355: Vibe Coding – What It Is and How Homeschoolers Can Use It

Vibe coding is a brand-new term, coined in early 2025 by former OpenAI researcher Andrej Karpathy, and it describes a radically different way of creating software—by describing what you want instead of writing traditional code.

In this episode, you will learn what vibe coding is, why it’s possible now thanks to large language models, and how homeschoolers can use it creatively and practically with their teens.

You’ll hear real examples, student-created projects, and two free tools you can try immediately.

What is Vibe Coding?

Vibe coding is the process of building apps, games, or tools by talking to AI instead of manually writing code. You describe what you want, refine it step by step, and let the AI handle the programming behind the scenes.

This approach lowers the barrier to entry while still rewarding logical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity—especially when students understand how computers work at a basic level.

Tools Featured in This Episode

Canva Code
Canva isn’t just for graphics anymore. Using Canva Code, students can:

• Create interactive games

• Build matching activities and flashcards

• Design simple browser-based games

Examples of Canva Code games:

AI term matching game

Emoji Drawing Game by  Lukas F

Wave Survival Game  by  Zander F

 

Base44
Base44 is a more “serious” vibe-coding platform designed for building usable apps.

Examples discussed include:

• A hydration tracker app

• A book-tracking app with built-in recommendations by Lukas F

Teaching Tip: How to Prompt Effectively

Instead of giving AI one massive instruction, treat it like an intern:

• Start with a simple request

• Add features one at a time

• Refine visuals, logic, and functionality step by step

How Homeschoolers Can Use Vibe Coding

• Create educational games to reinforce learning

• Let students design games for each other

• Build trackers, organizers, and productivity tools

• Encourage creativity while still developing computational thinking

FundaFunda Academy Classes mentioned (show sponsor)

• Artificial Intelligence for Teens

• Scratch

• Python

• AI Unit Study

Join the Conversation

Pick one tool from this list and commit to learning it this year. Then join the Homeschooling with Technology Facebook group and share which tool you chose and why.

Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss any episodes!