http://www.nearpod.com/
App: https://search.itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZContentLink.woa/wa/link?mt=8&path=apps%2fnearpod
This app is great for the class sets of iPads and BYOD. I say BYOD because it is available on windows, android and iOS devices. It is free to download to view the presentations (teacher made). So, if you get your students to download the app onto their device, they can follow along and participate too. I downloaded the app onto the 15 iPads that I have been assigned to. The shared use went really well.
Perks:
- allows you to present assessments (open ended questions, m/c questions, t/f questions)
- allows students to submit drawn answers
- allows you to play videos (.mp4, .mov, .mpg, etc...)
- allows you to upload existing lessons (.ppt, .pdf)
- allows you to add images (.png, .jpg)
- you build/edit the presentation files with a web browser (on iPad or computer)
- the app collects data (student responses) that can be viewed later.
- as activities are occurring, you can monitor the % of student completion and cue those not done.
- you can display student responses/illustrations to prompt discussion
- you can load content from google drive, dropbox, box, or the computer that you are using
Cons:
- $$$$. The app is free. 90% of the features are accessible for the free account. BUT the paid part allows for a couple more features ($12/month; $120/year).
- Paid features:
- host a webpage within the presentation
- "homework" feature where students can (re)do activity/presentation at home or at their own pace.
- more space for presentations
Video:
Assessment image from a presentation/activity in my class:
Ryan! This looks amazing and seems like it has great potential. With our program at Mariposa, we do not have iPads, but our principal has just gotten each classroom at least 2, so as an Intermediate Science teacher, I'm looking at this and just ITCHING to see what can be done with it. I really like the idea of the BYOD feature, as we have accepted this policy for our grade 7's & 8's, with the 8's certainly being the more receptive of the two age groups.
ReplyDeleteI can certainly see the draw backs with the cost. It just seems like more and more, these neat little Apps have all of these great features... IF you pay... ce la vie!
Thanks for sharing and hope it works well for you!
-Emilee Skrabek and the MES e-text team
I have been living the "free" life so far ang it has gone great. Just get students to download the app on their device before hand. There are a couple features that would be nice to have but I have found that the lessons work great with out those features. The quiz and drawing features have been the two largest selling point for me. The quiz allows students to take a quiz, they can review their results and see where they went wrong (instant assessment as/for learning) the drawing tool allows you to share student drawn answers right after they have been shared.
Delete