Pear Deck

Authors

  • Ilknur Oded Defense Language Institute Foreign Language center (DLIFLC)
  • Yaniv Oded Defense Language Institute Foreign Language center (DLIFLC)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1558/cj.18575

Keywords:

interactivity, active learning, student-centered teaching, formative assessment

Abstract

This article provides a review of Pear Deck which allows teachers to create interactive slide presentations. In this article, we first provide an overview of Pear Decks’ features and some background information about this tool. Then, we discuss its technological features as well as its pedagogical features. Next, we evaluate the teacher fit in terms of theoretical underpinning of this tool and how it can support student learning. We underline that Pear Deck might be beneficial in creating more student-centered and collaborative slide presentations and in allowing teachers provide their students with ongoing formative assessments. We also discuss how Pear Deck can address the needs of diverse group of learners which is crucial in the distant learning environment of COVID-19 pandemic when learners might feel more isolated and might need individualized help. In this respect, we point out that Pear Deck has some features such as Teacher Dashboard which allows teachers to monitor individual student progress and provide immediate tailored feedback. However, we note that some additional features such as student-takeaways, immersive reader and audio options for slides are only available in paid “Premium” version which limits the efficacy of the product.

Producer Details
Pear Deck
308 E Burlington St #303,
Iowa City, IA 52240
https://www.peardeck.com

Author Biographies

  • Ilknur Oded, Defense Language Institute Foreign Language center (DLIFLC)

    Ilknur Oded holds a PhD degree in Linguistics from the University of Maryland and an MSc in Instructional Science and Technology from California State University Monterey Bay. She currently serves as the Dean of the Unified Russian School at the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language center (DLIFLC). Previously, she served as an Assistant Dean, Senior Academic Specialist and Chairperson for the Multi-language Department at DLIFLC.

  • Yaniv Oded, Defense Language Institute Foreign Language center (DLIFLC)

    Yaniv Oded holds an EdD in Instructional Systems Technology from Indiana University, Bloomington and an MSc in Instructional Science and Technology from California State University Monterey Bay. He currently serves as a Senior Instructional Systems Technology Specialist at the directorate of Educational Technology and Development at the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language center (DLIFLC). Previously, he served at DLIFLC as a Department Chairperson, Faculty Development Specialist for Educational Technology, Team Leader and Teacher. Prior to joining DLIFLC, he worked as a business venture analyst in the private sector.

References

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Kumaravadivelu, B. (2003). Beyond methods: Macrostrategies for language teaching. New Haven & London: Yale University Press.

Poth, R. D. (2019). Nearpod and Peardeck—a comparison. Retrieved October 9, 2020 from https://rdene915.com/2017/03/27/a-comparison-nearpod-and-pear-deck-what-isthe-difference

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Downloads

Published

2022-10-20

Issue

Vol. 39 No. 3 (2022)

Section

Learning Technology Reviews

How to Cite

Oded, I., & Oded, Y. (2022). Pear Deck. CALICO Journal, 39(3), 383–392. https://doi.org/10.1558/cj.18575