For Remote and Classroom Teaching, Nearpod Makes Learning Engaging, Everywhere

Bearnes Primary School, Devon, England

Teacher and SENDCo, Becky Hawling, registered for Nearpod Free Trial in January 2022 as she’d used the learning management system during the multiple lockdowns while her pupils were learning from home. With Nearpod, she was able to maintain learning engagement throughout.

When Becky received an email from Renaissance in early 2022 alerting her to the Nearpod full access free trial, Becky jumped at the chance to use Nearpod in the classroom with her pupils instead of remote learning.

We speak to Becky to discover just how impactful Nearpod has been as an in-class lesson management resource and for remote learning. These are her initial thoughts on the Nearpod Free Trial.

Becky explains:

“I absolutely loved it, and my colleague informed me that their student’s favourite lessons were always those conducted through Nearpod.”

I was looking for a platform during lockdown that could keep my pupils engaged throughout the lesson and allow me to monitor their interactions in one live system. A colleague informed me that they used Nearpod to do just that. I then observed one of their Nearpod lessons, and I just thought it was terrific.

I absolutely loved it, and my colleague informed me that their student’s favourite lessons were always those conducted through Nearpod. I got an email from Renaissance, which reminded me about Nearpod, and I realised I’d never considered using Nearpod in the classroom.

“I created a Nearpod survey to ask my pupils which lessons they preferred, and it was a resounding thumbs up for Nearpod.”

After that, I decided to use Nearpod to engage my own pupils while learning from home. After using Nearpod’s interactive centralised lessons, I created a Nearpod survey to ask my pupils which lessons they preferred, and it was a resounding thumbs up for Nearpod.

We’ve since used Nearpod to explore places around the world as a class, including Mexico and the pyramids! My pupils absolutely love the virtual world exploration and touring feature; they can’t get enough of it and get so excited when I tell them we’ll be conducting one of these lessons.

As we advance, I can definitely see Nearpod playing a crucial role in supporting themed curriculums and learning around specific topics.

“Nearpod gives my pupils the chance to be there or see the history of the place and upload interactive questions and answers around the topic as we explore it together as a class.”

Nearpod gives my pupils the chance to be there or see the history of the place and upload interactive questions and answers around the topic as we explore it together as a class.

I know my pupils appreciate the privacy that Nearpod gives them in submitted answers. Especially for those pupils who might be too shy to raise their hand in class or if they’re generally not confident in answering questions.

With Nearpod, they can submit the question directly to me so no one else can see it, and I can give them instant feedback. In addition, Nearpod allows me to control the pace of the lesson, ensuring I’m offering the proper support to all pupils who need it and letting those who are confident continue their learning autonomously.

“When I know I will be working with a class where their writing ability might dissuade them from learning, I can use Nearpod to conduct the lesson.”

When I know I will be working with a class where their writing ability might dissuade them from learning, I can use Nearpod to conduct the lesson.

The assessment features within Nearpod help me assign tasks and activities to each pupil to identify their understanding truly. For example, I can ask pupils to draw the layers of the rainforest based on the examples we’ve explored in Nearpod.

At our multi-academy trust, we’ve got an excellent digital strategy in place to ensure learning is accessible and inclusive for all pupils. Nearpod is an exemplary example of the type of platform which allows all pupils to access and engage with learning at all times.

To register for the Full Access Free Trial of Nearpod for the whole spring term, click here.