Nearpod
by Nearpod Inc.
I have been using ipads in my classroom in one capacity or the other since they first hit the scene in 2010. I have tried more applications than I can name. There have been a few that have impressed me enough to be called upon regularly. There is only one that I can honestly say has altered my approach when engaging students and collecting data that shapes my lessons.

Nearpod, a free application for iOS and android devices, is the most effective application I have used to date. It allows me to easily build lessons that support my curriculum goals. The lessons can be differentiated to support all learning styles. Nearpod is a great means of gathering formative data to guide lessons, as well as summative data to share with students and parents. Nearpod provides opportunities for those students that are reluctant to speak out when questioned to join in the discussion with a simple click of the share button.

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The interface is simple to use. Even the most novice of technology users can master it. Once lessons are created, they can be easily shared with colleagues. Nearpod also provides a content store that is filled with lessons that are Common Core Driven.

What I love!

• Interactive slides

• Videos

• Directed website

• Quiz my students

• Instant feedback

• Total student engagement
• No paper
• Content Store

Cost and Platforms

Kimberly Simpson

Kimberly is a sixteen-year veteran in education and currently serves as the Coordinator for ClassWithApps through the Institute for Innovative Community Learning at the University of West Florida in Pensacola, Florida. She has developed and been instrumental in infusing tablet instruction into the classrooms at C.A. Weis Elementary School. Read more about Kimberly Simpson and the rest of the Class With Apps Team.