In order for students to all interpret the information and really think during class, they have to be held accountable in some way. Having students engage in a review where they each have to reply was ideal. (Besides on a test, when do we really have that happen?) Thus, my team checked out a cart of iPads (5 per class = 1 iPad per table group). I stood at the SmartBoard and manipulated the screen to showcase the questions, as students collaborated with one another and selected their answer on the iPod. The results graphed immediately in front of the class making it easy for me to see how we as a class were progressing towards mastery of the content. Students reinforced the knowledge by teaching each other through discussion of potential answers to numerous questions. “Oh, I get it!” or “You’re right, I forgot about that!’ was heard often. They enjoyed the instant gratification of seeing the correctness of their answer.
Below are some pictures of my students utilizing the Nearpod app on the iPad during our review game:
It is really easy to do. Download the Nearpod app on your device and create an account. Then, get started!
Check out this video for additional information. Want to know what other teachers think about Nearpod? See it for yourself here.
Gretchen Schultek is currently a Third Grade Teacher at Berewick Elementary School. During the past 8 years, she has taught second, third, and fifth grade in Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools. Blogging became a way for her to reflect on her classroom experiences and network with quality educators on the web whose experience could guide her development as an educator. She looks forward to strengthening her teaching craft with quality educators who are creative, passionate, and open-minded right here in our own school district!