episode 281: Is Writing Proficiency Still Important in the AI Era? Guest Jennie Miller, English Teacher at FundaFunda Academy, shares her thoughts on the relevance of writing proficiency in the AI era. Jennie’s Classes: Freshman English: An introductory high school English class focused on learning how to write academically and analyze classic and …

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Meryl Van Der Merwe Podcasts

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