A-Z Tools & Technologies: Nearpod
What is Nearpod?
Nearpod is an application that enables tutors to create interactive teaching resources that can be accessed by students on laptops & mobile devices (iOS and Android). Tutors can monitor and measure students’ responses to interactions such as quizzes and polls that are part of the resource. It’s an ideal tool for stimulating participation in lectures and seminars.
How does it work?
Tutors can create interactive presentations using built-in templates or by importing existing materials (PowerPoint presentations). You can add video, display slideshows, share webpages and create quizzes and polls to teaching resources created in Nearpod.
Tutors can run the sessions in real-time (during lecturers, workshops, seminars) or let the student access the resources in their own time at their own pace. Nearpod refers to this option as ‘Homework‘. Either way tutors have the ability to monitor and collate students’ responses to the built-in interactions.
This diagram provides a step-by-step visual on how Nearpod works:
This video provides a basic introduction to the Nearpod:
What about Teaching and Learning?
Evidence suggests that students are mentally active for only a short time during a lecture, using NearPod incorporates active learning and engagement to enhance the effectiveness of the lecture.
We have also blogged about other approaches recently, including Using QR Codes and the Flipped Classroom approach.
What do you do to stimulate participation in lectures? How do you promote active learning and engagement? Do you know what students have learnt about the subject or about learning during or following your lecture?
How much does it cost?
Nearpod operates a freemium model, so ‘Silver’ accounts are free. This type of account allows for up to 30 students (devices) to connect to your session, a maximum presentation size of 20MB and storgae space of up to 50MB. For more information on Nearpods pricing model, please visit: http://www.nearpod.com/upgrade/
If you like the sound of Nearpod, and are interested in trying it with your students, get in touch with one of the Technology Enhanced Learning team for further support…
Daniel
