Nearpod: Benefits, Limitations, and Application

 

Nearpod has many useful tools to assist teachers in lesson planning and student assessments. Teachers can create their own lessons and/or modify any of the premade lessons by adding interactive content to enhance student learning. There are thousands of interactive videos, slides, and games as well as virtual field trips. Nearpod has three different teaching methods including live participation, front of class, and student paced which can all be used for in person, distance learning, or hybrid classes. Also, Nearpod can be integrated with many learning management systems.

Although Nearpod is a helpful tool there are some limitations as well. One example is that there are different package plans and the free version is extremely limited in lesson storage and class log in allowances. Each next level package plan increases in price greatly while only increasing features minimally. Another potential limitation of Nearpod would be access for all students. Many students do not have access to electronic devices consistently and some schools do not have the means to provide every student with their own device for educational purposes. Therefore, teachers would only be able to use the front-of-class method in which they teach the lesson and lead a class discussion much like traditional teaching.

Nearpod has thousands of premade interactive lessons in many content standards which teachers can customize. Also, PowerPoint, Google Slides, PDFs, and videos can be uploaded to Nearpod to create lessons. Formative assessment can be incorporated into lessons. Teachers create interactive slides, videos, and games/activities that keep students engaged while checking their understanding of the content.

VR Technology in Education: ZSpace

     I personally do not have any experience with any VR/AR technology. When I was a K-12 student we took notes with pencils and paper, smart phones did not exist, and we were lucky if we ever got to use a computer or watch a video in school. Technology has greatly advanced in the almost 20 years since I graduated from high school. Luckily in this digital age it is much easier to research unfamiliar concepts such as VR/AR technology. During my research for this blog post, I came across zSpace, which absolutely amazed me. ZSpace is a virtual reality computer system designed for education. The zSpace 3D computer is controlled with a stylus and can be used with or without virtual glasses.

    While zSpace has a plethora of useful educational tools and apps for all ages and education levels including postsecondary education and professional development, this blog post will primarily focus on the K-12 education which has a heavy focus on STEAM topics. ZSpace for K-12 education aligns with curriculum standards while giving students a hands-on learning experience. This technology incorporates a constructivist view of learning as students fully engage with the content and build their own knowledge. Teachers facilitate learning with customizable learning experiences, supports, and resources.

    This tool would be extremely beneficial to all students but especially those that learn best through hands-on experiences rather than lecture style teaching. Zspace can provide its learners with in-depth content on numerous topics that they can inquire, dissect, discover, experiment, and manipulate in ways that would be impossible through traditional teaching methods. All students can gain a deeper understanding of evidence-based instructional content through virtually interacting with their learning topics through 3D graphics.

Bitmoji Classroom

 I want to teach Kindergarten. Some of the things that are important to me that I plan to incorporate in my classroom are reading, nature, and creativity.