NEARPOD

 Introduction

    Nearpod is an online tool that allows teachers to use slide-based teaching both in the classroom and remotely thanks to a hybrid layout.Teachers can create lots of different interactive learning resources that allow students to engage and learn via their device or a single screen in the room. It's also possible to add in question points along the way and have the students take part as you go.Nearpod is also useful as a formative assessment tool and can output student efforts in easy-to-analyze graphs and charts for a clear snapshot of progress.

    Nearpod can also use gamification of information to make learning more engaging and fun. It is also built to work well with lots of pre-existing tools, such as Google Slides, Microsoft PowerPoint, and YouTube. Teachers can easily import media to make a lesson quickly and simply using already existing resources. 

How does Nearpod work?

Nearpod allows teachers to create original interactive presentations with extensive standards-aligned content available. From creating a quiz using a 3D model of a molecule that students can explore to making a click-based game that teaches words and spelling, the options are abundant.Lessons can be created within Nearpod or in Google Slides. Within Nearpod, build and add a name, then add content using the Add Slide button. Use the Content tab to engage students and the Activities tab to find assessment tools to add in.

What are the best Nearpod features?

Nearpod is great for making YouTube videos interactive. Simply select the one you want and then you can add assessment questions at certain points along the way. So all students need to do is watch and select the correct answer as they watch – ensuring they pay attention and allowing you to see how much they know, or areas that need attention.

The use of virtual reality is also a nice addition as Nearpod works with VR headsets to allow students to explore an area, much like a school trip, only without a limit on distance. The ability to draw directly on slides is a useful way to give students freedom to interact, either adding their own images or perhaps drawing on a map or annotating a diagram.Collaboration boards allow students to contribute multiple perspectives that can be useful both in the classroom and remotely. In student-led mode they can go at their own pace, while in teacher-paced mode you can take time to pause and reflect or expand on points made, live. As a differentiation tool this is useful as students could be assigned varying levels of tasks at which they all work at their own pace.Poll questions and multiple choice quizzes are also useful parts of the assessment tools that allow teachers to get a fix on how students are learning.