Essential Computer Skills for Students in 2024

Essential Computer Skills for Students in 2024

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.

  1. 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 computer fundamentals.
  2. Learning to Code:
    • Coding as a valuable skill across various fields.
    • Introduction to coding through Scratch and Python.
    • Real-life applications of coding skills in different careers.
    • Benefits of understanding coding even for non-technical roles.
    • Free and paid resources for learning to code.
  3. Digital Literacy:
    • Importance of managing digital footprints and understanding internet safety.
    • Developing skills for evaluating online information.
    • Media literacy and critical thinking.
    • Online etiquette, email communication, and virtual collaboration.
    • Life skills like online shopping and booking travel safely.
  4. Computer Applications:
    • Mastery of essential tools like Google Drive (Docs, Sheets, Slides).
    • Importance of graphic and video tools like Canva.
    • Organizing tools such as schedulers and to-do lists.
  5. Understanding AI:
    • Basics of AI and its integration into everyday tools.
    • Importance of responsible AI usage and understanding its limitations.
    • Age-appropriate introduction to AI tools and prompt engineering.

Teaching Methods:

  • Enrolling in structured classes, such as those offered by show sponsor FundaFunda Academy.
  • Integrating technology skills into everyday life.
  • Using educational games and practical applications to teach younger children.
  • Incorporating technology into “school” projects.

Resources Mentioned:


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

Math Contests

math contests homeschoolers can participate in

243: Math contests with Haley Story

Haley runs a math club and as part of the club she encourages the participants to take part in math contests.

Haley begins by explaining why you should consider registering your homeschooler for these contests. She goes on to talk about:

1. Noetic

2. Bebras

3. Math Counts

4. Purple Comet

5. AMC

Be sure to listen to the episode to learn more as it will help you decide which of these math contests could be a good fit for your children.

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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

math contests homeschoolers can participate in

Virtual Music Lessons

Virtual Music Lessons

221: Virtual Music Lessons with Sean-David McGoran

Sean-David McGoran from The Tuned In Academy is the guest on today’s episode and we discuss virtual music lessons.

These are the questions he answers:

  1. What are some key reasons children should learn music?
  2. What if my child doesn’t want to play an instrument, should they still learn music?
  3. How is music education beneficial for long-range educational/career goals?
  4. How do virtual music lessons work?
  5. What benefits are there to virtual instruction vs in person?
  6. Does virtual work for all instruments?
  7. Does it work for all ages? All proficiency levels?
  8. Music tuition online programs/videos vs live instruction? Pros and cons

You can find Sean-David at

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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 in 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

Virtual Music Lessons

Free Online Word Games and Apps for Homeschoolers

167: Free Online Word Games and Apps

The free online word games and apps mentioned in this episode are:

  • Wordle
  • Klura and Wordus are phone apps similar to Wordle
  • Words with Friends – similar to Scrabble
  • Typeshift – move the columns of letters to create words, new one each day
  • 7 Little Words – find the 7 words to match the 7 clues using the letters / letter groups. Also look at their “for the classroom” page for printable themed versions of the game
  • Flippity – hangman (previous episode on Flippity)
  • Word Trip app good for younger children

A fun paid iPhone app – Whirly Word – use given letters to make as many words as possible

FundaFunda class mentioned in this episode: Writing Fun for 5th -8th grade

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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 in 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.

Free Online Games and Apps