Nearpod Expands Higher Ed Content

Nearpod, an instructional platform that enables educators to create interactive learning materials using their own content or the company's library of lessons, videos and activities, is expanding its content offering with more than 500 higher education course materials and resources. The company has partnered with open textbook publisher OpenStax and STEM learning platform Stemify to build up its library of college-level learning materials.

Among the new content is a collection of open educational resources that pair with OpenStax textbooks, providing instructors with ready-to-use slides, pre-built activities and other ancillary learning materials. "By transforming the openly licensed content with presentations that are structured to keep students engaged, educators will have a greater ability to interact with and differentiate instruction for their students, while keeping course material costs low," Nearpod explained in a news announcement.

In addition, the company now offers 180-plus videos from Stemify; it is planning for further content growth in the coming months.

"We're thrilled to bring higher education's needs to the forefront with this expansion. Passionate higher education instructors are hungry for affordable OER solutions that offer their students engaging, enriching videos and interactive materials," commented Jon Poole, vice president of Higher Education and Emerging Markets for Nearpod, in a statement. "Now, Nearpod is helping instructors amplify their impact in the classroom, and ultimately helping students achieve their education goals."

"We're proud to offer our students greater, more affordable opportunities to connect and engage with their learning through our partnership with Nearpod. Every student deserves access to engaging content that makes them excited to learn," said James Gentry, a professor in the College of Education at Tarleton State University. "Nearpod gives me back time to connect with my students while creating opportunities for seamless interactivity — helping me ensure they get the most of their learning experience. In fact, I use Nearpod everyday."

For more information, visit the Nearpod site.

About the Author

Rhea Kelly is editor in chief for Campus Technology, THE Journal, and Spaces4Learning. She can be reached at [email protected].

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