Nearpod is a push application which allows for educators to push the images on their screen their students' screens. After using this app, I feel as though it can and potentially will revolutionize teaching using Powerpoint.
Nearpod comes in two forms Nearpod Teacher and Nearpod Student. The Nearpod teacher app is designed for the educator, it is the "pusher" for lack of better terms. The Nearpod Student app is designed for the student/ anyone wishing to view the presentation. Nearpod Student simply allows for a viewer to link to the the presentation you've created. The way the app works is quite simple, once you've uploaded your presentation( I will explain later this process because it's quite cool) you are given a code to which you present to your students. They "sign in" with their first and last name and can see everything that you share from your version of the application.
Now, the information you've all been waiting, the Nearpod Teacher explanation! As I mentioned earlier in the post, the teacher version of the app is pretty cool. First, you must create an account, you have a few choices for free versions, so don't worry about budget constraints. Once you've signed in, you upload a PDF format of your chosen presentation. Then, you have the option to add in cool assessment tools such as a DrawSomething like activity in which students draw something representing an idea mentioned. You can also choose standard multiple choice questions or short open response among others. The best part, you get realtime updates as to performance.
The downfall of this app is that students needs access to an iPod Touch, iPhone, or iPad. Additionally, districts may not possess the aforementioned items. However, that opens us up to BYOT days, which is a discussion for another day!
