What is Nearpod?

Nearpod is an interactive presentation and assessment tool that integrates with Canvas. It enables instructors to create or customize presentations with embedded activities like polls, quizzes, and collaborative boards. Students can join live sessions or complete activities asynchronously. Nearpod includes tools for real-time student participation tracking, post-session reports, and integration with multimedia content. Sessions can be delivered in instructor-paced or student-paced modes.

PSU Resources

External Resources

Accessibility & Privacy

If using this tool, including the following links in your course help meet Quality Matters (QM) Standards 6.4 and 8.6, respectively:

Additional Information

Free version to individual educators with limits include up to 100MB storage, 40 MB lesson size; up to 40 students per session. The Canvas Integration of Nearpod is available only to Nearpod Premium members. Please consult Penn State Courseware for actions needed for authorization.

At a Glance

person Availability: Students, Faculty, Staff

paid Cost: Free with Limited Options

smartphone Mobile App: Yes

web Canvas Integration: Yes

dvr Supported Technologies: Computer, Mobile device, Webcam, Microphone, Internet

alarm Learning Curve: 30 mins - 1 hr

Practical Applications

Pedagogical Goals:

  • Create a Classroom Community
  • Disseminate Info / Deliver Content
  • Have Asynchronous Conversations
  • Have Synchronous Conversations
  • Increase Student Collaboration Outside of Class
  • Increase Student Participation
  • Obtain Student Feedback
  • Support Research and Development
Associated Teaching Activities:
Ticket Out Door Ticket Out the Door Student Generated Questions Student Generated Test Questions Polling Polling One Sentence Summary One Sentence Summary One Minute Paper One Minute Paper Muddiest Point Muddiest Point Memory Matrix Memory Matrix Ice Breaker Questions Icebreaker Questions Exam Wrapper Directed Paraphrasing Directed Paraphrasing Background Knowledge Background Knowledge & Misconception Check Application Cards Application Cards