What is Nearpod and how does it work?
Nearpod is a popular website and app-based digital teaching tool that is equipped with a range of classroom management features. Instructors can create slide-based learning resources that are interactive for students to engage with and learn from. The platform utilizes a hybrid approach that combines multimedia learning with digital assessments for use in the physical classroom and offsite.
This platform is easy to get started with and can be used by students of a wide range of ages and abilities. It works across a host of devices making it easy to use in the classroom, as a group, or from home where students use their own devices
The ability to add questions to the presentation, that can be created with Nearpod, allows for a fun yet interactive way to follow along in the class. This can allow teachers to better see clearly how their students are learning, or not.
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. A recent addition to Nearpods vast portfolio is the expansion to include social media like features such as likes and emojis.
Vendor and Pricing
Nearpod is run by Renaissance Learning as of 2021. There are three tiers of costing for individual educators; silver, gold and platinum. The silver tier is free and incudes a classroom size of up to forty participants with access to basic features. The gold and platinum tiers range in cost from $240 BBD to $700 BBD respectively. These two tiers offer more storage, larger group capacity and access to a wider cross-section of the interactive software that the platform is known for. Additionally, there are packages available for school districts, these are priced based on the specific requirements requested.
Nearpod definitely offers a wide range of benefits for learning both within the physical and virtual space. Though the pricing is seemingly expensive, free access to some features still allow for creativity in the teaching-learning process.
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting that you have linked Nearpod with gamification abilities, because educators can introduce gamification in classrooms in the Primary schools across the island. I encourage educators to use the games to build competitive learning among peers as well as to develop confidence in what they know.
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