Using Nearpod to create an authentic and collaborative learning context

What is Nearpod?

Nearpod is the interactive tool for presentations and assessments. Teachers can use the site to create original multimedia presentations. Teachers can upload videos, images, audio clips, and PDF files as well as embed multiple-choice quizzes, polls, and Draw Its (students write directly on a slide), collaboration boards, and open-ended questions. Teachers launch the presentation and monitor progress either from the website or through the app. Using the Nearpod app on their devices, students input a code and their names to access content and submit responses.
With Nearpod, teachers interact with students and view student responses in real time, enabling students to take ownership of their learning rather than passively viewing a teacher-directed whole-class presentation.

Why is it good for learning?

Real-time Check: Nearpod provides immediate feedback and lets teachers know where reteaching would benefit students. When students receive quiz scores, they can ask questions in the moment to correct errors or take notes to strengthen their understanding of the content. 

Personalised Learning: As a differentiation tool, students can move through content at their own pace, and teachers may choose to assign students different presentations or give them a chance to create their own. 

Easy Collaboration: Since collaboration boards show immediate results to polls, ideas, and images, students can engage in classroom discussion and up-voting. 

What may be the cons to bear in mind?

Make sure the students are safe if they are doing tasks outside the room. Think about the safety issues and their ages.

Internet access is necessary.

Creating and modifying presentations can be time consuming. It also consumes a lot of time for students to operate and finish the tasks.

Some features may not work on all devices, which needs to be examined carefully.