Week 3 of lockdown 3 and I am continuing to develop my TEAMS lessons. Over the last few days I have been developing and exploring the use of nearpod for my remote “live” lessons for KS4 and KS3.
So what have I learnt so far, and where am I going next…
Integrating with Powerpoint.
Most of my lessons are delivered via Powerpoint – I have tried Google slides, but I have been using Powerpoint for so long that I guess I have stuck with it because I am familiar with it.
I started using nearpod as I wanted to increase the number of interactive elements that would support AfL when delivering “live lessons”, and wanted to reduce the number of “shared screens” I had to go through using Teams.
I started with my Powerpoint that I had already created. This one is based on the Progress in Geography KS3 series by Hodder I adapted the Powerpoint that was available on the dynamic learning website (subscription required)
A PDF version of the Powerpoint is available here.
I then uploaded the Powerpoint to nearpod – there are loads of Youtube videos that show you how to do that, so I won’t go into details here. I then started to think about the activities that I would like the students to complete which would allow me to assess their understanding, and also activities that would add an element of interaction for the students.
I started with some starter activities to recall place knowledge – Where different continents are, and also where key UK capital cities and cities are. I used the Draw it tool, and placed a base map of the world, and then posed a suitable question. I did the same for the UK cities.
This would allow me to see whether place knowledge I consider to be “known” by the students actual is or not. If not, then next lesson it would be time to go over these points. I can watch the students work live and then give feedback there and then – really powerful.
My next assessment opportunity is a Collaborate board – a chance for students to virtually stick post it notes on a board – again I wanted to see whether the students could recall the 7 continents of the world.
My next interactive page is a youtube video, but in nearpod, you can also add questions to various points on the video. You can either control the pace of the video or let the students work through the video themself. As a teacher, you can see the comments or answers to MCQs in real-time, which again is useful AfL which I can either address there and then – I normally do using the mic on Teams or next lesson.
After a few of my PowerPoint slides, I then decided to add a virtual field trip – to the glacier we were studying. Easy to do as I just selected Fieldtrip and then searched for the right location. Although not AfL related, it does add that interactive element for students.
I’ll add more elements as I become more familiar with nearpod in the future such as quizzes and matching exercises, but for now below is a preview of my first effort and also a preview of my first video that I have added questions to.
https://share.nearpod.com/nB5yWq0O9cb
https://share.nearpod.com/FtS9bE3F9cb
Does it take a long time?
If you are starting by using a PowerPoint and then adding activities then it does not take too long, as you just add activity slides in between your own. Like everything, the more you add the longer it takes, but also the more useful it will be in the long run.
I shall see how this develops over the week and report back.
Geographical reflections 