Nearpod is an educational platform that all educators can use in order to facilitate active student engagement. I will discuss this technological platform based on the following components:
1) relevance, 2) customization, 3) feedback, 4) thinking skills, 
5) usability, 6) engagement and 7) sharing
Each component will be given a score out of 4 points. 
1) RELEVANCE
Nearpod unequivocally receives a 4/4 because it is extremely student-centered, and user friendly. 
2) CUSTOMIZATION
Nearpod is customized by the teacher. One can use ready-made Nearpods or one can make their own Nearpod. In addition, one can make a duplicate copy of a ready-made Nearpod and then edit it.
One can add a variety of content and activities, ranging from videos, quizzes, fill-in the blanks, drawing, and playing a game called Time to Climb. 
One can make the Nearpod lesson within Nearpod.com or one can make the Nearpod lesson in Google Slides and use the Nearpod chrome extension in order to convert the Google Slides to a Nearpod.
Therefore, Nearpod receives a 4/4 for customization.
3) FEEDBACK
One can give students feedback provided that the relevant activities that give feedback have been incorporated in the Nearpod by the teacher. For example, the matching activity gives immediate feedback; it was either correct or incorrect. The quiz feature also provides immediate feedback. 
Nearpod receives a 4/4 because students receive specific feedback, BUT ONLY if the appropriate activities have been incorporated in the Nearpod. If the Nearpod just includes videos, then the score would be a 1/4 because students are not provided feedback.
4) THINKING SKILLS
Nearpod is as good as the person creating the content for the students. Students can draw, answer open-ended questions, answer multiple-choice questions, and record their responses, BUT ONLY if the educator has utilized these types of activities within their Nearpod. Nearpod receives a 4/4, provided that the aforementioned activities have been used in order to promote higher order thinking skills.
5) USABILITY
Students can access the teacher generated Nearpod link in Google Classroom or by going to Nearpod.com. They can complete the Nearpod at their own pace. Each activity has directions.
Teachers also have the opportunity to use the Nearpod LIVE version. A code is generated and the students go to Nearpod.com and enter the Nearpod LIVE code number. This allows the teacher to dictate the pace of the Nearpod lesson. 
Therefore, Nearpod receives a 4/4 based on the rubric.
6) ENGAGEMENT
Like all good things, Nearpod can lose its pizzazz if it is used too much. For some students it does become "more schoolwork" especially if a few teachers use it on the same day. For other students, the familiarity of the platform gives them the confidence that they might not otherwise have had. For this reason, Nearpod receives a 3/4
7) SHARING 
In reports, one can select the Nearpod lesson that one wants to view. One can download the report, save the report, and analyze each activity in order to further drive instruction. For this reason, Nearpod receives a 4/4 based on the criteria of the rubric for this component.
**OVERALL RATING**
My overall score for Nearpod is 4/4 because it scored so well on the Educational App rubric with regards to the 7 components. 
If you're not already using it, then I hope this review convinces you to implement it within your classroom.

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