What learning environments is Nearpod appropriate?

 Situations in which students have "free" and easy access to technology. There should be alternatives to using smartphones in the classroom, be that kindles, iPods or android/windows tablets. There should be access to technology and the subject material should be conducive to be learned in a slide show/mildly interactive environment.

Even though it is a controlled method of using slideshows and having the text close to the person's eyes, it is still a slide show with occasional interactivity. If Nearpod is used as an introduction to material, as a launching pad into different activities, or as a method to convey different situations that are not easy or even possible to implement inside a classroom.

When is Nearpod not appropriate?

Neardpod should not be used in an environment where the prerequisites for the technology to even be used are not available. Internet should have adequate bandwidth, be available in the classroom in a preferably wireless format. Devices should be large enough that text in the slides should be able to be read easily, and the interactive surface is well suited to the use of the different methods of interaction.

Nearpod should not be used in either activities or in subjects where close, human, interactive and relational instruction is better suited. Sciences, Social Studies, Sex Education, are just some of the subjects where the instruction should be as close to one on one as possible. While Nearpod can be used in these situations, either as alternatives or as launching points into deeper conversations, it should not be relied on in order to convey all knowledge in the module being taught.

How can it be modified to work?

While it is possible to incorporate Nearpod into every lesson plan, care should be taken to evaluate if a slideshow, of any interactive level is appropriate. If whole lessons cannot be converted to Nearpod use, can you use it as an assessment means? Can you use it in a way that is an introduction to what you want to cover? Can you use Nearpod as project based, student work that is then shared?

 What needs to be considered?

Nearpod is a tool. In the hands of an empathic and well trained teacher, it can be a highly effective tool. But in situations where the school environment is not conducive to using it, it can cause disasters in classrooms with teachers that stubbornly press on and attempt to use it anyway, instead of finding alternate means to convey their message. Student life and student home cultures should be taken heavily into account. Bilingualism, multiculturalism, and family status are several points that are excruciatingly necessary to pay attention to, as they all affect how a student takes in the information that we decide to share on Nearpod.