In a previous article, I talked about the possibility of using Edpuzzle and PlayPosit for creating flipped learning videos. These apps allow for quizzes inserted into different parts of the video. In another previous article, I mentioned that the pre-class learning resource does not have to be a video. One alternative is to use a Google slide deck (for presenting the learning concepts) with a Google Form inserted (for the while- or post-viewing quiz).
Actually, there is still another approach: using Nearpod. Below are the functions of Nearpod which make it a useful choice for creating pre-class learning resources:
- The completed Nearpod unit can be easily shared with students for self-paced learning before class.
- To cater for learner diversity, a completed Nearpod unit can be cloned, and the cloned version can be easily modified for another class, or another group of learners.
- Other than the usual slide content in point form, many different kinds of media can be easily inserted into a Nearpod unit (e.g., videos; VR resources; weblinks). In contrast, a video (to be viewed by students before class) does not have this flexibility.
- While one advantage of presenting the learning content through video is that the teacher can use voiceover narration to help with explanations, this can also be done in Nearpod. The teacher simply needs to choose the slides within a Nearpod lesson to be orally explained, and add audio narration accordingly.
- While Edpuzzle and Playposit will accept inserted quizzes, the questions types are quite limited. Those who are familiar with Nearpod will know that there is a good variety of task types that can be inserted into a Nearpod unit, such as blank-filling, matching, drawing, mini slideshows, and ‘Time to Climb’ competitions.
- Among the interactive task types is the newly added Flipgrid. Flipgrid enables students to submit a short video response to a question/task to the topic pre-set by the teacher, and then to view each other’s responses. While some students may lack confidence to speak up during class, this Flipgrid function gives every student the opportunity to respond to something orally while working through the pre-class flipped activity.
- Finally, a Nearpod unit designed by a teacher can be easily shared with other teachers, who can then easily modify it to cater for their own students’ needs.
I believe there is great potential in using Nearpod for creating pre-class learning resources for flipped learning.
Comments