Are you teaching remotely, via a hybrid model, or in-person? How are you keeping your students engaged during your lessons? I use Nearpod™, which allows me to create interactive lessons to keep my students engaged. Read on to find out how I use Nearpod™ for my special education classroom!
What is Nearpod™?
Nearpod™ is an app that allows educators to engage students with interactive lessons. You can create these lessons on Nearpod.com or via Google™ Slides. Nearpod™ offers features such as quizzes, polls, videos, collaboration boards, and more. With these features, you can keep everyone engaged no matter where you are teaching from!
You can learn more about Nearpod™ here: https://nearpod.com/ .
Ways to Use Nearpod™
To use Nearpod™, students access the teacher’s presentation using a code. Students can choose between a web browser and an app. Both options work on any device with an internet connection.
In Live Participation mode, the teacher moves through the presentation with the students as a class and lets students interact with the media as they go. Alternatively, teachers can use Nearpod™ in the Student-Paced mode. In this mode, each student controls the pace and flow of the lesson. This mode is perfect for sub days, weather days, homework assignments, or independent work.
The Nearpod™ blog outlines 10 ways to use Nearpod™ in the classroom. Read it here: https://nearpod.com/blog/nearpod-in-the-classroom/.
How I Use Nearpod™ in my Special Education Classroom?
Create interactive Google™ slides using the Nearpod™ Google™ extension
First, download the Nearpod™ add-on on Google™ Slides. After that, add interactive components to your presentations. My favorite Nearpod™ features to use are quizzes, polls, and Draw It.
Give students 2 options to access the interactive presentation
I mostly use the Live Presentation mode. The two access options are: (1) giving students the code in class, and (2) putting the direct access link in the chatbox.
You will need:
Your device for teacher view & students will need their own device for student view.
