Description

 

Nearpod is a student engagement platform designed to integrate with Google Slides.  The free version allows teachers to control and present interactive slideshows to a class.  Students need a phone, tablet or laptop to access the nearpod web application.  Educators can import Google Slide presentations and add nearpod specific content.  This can be media content such as audio files, pictures, videos, PhET simulations and 3D models, or it can be one of several types of assessment tools.  Quizzes, matching games, fill-in the black, brainstorm boards and polls are available to offer an educator real time assessment information. 

Integrating into Google Slides makes nearpod presentations easy to use.  Presentations are stored online can be accessed and started through the nearpod website.  Any assessment information is also stored and accessed later.  As a freemium product, additional storage and functionality can be purchased.  The free version allows up to 40 students to interact.

Examples and Rationale

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Examples and Rationale

 

Nearpod effectively leverages technology to provide interactive digital presentations and real time assessment of student knowledge.  It could be employed for diagnostic, formative and summative purposes (Ontario Ministry of Education, 2010).  It also provides a unique way for students to express their thoughts, personality and experience.  Traditionally students would need to speak up during class to participate and express themselves.  Nearpod can facilitate other types of expression with images or drawings and written texts.  This could be a useful tool in promoting differential learning or for promoting expression from students who may not feel comfortable speaking up in class.

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A unique feature of nearpod is its ability to facilitate virtual presentations between a group of individuals in a synchronous manner.  When combined with audio from a conference call it could create a virtual classroom bringing students together from diverse geographic locations.  This is an important component in setting up effective and engaging E-learning environments (Clark and Mayer, 2011 p. 16 and 25).  Using the SAMR model of evaluation nearpod has the potential redefine the classroom (Puentedura, 2013).  It is a powerful and adaptable tool promoting student teacher interaction and assessment regardless of their physical locations.

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References

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Clark, R. C. and Meyer, R. E. e-Learning and the Science of Instruction:  Proven Guidellines for Consumers and Designers of Multimedia Learning. 3rd ed. San Francisco, Callifornia, Pfeiffer.

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Ministry of Education (2010) Growing Success:  Assessment, evaluation and reporting in Ontario Schools First Edition, Covering Grades 1 to 12. Toronto, On. Queens Printer for Ontario. retrieved from http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/policyfunding/growsuccess.pdf

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Puentedura, R (2013, January 7) Technology in Education:  A Brief Introduction [video] retrieved from https://youtu.be/rMazGEAiZ9c