Improving Student Motivation in Higher Education Through Nearpod

Maintaining student motivation during physics and mathematics classes can be quite challenging for teachers. To achieve this, an interactive technological platform, Nearpod, was integrated into the class sessions, since it allows the incorporation of gamified learning activities and follow-up on the performance of the group. This study evaluates the impact of Nearpod on the attention levels of first-semester engineering students. The interventions took place within structured five-week learning modules focused on physics and mathematics content. Robust data collection instruments, encompassing the validated survey Instructional Materials Motivation Survey, Nearpod-generated reports, and opinion surveys directed to teachers and students, were deployed. The study involved a group of 87 first-semester engineering students. According to the study, classes that used Nearpod had an average student attention rate of 76% during the 38 analyzed class sessions. Additionally, student participation in interactive activities reached an average of 86%, which is higher than the participation rates reported by teachers in traditional courses. Student feedback underscored a positive perception of Nearpod's impact, emphasizing its role in maintaining focus and enhancing the learning process. In essence, this research underscores the transformative potential of Nearpod when coupled with gamification strategies in the context of university engineering education.