Blog Post #3: Trends in EdTech: NearPod and Online Learning Design

 Trends in EdTech: NearPod and Online Learning Design

Tips for Virtual Teaching and Remote Learning - Language Magazine


    Exploring Trends in EdTech:

    This week, I explored some trending topics in edtech. After the need to teach online during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is understandable that educators are looking for new and innovative ways to redesign instruction. Having a successful remote class isn't as easy as uploading some math sheets or clicking through a PowerPoint of information. After reviewing these edtech trends, I chose to research more about best practice in online learning design. Good online learning design includes reducing the cognitive load on students, providing different lesson types (whole group, student collaboration, independent work), and consistently assessing student understanding of the content. 

   NearPod

A tool that I found especially helpful in implementing good design is NearPod.  NearPod is a slides-based platform that is perfect for rethinking remote or in-person learning. NearPod fits into this edtech trend because it makes it easy for teachers to implement good online learning design. This includes chunking information, making the content easy to navigate, and providing opportunities for students to work together and independently. While I've used this tool in the past, NearPod has added many features and tools that make it relevant for the challenges presented by remote learning. Some of my favorite features include the ability for students to interact with slides (respond to prompts, take notes, draw, post on a bulletin board), view multimedia content, and participate on group, partner, and individual levels.

You can view the presentation below to learn more about this tool and how it can help teachers create engaging, student-centered lessons.


Using NearPod in my Classroom

I've had my own challenges with developing an online classroom in a short period of time. Although I'm now teaching in-person again, I see how the engaging tools used during remote learning can help with keeping students interested and present during in-person learning. As educators, we can easily take the tools we used when engaging students online and apply them to our in-person classrooms. NearPod is a resource I will be using more often with my students going forward.



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