Summary of Three Web-Based Instructional Resources

Plickers

Plickers is a program that I have used in one of my classes. Plickers is a lot like Kahoot, in that is involves
answering multiply choice questions in a fun but confidential way. Unlike Kahoot, no other devices,
except the teachers devices, are needed to participate in the quizzes. The application requires you to
print responds cards off for each student. When the teacher displays a multiply choice question on the
smart board or projector, students respond by holding up a codes answer. The teacher uses her phone
to scan all answers and to collect data. One thing that I learned about this application is that you can
add in other languages for your English learning students. I also like that teachers can assign students
numbers so that they can analyze students individually, but I also like how teachers can still use the
application if they did not assign students number. Even if the students do not have an assigned number
the teacher can still analyze the knowledge of her class as a whole.

Another thing that I enjoyed about this tool is that it did not require anything that is not already in the
classroom. I think for elementary students this is a better options than Kahoot , they are very similar and
can be used in the same way, because it eliminates the destruction and misuse of cell phones during
instruction. Teachers can use this program is as a pre-assessment tool. They can assess the students
knowledge in a fun way that engages the students, but also allows them to feel less anxious about
answering a question incorrectly. Teachers can also use this as a formative assessment tool to assess
what students learned during instruction time. The teacher can use this tool as a review at the end of a
unit.

Kahoot

Kahoot is an internet website that allows you to create multiply choice quizzes and present them in a
fun and interactive way. These multiple chocie quizzes can be given as a whole group or in small groups.
During the Kahoot game quiz participants will join the game by entering a computer generated code into
their mobile device. When using it for teams Kahoot allows the students to enter all team players
names, and also choose a team name; the teacher can remove any inappropriate names. Once the
players have entered the game, the teacher can see who has access the game successfully. The Teacher
can set a time limit for each question, and individualizes the point scale for each question. Also, teachers
can use resource on Kahoot that was created by someone else.

Teachers can use this in the classroom in serval ways. One way teachers can use this program is as a pre-
assessment tool. The teacher can assess the students knowledge in a fun way that engages the
students, but also allows them to feel less anxious about answering a question incorrectly. Another way
that teachers can use this as a formative assessment to assess what students comprehended from a
lesson. The formative assessment can also be a review at the end of a unit. Although, there are many
things that can use Kahoot, all variations involve some sort of assessment.

Nearpod

Nearpod is an internet website that allows you to create interactive activities and lessons. Nearpod
allows you to upload power points and other files, and enhance them by adding interactive activities.
You can add videos to your lesson in a varities of ways; you can use YouTube, upload from your
computer, or correct to a live stream. Nearpod also allows you to add activities that will be great to use
with a SMART board.

Nearpod can be used in many ways in the classroom. Although Nearpod is a great way to create whole
group instruction, it also has an option for students to work independently. Teacher can create
interactive lesson for students to complete during center time. The teacher can monitor what each
student is doing and, end student sessions if they are not using the technology correctly. Teacher can
add quizzes, drawings, and resources from others. Students can also collaborate. Teachers can use
Nearpod to create homework assignments; all they would need to do is provide students with the
appropriate code to access the activity.

Selected Application for Deeper Learning

I selected Nearpod for my quiz/learning activity.

VA Standard of Learning

3.9 The student will investigate and understand the water cycle and its relationship to life on
Earth. Key concepts include
a) there are many sources of water on Earth;
b) the energy from the sun drives the water cycle;
 c) the water cycle involves several processes;
d) water is essential for living things; and
e) water on Earth is limited and needs to be conserved.

Synopsis of the Learning Experience

For this activity I created a activity in Nearpod. I used the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE)
Curriculum framework for the above grade level and standard to determine what I should include in my
lesson. I created a basic power point presentation with the information from the VDOE. The information
the state requires the students to know was limited, but when considering the time that is allotted for
science in third grade the presentation I put together will take about two days to cover. Along with the
information the VDOE required the students to know, I used the learning outcomes they listed in the
curriculum framework to ensure all important information was present.

My power point was all about the water cycle, and where we get tap water from. I started my
presentation with an essential question that I created based on the third grade standards for the topic.
Next, I incorporated a Youtube video that explains where we get our water from; I was able to upload
this video from with-in the site. I also added another fun video about the water cycle. This video is a
catchy song about the water cycle that I will teach my students while we are learning the material. At
the end of my power point, I created a quiz that will assess what my students should have learned
during this instruction. I was able to create the multiply choice questions with-in Nearpod.

This assignment was fun and exciting. The thing I enjoyed most about this project was learning that
there were fun learning resources out there like Nearpod. I like that the three resources are not limited
to classroom settings, but I also can use them in other settings. I also liked how I could upload
documents from my computer and enhance them. The thing I found most challenging is figuring what
each tap within the program could do. I found that what I expected it to do it, it did not do, and what it
did do, I did not want it to do. I also liked that there were many ways to enhance my power point, so the
options I did not understand how to use, I was not forced to use them because there were so many
other options. The next time I use this application, I would like to learn how to use the different
activities with-in the program. I also like how easy it was to email a link to myself to access and share the
final product.

Evidence of the completed product.

https://share.nearpod.com/e/IVt24unCdI