1. Understanding JoinPD and Pear Deck
JoinPD is a code-based access tool that allows students to join Pear Deck sessions. Pear Deck, on its own, is a tool that helps educators create interactive slides, embed formative assessments, and get live feedback from students during lessons. When teachers present using Pear Deck, they can give students a code to enter into JoinPD.com, which connects them to the session in real time. With JoinPD, teachers can monitor student progress, respond to individual answers, and collect data on engagement, comprehension, and participation.
2. Setting Up Your Account on Pear Deck
To use JoinPD, you first need a Pear Deck account, as JoinPD works directly with Pear Deck sessions. Here’s how to get started:
- Step 1: Go to thePear Deck and click on “Sign Up for Free.”
- Step 2: Choose your preferred account option: you can sign in with a Google or copyright. Select the one that aligns with your school’s platform.
- Step 3: Follow the prompts to grant Pear Deck permission to access your Google Slides or PowerPoint files. This integration will allow you to use Pear Deck features directly within your presentations.
- Step 4: After completing these steps, you’ll be taken to your Pear Deck dashboard, where you can start creating interactive lessons.
Note: Pear Deck has both a free and a premium version. The free version has limited features, while the premium plan unlocks more advanced features, including additional question types and deeper reporting capabilities.
3. Creating Your First Pear Deck Presentation
Once your account is set up, you’re ready to create a Pear Deck presentation that you’ll eventually share with students via JoinPD. Here’s how:
- Open Google Slides or PowerPoint: With Pear Deck installed as an add-on or extension, open a presentation you’d like to make interactive.
- Launch the Pear Deck Sidebar: In Google Slides, go to “Add-ons” > “Pear Deck for Google Slides Add-on” > “Open Pear Deck Add-on.” In PowerPoint, select “Open Pear Deck.”
- Add Interactive Questions: Use the sidebar to add question slides that students can respond to. You can choose from question types like multiple choice, text response, and draggable icons. These options help you create an interactive learning experience tailored to your subject and goals.
- Save Your Presentation: Once you’re happy with your lesson, save it. You can use this presentation in future sessions by simply reopening it in Pear Deck.
4. Starting a Session on Pear Deck
Now that you’ve created your interactive presentation, it’s time to start a session that students can join. This is where JoinPD comes in:
- Click “Start Lesson” on the Pear Deck sidebar. You’ll be prompted to select between “Student-Paced” and “Instructor-Paced” modes:
- Student-Paced Mode: Students work at their own speed, which is great for homework or asynchronous learning.
- Instructor-Paced Mode: You control the slides, guiding students through each question and discussion point.
- Share the JoinPD Code: Once the session begins, you’ll see a unique five-character code. Students enter this code at Pear Deck to access the session. Alternatively, you can share the session link directly, which eliminates the need for the code.
- Monitor Student Responses in Real Time: As students answer questions, you’ll see their responses on your Pear Deck dashboard. This allows you to check for understanding, provide feedback, and adjust the lesson as needed.
5. Using JoinPD Features for Effective Classroom Engagement
JoinPD’s integration with Pear Deck offers many tools that make it easy to track engagement and understanding. Here are some key features to explore:
- Lock Student Screens: In Instructor-Paced Mode, you can lock screens to prevent students from moving ahead, helping you keep everyone on the same slide and engaged.
- Show Responses Anonymously: Displaying answers anonymously fosters a safe environment for students to share thoughts and ideas without fear of judgment.
- Add or Change Questions Mid-Lesson: The flexibility to add new questions during the session can help address any knowledge gaps or reinforce key concepts in real-time.
- End the Session and Export Data: When the session is complete, you can end it on your dashboard. Pear Deck will then give you options to review and export student data, including responses, participation metrics, and comprehension insights.
6. Advanced Tips for Maximizing JoinPD
- Use Feedback to Inform Future Lessons: Pear Deck’s data collection tools are valuable for identifying areas where students struggle. Reviewing these insights helps in tailoring future lessons to address learning gaps.
- Explore the Pear Deck Template Library: The Pear Deck library offers ready-made templates for various subjects, including social-emotional learning and formative assessments. Using these can save time while ensuring that your lessons are impactful.
- Integrate Multimedia: Spice up your presentations by adding videos, images, or audio clips to keep students engaged.
- Encourage Collaboration: Pear Deck allows for collaborative activities where students can share ideas in real-time, making learning more interactive and social.
7. Closing Thoughts on JoinPD for Educators
Getting started with JoinPD may seem like a lot, but the benefits are well worth it. Pear Deck’s interactive tools and JoinPD’s easy-access interface make it a powerful asset for educators looking to boost engagement, gather feedback, and make data-informed decisions about student progress. Whether you’re a seasoned teacher or new to digital tools, JoinPD can transform your classroom experience, enabling you to connect with students on a deeper level.