Trying Something New
Last time, I used Quizizz as my formative assessment tool. It was all multiple choice questions
so I decided to give Pear Deck a try. I wanted something more interactive and that would help
my students think more outside the box. Also, I heard that Pear Deck is similar to Nearpod.
I used Nearpod before so I was curious to try this new add-on to Google Slides. I started it
by watching the “How Pear Deck Works” video since I already had the Pear Deck add on
to my Google Slides. However, if you do not have it here is the link that shows you how to
create an account with Pear Deck and add it to your Google Slides:
https://help.peardeck.com/article/168-create-a-pear-deck-account
Furthermore, I like that the students have the option to be anonymous while participating in
class. This will make them feel at ease. I don't remember if Nearpod has that option. I
think they do but it is always good to also have their names displayed for accountability.
I think Google Slides is definitely easier to use than Nearpod. However, I know that Nearpod
has features that Pear Deck don't have. Nearpod has the option for you to put Google Earth
on it and explore the world with your students. I'm not sure if Pear Deck has it too.
Nearpod also has pre-made slides that you can use depending on what subject you teach.
I didn't sign up for Pear Deck's premium so I don't know if Pear Deck has the same thing.
So far, I don't think I was as frustrated as Amanda and I was when I was trying Nearpod out
than Pear Deck.
Making a Google Slide with Pear Deck
I used a Google Slide that I have already created. It wasn’t that hard to add some
3. End of lesson: After reading “The Retrieval Practice” blog, I wanted to have
so I decided to give Pear Deck a try. I wanted something more interactive and that would help
my students think more outside the box. Also, I heard that Pear Deck is similar to Nearpod.
I used Nearpod before so I was curious to try this new add-on to Google Slides. I started it
by watching the “How Pear Deck Works” video since I already had the Pear Deck add on
to my Google Slides. However, if you do not have it here is the link that shows you how to
create an account with Pear Deck and add it to your Google Slides:
https://help.peardeck.com/article/168-create-a-pear-deck-account
Furthermore, I like that the students have the option to be anonymous while participating in
class. This will make them feel at ease. I don't remember if Nearpod has that option. I
think they do but it is always good to also have their names displayed for accountability.
I think Google Slides is definitely easier to use than Nearpod. However, I know that Nearpod
has features that Pear Deck don't have. Nearpod has the option for you to put Google Earth
on it and explore the world with your students. I'm not sure if Pear Deck has it too.
Nearpod also has pre-made slides that you can use depending on what subject you teach.
I didn't sign up for Pear Deck's premium so I don't know if Pear Deck has the same thing.
So far, I don't think I was as frustrated as Amanda and I was when I was trying Nearpod out
than Pear Deck.
Making a Google Slide with Pear Deck
I used a Google Slide that I have already created. It wasn’t that hard to add some
slides using Pear Deck but I did have some challenges that I will mention later.
While building it, I had the following in mind:
While building it, I had the following in mind:
- Add beginning questions: Pre-test my students’ knowledge about the topic/s.
Use Pear Deck to make it a little more interactive. - During the lesson: I tried to add some slides with Pear Deck but I didn’t. I thought
3. End of lesson: After reading “The Retrieval Practice” blog, I wanted to have
my students use the “Think-Pair-Share” method to recall information with
each other. Pear Deck already had a slide that I could add for my students
sharing with one another.
Trying It with My Students
I was able to try it with my students and they were really excited to test something
new. However, they thought it required too much “thinking” for them. I am glad
to get that kind of feedback since I want my students to do some critical thinking when possible.
I used the “ask a new question” button when new questions would arise from me or from my students.
new. However, they thought it required too much “thinking” for them. I am glad
to get that kind of feedback since I want my students to do some critical thinking when possible.
I used the “ask a new question” button when new questions would arise from me or from my students.
Another feature that I liked was the “sharing answers” part. Once I knew they were done typing or selecting
their answer, I could share their responses, and students could still change them. I know that with Nearpod,
once you share the answers, students cannot change edit their answers.
their answer, I could share their responses, and students could still change them. I know that with Nearpod,
once you share the answers, students cannot change edit their answers.
Struggles
Like trying anything new, it was taking me a little to get used to it. I was having
a hard time adding questions and then previewing them. I think I have an idea
now on how to do it. However, I wonder if there is an easier way to do it? I
would love to hear from anyone who knows how to use Pear Deck. In addition,
I am still trying to figure out an easy way to quickly preview what I have created
and see if what my students might see.
a hard time adding questions and then previewing them. I think I have an idea
now on how to do it. However, I wonder if there is an easier way to do it? I
would love to hear from anyone who knows how to use Pear Deck. In addition,
I am still trying to figure out an easy way to quickly preview what I have created
and see if what my students might see.
Moreover, another feature that I didn’t like was that I have to have the premium version to be able to review my
students’ responses after class was done.
students’ responses after class was done.
Do I recommend this?
Yes! I totally do. It makes the Google Slides more interesting and more interactive
for the students. I know I have a lot more to learn. I have seen some examples
while playing with it so I will have to try them as I get more comfortable with it.
Below you will see the Google Slide that I created with
Pear Deck:
Hi Elisabeth,
ReplyDeleteThis was a nice explanation of how to work with Pear Deck. I love it that you were able to test it out with your students! It doesn't matter how great we think something is, but it is worthless if it doesn't work with the kids. And they usually have great feedback.
~Heather