If you are getting comfortable with your classroom set of Chromebooks or iPads and are ready for the next step, Nearpod and Peardeck are waiting for you. No longer do you need to present a lesson on your whiteboard and then have students complete the related assignments on their devices. Nearpod and Peardeck allow you to connect with your students in innovative ways. These powerful, web-based tools allow teachers to present information to the whole group or individuals. Then students show their understanding through quizzes, drawings or responses that are sent back to the teacher during the lesson.
Teachers create interactive lessons and students join the class by using a simple code. Students follow along on either their devices or on the classroom board. Tasks are pushed out and shared in real time. This checking for understanding can lead to adjustment of lessons or deeper discussion around your content.
Some examples of responses are:
- labeling diagrams or maps
- short or longer responses
- multiple choice question with more than one correct answer
- longer quizzes
Both programs have free versions that are worthy of trying out. Although there is no clear “winner” they both have their advantages.
Easily connects to your Google Drive where you can import Google Slide Presentations or PDFs to your class.
You have a library on their website as well as other presentations available to buy or download
Creating a set of cards is easy
Creating the presentation is easy
Can add slides on the fly as you present
Multiple Choice questions don’t have to have a correct answer
More options for student response
Youtube videos can be used in free version
Movies in free version will need to be on your computer and uploaded
Can present a different screen to the class than is on the student devices
Data is available online-including the students’ drawings and responses. It is stored in reports.
Both tools are highly engaging and allow teachers to check for understanding during the lesson. Each has its own merits. If you haven’t tried either one, I recommend that you sign up and try out this new way of sharing lessons with your students.
If you want support getting started with these 21st Century tools, contact your Ed Tech Coach.