This presentation will demonstrate the features of NearPod and clarify how it uses has changed how undergraduate students interact with the course materials. In addition, you will hear some of the takeaways regarding the implementation of NearPod -- specifically surrounding not overwhelming the students with navigating between two different platforms.
Online learning offers educators an instructional delivery mode that should foster flexibility in learning, customized and current content, integration of digital application, and a platform that does not compromise effective practices. The framework in which may faculty approach online instruction is in the realm of pedagogy and the building one's knowledge base. While this is necessary for the development of curriculum, it may not address the realities of a learner-guided environment. This requires an examination of andragogy and how it influences how a learner approaches asynchronous instructional experiences.
Andragogy is the study of adult learning and the awareness that these learners have a knowledge repository. While their awareness may not connect to your instructional content, adults do (and will) approach learning in a different manner. Online faculty that overlook these differences may hinder a student's performance and deter participation in future asynchronous events.
NearPod is a learner-centered engagement platform that can supplement the content within a learning management system. It allows the faculty member to intentionally embed activities within the content to aid in the comprehension of information. Lessons can mirror the pacing of a traditional (face-to-face) classroom utilizing polls, quizzes, draw-it exercises, video, and even simulations. NearPod also endorses collaboration in a way that can incorporate text and visuals; thereby adding a new layer to discussions.
This presentation will demonstrate the features of NearPod and clarify how it uses has changed how undergraduate students interact with the course materials. In addition, you will see the endorsed guidelines to transform a teacher-centered PowerPoint presentation into a learner-centered lesson. Students could showcase their understanding of topics before completing major tasks/projects in the learning management system. Finally, you will hear some of the takeaways regarding the implementation of NearPod -- specifically surrounding not overwhelming the students with navigating between two different platforms.
The goal is a universal support of effective instructional practices in an online environment. Our role as educators is the ongoing advocacy for professional development and support surrounding asynchronous learning. NearPod offers a means to support rich content with robust engagement. That, in essence, is the aim of education for all learners.