Showing posts with label presentation software. Show all posts
Showing posts with label presentation software. Show all posts

Tuesday, 1 April 2014

Nearpod ~ engage your students

This past weekend I found a new app for student use: Nearpod.

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: