If your teacher says “join the Nearpod”, you’ll need a short code and about 30 seconds. Here’s how to join a Nearpod lesson on any device, what the different lesson types mean, and what to try if the code doesn’t work.
What is Nearpod?
Nearpod is an interactive lesson platform. Teachers turn slides into lessons with quizzes, polls, drawing activities, videos and virtual field trips, and students take part on their own devices. Nearpod is part of Renaissance, the education company.
How to join a Nearpod lesson
- Go to nearpod.com in your web browser.
- Enter the 5-character code your teacher shares in the join box.
- Click Join.
- Enter your name if asked, or sign in with your school Google or Microsoft account if your teacher requires it.
You don’t need to download an app. Nearpod works in any modern browser on Chromebooks, iPads, phones, Windows PCs and Macs.
Joining with a link
Your teacher can also share a lesson link, for example in Google Classroom. Click it, sign in or enter your name, and you’re in.
Live lessons vs student-paced lessons
- Live Participation: your teacher controls the slides and everyone moves together. Your screen changes when theirs does.
- Student-Paced: you work through the lesson on your own, often as homework. Your answers are saved for your teacher.
If a lesson feels “stuck” on one slide, it’s probably a live lesson waiting for your teacher to move on.
Nearpod code not working? Try this
- Check the code. Nearpod codes are 5 characters. Make sure you haven’t swapped letters or numbers.
- Make sure the lesson is still open. Teachers can end a live session, and student-paced lessons can expire.
- Use the right account if your teacher requires sign-in.
- Refresh the page or try another browser.
- Check your Wi-Fi. Nearpod needs an internet connection throughout the lesson.
- Ask your teacher for the link instead of the code.
If many students can’t join, the class may be full. Nearpod’s free plan allows up to 40 students per lesson, so teachers with bigger groups need a paid plan.
Tips for students
- Use your real name unless your teacher says otherwise, so your work gets credited.
- Don’t close the tab during a live lesson, or you may need to rejoin.
Tips for teachers
- Post the link in Google Classroom as well as showing the code.
- Use student-paced mode for absent students or homework.
- Check the reports afterwards to see which questions students struggled with.
If you’re comparing tools, see my guides to how to use Pear Deck and Kahoot vs Gimkit vs Blooket vs Wayground.
Frequently asked questions
What is the website to join Nearpod? nearpod.com. Enter your 5-character code in the join box.
Do I need an account to join Nearpod? Not always. Some teachers let you join with just your name, while others require your school account.
Is Nearpod free? Nearpod has a free Silver plan for individual teachers, with up to 40 students per lesson and 100MB of storage. Students never pay.
Can I join a Nearpod lesson on my phone? Yes. Nearpod works in your phone’s browser, and there’s also an app.
Related guides on WebTechHelp
- Formative Join: how to join a class with a code
- How to join a Google Classroom class with a code
- JoinPD: how to join a Pear Deck session
- Kahoot Join: how to join a game with a PIN
Sources
- Nearpod: Frequently asked questions
- Kentfield School District Help Desk: How students join a Nearpod
