Nearpod is a digital tool that uses activities, assessments and instructional content to create an education-technology-integrated learning environment. Specifically, it helps teachers, professors, administrators and other education professionals to navigate learning by providing interactive tools, ideas, resources and content to create engaging lessons and activities in one place. Nearpod promotes active learning, collaboration and student engagement (McClean & Crowe, 2017) through its collaborative activities, gamified learning opportunities and the availability of educational multimedia.

Below is a video that provides a brief overview of what Nearpod is:

The digital tool supports numerous formats (e.g., audio, video, pictures, virtual reality, PDF etc.), common third-party integrations (e.g., Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, Google Classroom, Microsoft Teams etc.) and different modes of presentation, including desktop and mobile application. Nearpod is also available in mobile application form for free and offers both paid and free versions of their desktop tool.

Below is a video that demonstrates five different ways to use Nearpod:

Reference points for learning about Nearpod

Nearpod’s website has numerous resources that clarify what Nearpod does, how it works and how to use it effectively. Below are a few resources that can serve as reference points for learning about Nearpod for the first time:

1. (Blog) Frequently asked questions about Nearpod, including if Nearpod integrates with other tools and available professional development resources
2. (Blog) How to teach students how to use Nearpod, with visual explanations and further resources
3. (Blog) How to use Nearpod with a free account, with five ways to make the most of that option
4.  (Blog) 10 ways to use Nearpod in the classroom
5. (Blog) 6 tips for beginners on how to use Nearpod, with resources for further learning

References

Alyn Macdonald. (2020, November 15). Top 5 uses for Nearpod. [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gq50wtsqnM8

Edwards, L. (2023, February 9). What is Nearpod and how does it work? Best tips and tricks. Teaching & Learning. https://www.techlearning.com/how-to/what-is-nearpod-and-how-does-it-work

MacDonald, A. (2021). Nearpod. In OER Lab at Ontario Tech University (Eds.) Technology in the Curriculum, licensed under a CC BY NC SA 4.0 International License, unless otherwise noted.  https://ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub/techinthecurriculum/chapter/nearpod/

McClean, S., & Crowe, W. (2017). Making room for interactivity: using the cloud-based audience response system Nearpod to enhance engagement in lectures. FEMS microbiology letters, 364(6), fnx052.

Nearpod. (2021, October 20). What is Nearpod?. [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anTtMRaQLsM

Nearpod Team. (2024, April 11). 10 ways to use Nearpod in the classroom. Nearpod. https://nearpod.com/blog/nearpod-in-the-classroom

Nearpod Team. (2024, June 12). Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about Nearpod. Nearpod. https://nearpod.com/blog/virtual-learning-faq/

Nearpod Team. (2022, July 11). The beginner’s guide to Nearpod. Nearpod. https://nearpod.com/blog/beginners-guide-to-nearpod/