With the results of a research study on the impact of Nearpod on learning outcomes just published, it’s important to ask: how has Nearpod impacted students and teachers in Rockford Public Schools?
Nearpod has been used in RPS 205 since 2019, and in that time, teachers have integrated this tool in their instruction in powerful ways. Cecilia Hartsock, a math and physics teacher at Lincoln Middle School, uses Nearpod to help strengthen student autonomy. “I primarily use Nearpod to insert my own videos and use several features within the videos for students to answer questions, check if they wrote certain notes down, and give quiz questions,” Cecilia explains.
The embedded questions in each video help her to “assess students, check their understanding and keep in contact with parents” if students are struggling. With the wide range of readiness levels and experiences in each classroom, she loves giving students the opportunity to work on Nearpod interactive videos at their own pace. She finds that “students are able to pause the video as they need, ask questions for clarification and can re-watch the video as many times as needed.”
There is no doubt that in this age of technology, using video content truly amplifies learning. In Cecilia’s math and physics classrooms, students are using video to take ownership of their learning.
Melinda Etnyre of RESA Middle School is using Nearpod to supplement and reinforce the High School Readiness standards. Melinda utilizes the Nearpod 21st Century Readiness Program. “I particularly like the content related to social media, test-taking, time management, goal-setting, note-taking and study [skills,] as well as social emotional learning,” she reflects. Melinda utilizes the Common Sense Media lessons, and since each lesson has both Spanish and English versions, all of Melinda’s Spanish speaking students can access content in their native language. It is important to Melinda to bring focus to the various learning styles in her classroom, and Nearpod helps her do this. When I use Nearpod, “students experience great visual examples, include their own comments, work with others, and express their creativity and opinions.”
Brittany Granquist is RPS 205's Nearpod Customer Success Manager, working closely with Rockford's instructional tech team to support Nearpod implementation across the district!