Using Nearpod in Classrooms for Global Collaboration

In today's society, global collaboration is no longer optional, but necessary. Students are growing up in a globally connected society, and equipping them with tools to collaborate, and problem solve with others around the world is essential. One of the tools that help make this possible is virtual reality, and Nearpod stands out as an accessible way to bring immersive, international experiences into classrooms.

What is Nearpod?

Nearpod is an learning platform that allows educators to deliver engaging interactive lessons using assessments, multimedia content, and collaborative tools. Its virtual reality feature lets students take 360 degree virtual field trips to global landmarks, cultural heritage sites, and natural wonders of the world, all from the comfort of the classroom.

One of the benefits of Nearpod is that unlike other virtual reality tools it is not necessary to use expensive equipment. Nearpod is compatible with inexpensive viewers like Google Cardboard and can also be used on regular tablets and Chromebooks which makes it highly accessible for classrooms around the world regardless of budget constraints.

Supporting Global Collaboration

Nearpod goes beyond just sightseeing, it lays down the groundwork for meaningful cross cultural communication and project based collaboration. Students on opposite sides of the world can take a virtual tour of the same historic place together. After exploring, they can collaborate and ask questions that would be unique to their culture which can help build a greater global understanding. Students can also visit important environmental places that are in danger like the Amazon Rainforest or the melting glaciers in the arctic, then partner with peers in other countries to brainstorm climate action plans. This fosters empathy, critical thinking, and problem solving in the real world. Nearpod can also enable students to explore everyday life in other countries, visiting towns, homes, and schools in different regions. These experiences can become conversation starters in global writing programs or cultural exchanges. 

Nearpod Lesson Plans 

Educators can incorporate Nearpod into their classrooms through lesson plans such as this one. In this lesson students can explore the grand canyon and learn about it through a virtual tour and in an interactive environment. After the virtual tour students can make a poster sharing what they learned from the experience.

Nearpod can be used in many creative ways to help build a deeper understanding of global connections and can create a dialogue between different cultures through its use in the classroom.