Throwback to Hour of Code

Almost exactly a year ago, we first mentioned the Hour of Code on the blog. This year's event is scheduled from December 5-11, which is right around the corner! Check out the featured post for more details on this global event and if you're interested, sign-up at the following link to participate in the Hour of Code this year: https://hourofcode.com/us#join 

Looking for Some PioNears

You've been in your students' seats before. You know, the two hour webinar you signed up for to get Act 48 hours that put you to sleep. The speaker who talks and talks and talks and finally starts to sound like the adults from Charlie Brown. It doesn't have to be that way for your students! We are working with 21st century learners whose lives center around technology. Why not bring the technology to them in your lessons and connect with them on a whole new level???  Nearpod is an interactive teaching tool that you can use to create, engage, and assess. (PioNears are those educators who spread the Nearpod love far and wide and help others integrate this technology into their own classrooms.)


Here are the basics of how Nearpod works: 
1. You create (or download-for a fee) interactive lessons.
2. You share your lesson and students can access it via desktops, tablets, smart phones, etc.
3. YOU control the pace of the lesson in real-time.
4. The students interact with the lesson and submit responses as your lesson requires.
5. Formative assessment can be included in the lesson and you can provide immediate feedback.


This quick, one minute video shows a veteran teacher's testimonial of why he chooses to incorporate Nearpod in his classroom: https://vimeo.com/95197111

To get the full effect, you need to see Nearpod in action yourself! Once you create a Nearpod, you'll have access to a free "Getting Started with Neapod" Nearpod. If you have two devices available, use one as your teacher device and log onto the other as a student by going to www.nearpod.com/student
When you start the sample Nearpod on your teacher device, you'll get a PIN to use to access the lesson on  your student device. From there, you will be able to see things from both the teacher and student perspective. Nearpod is an innovative way to incorporate BYOD into your classroom and to keep your students engaged and motivated!

Some things to keep in mind:

• Students need devices, but the district has given us lots of options: computer labs, BYOD, Surfaces, Chromebooks, iPads and more!
• You can create and share Nearpod lessons with team members. Divide and conquer the content as you create interactive lessons your students will love!
• Nearpod will work with any grade level or subject area.
• There are lots of premade Nearpods out there=less work for you!

If you have an questions, please don't hesitate to ask! If you've used Nearpod before, please share your experiences in the comments below!