Nearpod and M-learning Apps. Experiences
M-learning or Mobile Learning allows students to learn on the go by providing them the content straight to their smartphones. Using mobile learning permits learners’ flexibility and convenience (Burton, 2023). Collaborative learning is an instructional approach that focuses on students working together to achieve a common goal. Collaboration amongst students allows for deeper thinking (Alber, 2017). Through mobile learning applications, students can collaborate and engage in higher-order level thinking while working on grade level standards. Applications such as Nearpod, Canva, Miro, and Quizlet allow for student collaboration while providing students with the advantages of M-learning. I chose to focus on the aforementioned applications because I have used them in the past but wanted to learn more and explore some of their advanced features. I have used Nearpod and Quizlet with my students, while Canva and Miro as part of this degree program. Nearpod was the easiest to use. That is in part due to the fact that I have attended district workshops offered by the company and had experience interacting with many of its features. Canva and Miro are also not difficult to use. Both companies offer a myriad of templates that you can customize to fit your needs. Quizlet is the most popular out of the three M-learning applications I reviewed in terms of its connection to curriculum. It is specific to education as it provides tools for studying and learning (About Quizlet, 2023). I would recommend all of these applications to my colleagues. However, I would provide them with examples of how they can be used and share the Nearpod presentation so they can get a better understanding of all of them. Nearpod has a great Teacher Resources section where teachers can find lessons by standard and with clear, measurable learning objectives. Nearpod can also support collaboration through its Collaborative Board where students can collaborate with classmates on specific lessons. Canva can support collaboration by allowing students to work on a project simultaneously. They can draft, revise and collaborate in groups of up to ten members. Miro can support collaboration by allowing students to work on a project simultaneously. Collaboration classroom games such as Pictionary, Hangman, Tic-Tac-Toe, Circle the Number and Crossword can all be used in all subject areas. Finally, Quizlet can support collaboration through game-based activities like Match, Gravity, or Quizlet Lives. The multiplayer games foster collaboration and teamwork, allowing students to work together, discuss concepts, and collectively solve problems. Resources that teachers can use to learn more about these tools are listed below:
Managing M-learning devices & Troubleshooting
In order for students to maximize their learning when using any sort of technology, rules and procedures have to be set in place from day one. Those technology rules will also apply to managing all m-learning devices. A great starting point is to utilize the district resources. Cobb County School District provides links for parents and students regarding digital resources on their Digital Citizenship and Responsibility page. The Cobb County School District believes that technology and its utilization enhances the quality and delivery of education and is an important part of preparing children for life in the 21st century. The District Administrative Rule IFBG-R Technology Acceptable Use describes the district’s AUP along with consequences for noncompliance. In addition, rules and procedures for managing devices will be reviewed as necessary. Students will have realistic learning goals, they will have opportunities to use a variety of mobile tools and platforms, and continuous feedback will be provided (Technology, 2023). For troubleshooting m-learning applications, students will have a few steps in place:
Ideas for Implementing M-learning in the Classroom
The resources provided above that teachers can use to learn more about Nearpod and the three M-learning applications, provide great ideas for implementation. However, as Davis and Davis (2020) remind us, most students are not "equipped with digital citizenship." As such, before any implementation can take place, teachers should consider teaching their students digital citizenship, how to properly manage and troubleshoot their technology, and remind them of the why behind the what. Students should have a clear understanding of what they are learning before using any other resources. Please see below for additional ideas for implementing Nearpod and the following M-learning applications:
M-learning App. Evaluations
Digital Tool Evaluation - Canva Digital Tool Evaluation - Miro Digital Tool Evaluation - Quizlet
Nearpod Presentation
Below you will find the Share With Teachers edition embedded link. To see the Student Paced version, please click on the link that will expire on December 4th or join at join.nearpod.com or in the app using the following code: RVJF4.
References
About Quizlet. (2023). Quizlet. https://quizlet.com/mission Alber, R. (2017). Deeper learning: A collaborative classroom is key. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/blog/deeper-learning-collaboration-key-rebecca-alber Burton, C. (2023). What is M Learning? Mobile Learning Pros/Cons & Tips. Thinkific. https://www.thinkific.com/blog/mobile-learning/ Davis, V., & Davis, V. (2020). Are smartphones in the classroom a smart move? Cool Cat Teacher Blog. https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e387/ Kharbach, M., PhD. (2023, September 24). Explore the power of Quizlet. Educators Technology. https://www.educatorstechnology.com/2022/10/what-is-quizlet-and-how-to-use-it-to.html Technology, M. (2023). What are the best Mobile learning tools and platforms for you? www.linkedin.com. https://www.linkedin.com/advice/0/what-best-mobile-learning-tools-platforms-you
5 Comments
Kelley
9/27/2023 10:39:23 am
Hi Mari-- thank you for introducing me to Miro; I had never heard of that platform before. I appreciate the overview you provided in both your post and your Nearpod lesson. I am glad that you have been provided Nearpod professional learning; our district bought the platform for our use but only provided a brief introductory overview of the tool when they first purchased it a few years ago. I wish there had been some follow up support so I could learn more about the advanced features. Have you used any of the pre-created lessons in the library? If so, did you find them to be of high quality? That is always one of my main concerns when using templates and pre-made lessons.
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Bria Reedy
9/27/2023 06:18:25 pm
Good Evening,
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Astyn Harris
9/29/2023 07:19:06 pm
Hey Mari,
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Jaleesa D.
10/2/2023 07:25:56 pm
Hey Mari!
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Emily Murphy
10/9/2023 07:16:22 pm
Hi Mari,
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