Introducing Apps: iTunes U and NearPod

iTunes U is an app that gives you access to the world's largest online catalog of free education content from top schools and universities. This service has become so popular that it has even begun to replace costly textbooks. Here is a link to a BBC article that describes how some schools have embraced this virtual library of information. BBC ARTICLE. Another App that everyone needs to know about is NearPod. Some of you may be familiar with this presentation delivery method. Simply put, you need a lap top that will allow you to convert a PowerPoint or Keynote presentation in to a PDF. Then you create a free account at NearPod.com Once you are there, you can edit the PDF and insert formative assessment methods into your presentation. These can range from poll, multiple choice, and essay questions. You could even have students create a drawing to represent something you want the students to know. The beauty of this type of presentation is--you have all the control. Students will receive a pin and then log in to your presentation. You can see the names of all students who are taking part in the presentation and see when they log out. You ensure that the students are looking at the same slide you are describing. You can showcase exemplary student work or answers as part of the summative assessment process. Ultimately, you can get a spreadsheet at the conclusion of the presentation that will indicate where students my be struggling with course content. This is a great app--easy to use and fun, too. Here is an attachment that has some very basic instructions on how to use NearPod in the classroom. I think everyone should try this at least once!