Item #4 :: Student Perspectives on Nearpod

I enjoyed reading this article and the statistics that they displayed.  It makes total sense that 89% of students thought that it was "just right."  That was probably my biggest takeaway.  But I also feel that Nearpod gives a good variety of tools for students to use. It's important that Nearpod can allow for challenging and relevant work to take place along with creativity.  This article truly showed that it is designed for all learning types and all varying teaching styles.  

My takeaway from this article about student engagement with Nearpod is that it provides a way for students to express themselves. Nearpod allows for more differentiation with technology in the classroom with students able to show their learning in different ways, including drawing, taking pictures, typing.

"This also may account for why, when compared to other classroom activities, about 50% of students indicated that they ‘participate more,’ and about 40% ‘learn more’ when using Nearpod."

When I began using Nearpod on virtual Wednesdays, the first thing I noticed is that attendance increased at our Google Meets.  At a time when students were unable to have playdates, technology such as Nearpod was the perfect way to play and yet learn at the same time.  My class loved activities such as the Collaborate Board where they could post and share their thoughts.  Also, Draw It was fun.  They would have time to draw and then explain what they were trying to convey.  Nearpod focused our conversations around learning and students were highly participative.  

I was surprised that students saw Nearpod activities are "just right". I thought that number would be closer to 50% and the "too easy" indicator would be larger than the 4%. I am encouraged to think that by learning much more about Nearpod in this PD, I will be able to add to the depth of the activities rather than keeping them a bit surface level. 

I was surprised that 89% of students said that Nearpod was "just right" in terms of level of rigor.  My nearpod activities (thus far) seem on the easy side.  

My take away from this article is that Nearpod can be used by any teacher with any teaching technique. And, although Nearpod can assist in getting students excited about their learning, ultimately, the teacher is the most important element in the classroom when it comes to student engagement. 

I found this article interesting.  I started using Nearpod on the virtual Wednesdays and noticed a huge difference in engagement.  Students were very excited about the Nearpod lessons.  The part in the lesson that mentioned 73% of students said they interact more with other students, 82% of students felt someone would see their work, and 88% felt that a teacher saw their work.  I think that data shows that students are more engaged when using Nearpod because they feel that their teacher and peers are seeing their work. 

My take away from this reading is that students feel heard and valued when using nearpod. They are confident teachers are seeing their work and hearing what they have to say.
Nearpod is also a good way to engage learners and teachers with varying styles.  Students and teachers can easil express their thinking in a creative way.