USEFUL Tech tools: Nearpod

One of my goals going into the second semester was to start using nearpod now that I have a class set of chromebooks.while we’ve only been back 8 school days, I’ve been doing a lot of playing around with the site and used it a few days in each of my classes so here is what I’ve learned and loved so far!

What is Nearpod?
Nearpod is a tool that allows you to create interactive lessons for your students. You can set the lesson to be student paced and allow them to move through the content or you can use Nearpod like an updated version of a projector to make sure every student has interactive access to what you're talking about as you talk about it.

While I love having things work at a student pace, I have been using Nearpod the last couple of weeks as a projector. My classroom projector doesn't work very well so adding Nearpod allowed me to get back into sharing information more dynamically instead of turning my back to write on the dry erase board. For group discussions (or really most of my assignments....gotta have kids talking about what they're doing!) I have students get out one Chromebook per table and enter the access code for Nearpod. They don't have to have a login but they do enter their name once they join the session. 
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How much does it cost?
There are multiple options available for Nearpod users but it does have a free version!
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How easy is it to use?
Very easy!  Nearpod has step by step questions, almost like you're going through a flowchart of options. It keeps it from getting overwhelming and allows you to take a lot of different paths with your content. Beyond your typical powerpoint slide you can offer interactive polls, open ended questions, and more. 

What other Nearpod-like options are out there?
Peardeck is very similar to Nearpod. I used to use Peardeck at my old school but now that I have had a chance to play with Nearpod, I definitely prefer it. That being said, I do have the paid version under my school account so some of the features there may be swinging my vote! :) Check out more about Peardeck here!
You can find out more about Nearpod here!