Piloting Nearpod at UBalt
For years, Nearpod has been a staple in K-12 classrooms, providing teachers with interactive lessons, formative assessments, and collaborative learning tools. Now, as higher education institutions adapt to new learning environments, faculty are beginning to explore how Nearpod can enhance engagement in their classrooms. Whether in face-to-face, online, or hyflex courses, Nearpod offers a versatile platform that supports active learning and student participation.
At colleges and universities across the United States, faculty have embraced Nearpod as a way to enhance learning experiences in large lectures, hybrid courses, and technology-driven classrooms. Dr. Daniel Mallinson of Penn State found that Nearpod’s interactive features helped facilitate discussion and engagement in his hyflex courses, ensuring that students—whether in-person or online—could actively participate. Similarly, Dr. James Gentry at Tarleton State has used Nearpod to streamline content delivery, assess student understanding in real time, and support more personalized learning experiences. These case studies reflect a growing trend: Nearpod is making an impact in higher education, helping instructors create dynamic, student-centered classrooms.
At UBalt, Nearpod has the potential to support our unique student population, particularly adult learners who benefit from flexible, engaging instructional methods. Nearpod’s ability to integrate interactive videos, live quizzes, collaborative boards, and formative assessments aligns with the needs of UBalt’s Dual Modality courses, where faculty must balance in-person and online engagement seamlessly. By incorporating Nearpod, faculty can create lessons that meet students where they are—providing structured yet interactive learning experiences that keep students engaged, regardless of modality.
To further explore the potential of Nearpod in higher education, CELTT has launching the Spring 2025 Nearpod Pilot PLC. This seven-week learning community will give UBalt faculty the opportunity to work hands-on with Nearpod, design interactive lessons, and collaborate with colleagues to enhance student engagement. Participants will receive full access to Nearpod Premium Plus and a $250 stipend upon completion of program deliverables. If you’re interested in joining, there’s still room for a few more faculty members—apply today!
