M6: Blog Post 5
PADLET
Padlet is a platform that enables students to engage digitally by allowing them to communicate through images, text, audio, or video recordings. Padlet is also helpful for providing feedback to students by allowing us educators to leave feedback in the form of hearts on their posts.
Students use Padlet to get creative and express themselves through text, images, videos, and audio. According to Padlet (2019) it states, "It can also be used for collective research projects, collecting feedback after a specific lesson or event, asking open-ended questions, brainstorming, noticeboards, news and current events pages, and much more." I use Padlet to have my students begin research with a group, where they can share their thoughts, ideas, and media on their research process.
Padlet is a great alternative to Google Classroom because it’s more interactive and lets people share and communicate in a creative way. Unlike Google Classroom, Padlet makes it easy for everyone to share ideas and work together. It also helps students communicate in real time, sharing text, images, and videos quickly. It lets them respond to each other's ideas and learn from one another. This makes learning more interactive and engaging. Also, Padlet lets parents see their child's work in real time, especially if it’s shared on Google Classroom. Parents can stay updated and offer support when needed.
A negative aspect is that students might see this platform as too informal, which could lead to less professional communication or inappropriate behavior. However, due to its unique functions and tools, it can be especially helpful for students who already lack engagement, encouraging them to participate more.
The media platform is promoting digital literacy because students are learning how to find outside information, copy it, and paste it onto the platform. This helps them practice evaluating sources and sharing reliable content.
My educational goals align with this platform because in the age of technology, I used Padlet during the pandemic to get students engaged. I think this can help parents access their students’ work much more closely. Especially, if there are use
NEARPOD
The platform Nearpod is an essential platform for teachers because it allows teachers to use interactive digital
tools for students to use. After the Pandemic, Nearpod was used to find interactive ways to engage students.
Similar to Padlet, teachers use Nearpod to create lessons and find ones that align with their curriculum.
Students can engage by drawing, recording videos, or sharing their voices. Parents can get involved by
appreciating the platform's accessibility. Nearpod has also been used for parent engagement,
I've attended parent-teacher nights where Nearpod helped gauge parent involvement in school activities.
By simply joining a code, parents can actively participate in their child's education.
Another influence Nearpod has on communication is its ability to shift the learning dynamic.
As Perez (2017) states, “Nearpod provides lots of options to allow you to shift from lecture to
individual or group activities and encourage students to create and co-teach” (p. 109).
This flexibility allows for more interactive communication, where students can actively
engage with the material, collaborate with their peers, and take on leadership roles in their learning process.
Nearpod influences the way information is accessed, shared, and learned by providing interactive tools that enhance student engagement. As Perez (2017) explains, “Nearpod has a new tool called virtual field trips. The instructor can embed famous areas in a 'Google Street View' like map display, where students can explore a place virtually with 360-degree views.” This feature allows students to access information in a more immersive way, enabling them to explore and learn about different locations without leaving the classroom. It enhances the learning experience by providing a more visual and hands-on approach to understanding new concepts.
Nearpod helps students stay engaged with interactive features like virtual field trips and group activities,
making learning more fun and hands-on. These tools help students understand the material better and make
lessons more interesting. However, some students might get distracted by all the interactive features,
which can make it harder to focus. Also, technical issues or not having access to the right devices can stop students from fully using the platform
A privacy issue can happen when one company is sold to another, especially with student data. Most educational institutions may not see harm in a change of ownership into a larger parent company, while parents may be completely unaware. It's important for schools, teachers, and parents to check the new privacy rules to make sure student data is still safe.
Students need digital literacy to use platforms like Nearpod, which can be hard for ELLs and students
with disabilities. ELLs may struggle with language barriers, and students with disabilities might have
trouble reading or navigating the platform. can use Nearpod during parent-teacher conferences to
show student work and demonstrate how the platform worksThis helps parents see how their child is using it and how they can support their learning at home.
It’s also a good chance for parents to ask questions and get familiar with the platform.
Since the height of the pandemic, platforms like Nearpod have created new and improved educational
experiences. They help students adjust to the digital era, especially as standardized exams become more common.
References:
Padlet. (2019, Summer). School Librarian, 67(2), 83.
Perez, J. E. (2017). Nearpod. Journal of the Medical Library Association, 105(1), 108-110. https://doi.org/10.5195/JMLA.2017.121
Hi Jacquelyn, your blog post offers a great comparison between Padlet and Nearpod, highlighting their interactive features and how they engage students. I especially liked your point about Padlet’s creativity in allowing students to share media and collaborate on research projects. It’s true that the platform’s informality could sometimes lead to less professional communication, so setting clear guidelines is key.
ReplyDeleteYour insights into Nearpod’s interactive tools, like virtual field trips, are also spot on. While these features make learning more engaging, I agree that technical issues and distractions could be potential drawbacks. I also appreciate your mention of privacy concerns, as it’s important to stay vigilant about student data security.
Overall, you’ve provided a balanced view of both platforms. Do you have any tips for managing distractions or tech issues when using Nearpod?
~ Thank you for your post, Jacquelyn. After reading your post, I am now intrigued by the idea of using Padlet in my classroom. Its interactive and creative features, such as allowing students to share text, images, videos, and audio, seem like a fantastic way to foster collaboration and engagement. I especially appreciate how Padlet can be used for brainstorming, group research, and showcasing student work in a visually appealing and organized manner. The ability for parents to view their child's work in real-time is another great advantage that aligns well with the goal of enhancing parent involvement.
ReplyDeleteAdditionally, I have heard many positive attributes about Nearpod and have had the opportunity to observe its use in a classroom setting. Watching students interact with slideshows, assignments, and assessments through Nearpod was inspiring. Its immersive features, like virtual field trips and interactive tools for drawing or recording videos, make learning more engaging and hands-on. I also admire how Nearpod facilitates parent engagement during events like parent-teacher nights.
I am excited to explore both Padlet and Nearpod further as tools to gamify specific aspects of my classroom. By incorporating these platforms, I hope to create a more dynamic and interactive learning environment that encourages creativity, collaboration, and deeper engagement with the material.
Hi Jacquelyn!
ReplyDeleteI love Padlet! I use it all the time and I used it for one of my case studies as well! I have never heard of Nearpod though and it seems great! I specifically love the virtual field trips. This idea is something that I have been passionate about since undergrad and I think is one of the strongest arguments for technology as it can take you places that would be impossible or expensive to go in person. This can be so exciting for students and get them to engage with the physical world without actually leaving the room. I have to check out the site! Thanks for the great information!