The globalisation of education has made it imperative to incorporate digital technologies (Dabbagh et al. 2015; Skare & Soriano 2021) in the learning experience. In modern societies, students are engaging with advanced information and communication technologies (Stošić 2015; Ratheeswari 2018). The evolution of technology and the Internet have significantly influenced the way students learn and grow. Educators now have access to a variety of materials that can enhance the learning experience. The education system has witnessed a rapid surge in the integration of intelligent digital technologies, opening up exciting avenues to enhance teaching methods, and facilitate better learning experiences (Hwang, Choi & Park 2022; Pasqualotto & Filosofi 2023; Li 2021; Wang et al. 2020).

The widespread adoption and incorporation of digital technology in education have led to numerous beneficial transformations. This development has enhanced the digital proficiency of students and teachers alike. However, effectively incorporating digital technology into the learning experience requires a shift in the mindset of both learners and educators. They must be willing to utilise collaborative digital tools and adapt to new ways of working together. As a result, incorporating digital technology into education has become a central concern for all subject instructors today. McKnight et al. (2016) assert that the extensive use of technology can enhance instructors’ creativity in implementing instruction.

Environments filled with advanced technology provide educators with the opportunity to utilise digital tools and technologies, fostering creativity in students as well as the teachers themselves. Standardised innovations, such as using media or digital support devices, improve students’ subject comprehension. Teachers can use PowerPoint and Prezi to create Android-based media, digital multimedia, and presentation materials (Komalasari 2019). Through digital games, educators can innovate learning. This is crucial because some research has demonstrated that incorporating digital games into classrooms can boost students’ creativity, increase their involvement in learning, improve critical thinking, enhance language development, and refine problem-solving abilities among students (Behnamnia et al. 2020; Melander Bowden 2019; Sykes 2018). Educators can maximise the potential of technology if they employ it intelligently and effectively. Digitally packaged instructional resources facilitate student learning, increase student engagement, and influence student motivation. Innovative instructional media also enhance teachers’ and students’ creativity in the classroom (Maass et al. 2019), prevent student boredom (Henderson, Selwyn & Aston 2017), promote student independence (Fernandez-Antolin, del Río & Gonzalez-Lezcano 2021), encourage students to use their devices for more beneficial purposes (Odeh & Keshta 2022), and improve technological skills (Weng et al. 2018).

Moreover, incorporating digital technology into education enables personalised learning opportunities (Tsybulsky 2020). With numerous digital tools and resources, teachers can customise instruction to meet individual student’s needs, preferences, and learning styles. This customisation promotes a student-centred approach where students can actively engage with the content, investigate diverse viewpoints, and collaborate with classmates. In addition to enhancing traditional classroom activities, innovative digital media facilitate immersive and interactive learning experiences (Kustyarini, Utami & Koesmijati 2020). Virtual reality, augmented reality, and simulations can transport students to various environments, historical eras, or scientific phenomena, making learning more engaging, memorable, and consequential. By embracing these technological advances, educators can equip students with essential 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, digital literacy, and collaboration, thereby preparing them for success in a digital world that is swiftly evolving (Duin, Pedersen & Tham 2021).

Nearpod, a valuable online learning resource, is one of the innovative media that can facilitate learning with modern technology. It is categorised as valuable because it has a versatile e-learning technology accessible across multiple platforms, allowing students to engage with both their peers and the instructor in real-time, irrespective of class size or subject area. This application also accommodates a variety of pupil learning characteristics (Buttrey 2021). It provides students with various engaging features, motivating them to learn (Feri & Zulherman 2021). Because of its inventiveness and pedagogical value, learning with this application is more interactive (Musa & Al Momani 2022). The application can be used as an assessment instrument in learning, providing timely and effective feedback (Nurhamidah 2021; Shehata et al. 2020). Moreover, it captures students’ interest in learning (Abdullah, Inayati & Karyawati 2022; Měkota & Marada 2020; Muhtarisatul, Islamiya & Fardisah 2021; Oktafiani & Mujazi 2022; Pupah & Sholihah 2022; Ridwan & Mahliatussikah 2021). This application enables control over students’ comprehension by posing queries at predetermined intervals (Mirzaev 2022; Zhao 2021). Consequently, it increases student interest in learning (Abdullah et al. 2022; Mustafa Civelek & Karatepe 2021; Xian 2021). Therefore, Nearpod is an alternative interactive, collaborative, efficient, and effective learning platform. Nearpod simplifies the educational transition by providing a versatile platform that caters to diverse learning needs while equipping teachers with crucial insights into student engagement. This innovative tool facilitates differentiated instruction, ensuring that every student receives tailored learning experiences, while also offering teachers valuable feedback on student interactions with the content.

One of Nearpod’s notable features is its ‘student-paced’ lessons, enabling each student to progress through the material at their individual speed, both inside and outside the classroom (Civelek & Karatepe 2021). This flexibility empowers students to revisit lessons at their convenience, promoting effective review and resource retrieval (Grierson, Gallagher & St Hilaire 2024). Such adaptability is invaluable in blended and flipped learning settings, where students can engage with educational materials on their terms (Eryılmaz & Ahmed 2017). Furthermore, Nearpod allows educators to create a variety of pre-made lessons, giving students the autonomy to choose topics that resonate with their interests (Mirzaev 2022). This approach promotes differentiation and empowers students to take control of their learning journey. By integrating formative assessments like polls, quizzes, open-ended questions, and drawn responses directly into the lessons, teachers can accurately gauge students’ comprehension (Veng 2023). Teachers can leverage this platform to foster an inclusive and engaging learning environment where every student can thrive and reach their full potential.

In the swiftly changing educational landscape of the 21st century, it is essential to harness the power of innovative tools such as Nearpod to create effective and engaging learning environments. Educators can accommodate various student requirements and learning styles by utilising Nearpod’s interactive features and online platform (Messina et al. 2022; Sarginson & McPherson 2021). Teachers are empowered to modify their instructional strategies and address individual learning gaps when they can provide timely feedback and assess students’ progress in real-time. In addition, Nearpod’s collaborative nature encourages active participation and nurtures a sense of ownership over the learning process (Armas-Arias et al. 2023). With its extensive selection of interactive content and presentation capabilities, Nearpod provides students with a dynamic and immersive learning environment that captures their attention and enhances their comprehension. Nearpod is a good instrument for enhancing student engagement, promoting meaningful interactions, and driving positive educational outcomes as education embraces technology (Alawadhi & Thabet 2023).

The flipped classroom strategy allows for implementing Nearpod as an online learning aid. The flipped classroom is one of the cutting-edge, technology-based education methods utilised today. This strategy has substantial effects on learning. The flipped classroom is constructivist in that it requires students to be actively involved in their learning rather than passively receiving information. Hence, it brings positive impacts such as: (1) increased student interest and motivation to learn (Sharma & Chowdhry 2020); (2) fostering student independence and active engagement in learning (Hoshang, Hilal & Hilal 2021); (3) enhancing students’ subject matter understanding, thereby improving critical thinking skills (Kolomiets, Medvedeva & Perevalova 2020); and (4) optimising classroom learning time efficiency (Konoplianyk, Melnykova & Pryshupa 2021). According to Mattei and Ennis (2014), the flipped classroom method with Nearpod assessments can be implemented in classes with 50–60 students or more, as it motivates students to complete pre-class assignments, resulting in an effective classroom learning environment. When the flipped classroom strategy and Nearpod are integrated, they create a strong synergy. The flipped classroom approach enables students to learn at their own pace and participate in interactive class exercises. Meanwhile, Nearpod enhances learning by integrating compelling multimedia content and instant assessment tools. This combination not only enhances student comprehension but also fosters a constructive and cooperative learning environment, equipping students with essential skills for their future endeavours. Therefore, additional research is required to investigate the perceptions of elementary school instructors regarding the use of learning mediums and the application of flipped classroom-based Nearpod. This study aims to assess elementary school teachers’ views on using Nearpod in the flipped classroom, considering their teaching experience.

Teachers must utilise diverse learning resources and present them inventively and creatively (Pimdee et al. 2023). They must also utilise digital technology effectively to create more contemporary learning experiences (Gui et al. 2023). On the other hand, a fundamental concern arises when it comes to the utilisation of digital technology in the teaching and learning process: the proficiency of teachers in information and communication technology (ICT). According to the data, 60% of teachers still have limited ICT proficiency (Mutohhari, Sofyan & Nurtanto 2021). The government has made efforts to meet the demand for educational technology. In order to address the ICT proficiency gap, the Ministry of Education and Culture of the Republic of Indonesia has launched the Technology-Enhanced Learning programme, which aims to improve the ICT skills of instructors. The government aims to train 75 000 instructors in ICT and Technology-Enhanced Learning (Abduh, Utami & Sumarno 2022).

Another challenge that needed to be overcome arises from the students themselves. Characteristics of students from the Y, Z, and, notably, the Alpha generations are intricately intertwined with technology, necessitating the use of technology (media) in the learning process (Degner, Moser & Lewalter 2022). However, not all instructional materials are suitable for all learning topics. Similarly, not all media can support learning accurately for students with varied learning styles, environments, and personality development levels. The selection of learning media becomes an ongoing task for educators who wish to incorporate media into the instructional process. The veracity of media selection significantly impacts the effectiveness of media usage (Knaus 2023).

The results of this study align with previous research findings that emphasise the use of diverse media to engage students’ senses in exploring their encircling environment (Sahronih, Purwanto & Sumantri 2019). By utilising instructional media such as VCDs, overhead projectors (OHPs), aquariums, ponds, school yards, and other resources, instructors can utilise prior knowledge to solve real-world problems in their students’ environments. In addition, using various media can improve educators’ efficacy as professionals (Straubhaar, LaRose & Davenport 2015).

Teachers significantly impact the efficacy of using learning media to support learning objectives (Uzun & Kilis 2019). Teachers are responsible for designing the learning process, which includes selecting the appropriate instructional media and materials. Effective and diversified use of learning media can combat student apathy (Degner et al. 2022). Media can generate motivation or enthusiasm for learning, improve interaction in the teaching and learning process, and enable students to learn independently, following their individual characteristics and developmental levels (Uzun & Kilis 2019). While the curriculum and educational materials are the same for all students, each has unique characteristics and has been exposed to various environments and situations. Therefore, teachers need the assistance of appropriate learning media and methods to surmount these limitations and attain the desired core competencies (Vargas-Pérez et al. 2023).

Nearpod is a web-based application for creating interactive media that can be used for both online and offline learning. This application offers numerous appealing features, permitting instructional materials to be presented more engagingly and expertly. Nearpod provides real-time interaction between teachers and students through interactive lesson materials, interactive videos, gamification, and other educational activities (Civelek & Karatepe 2021; Musa & Al Momani 2022; Qi, Shen & Xue 2021). Integrated and directed instruction provided by the Nearpod application has resulted in high student satisfaction, as measured by teacher perception data. This is supported by research conducted by Perez (2017), who explains that the application can assist educators in creating engaging, quick, and easily digestible material presentations. During virtual meetings, teachers can construct presentations with images, text, videos, and interactive quizzes. Nearpod provides two options for developing interactive presentations: content and activities (Civelek & Karatepe 2021). Content refers to materials that can be inserted into a presentation, including transparencies, videos, web content, 3D instructional materials, simulations, virtual reality content, content from Microsoft Office’s Sway, and more. Meanwhile, activities consist of interactive exercises designed to make learning more active, engaging, and accessible through Nearpod.

The findings of this present study are consistent with previous research that emphasises the significance of developing a meaningful learning process that connects concepts to produce a comprehensive, well-understood understanding that is not readily forgotten (Knaus 2023). To accomplish meaningful learning, teachers must continually seek to comprehend and investigate the concepts possessed by their students (Vargas-Pérez et al. 2023). Teachers then assist with integrating these concepts with new information to be taught. Learning a particular subject is a common problem that students endure. These obstacles result from various factors that, if not addressed, can disrupt the teaching and learning process in the classroom (Ng, Ching & Law 2023). When problems arise in the classroom, teachers should ideally actively pursue solutions.

In the meantime, this study’s results indicate no correlation between instructors’ years of teaching experience and their perceptions of learning media or flipped classroom-based Nearpod. Several factors may explain the lack of correlation between years of teaching experience and perceptions of learning media or flipped classroom-based Nearpod. One possible explanation is that the effectiveness of learning media and instructional strategies may not inherently depend on a teacher’s career duration. Other factors, such as the teachers’ individual teaching manner, instructional methods, and personal preferences, may significantly influence their perception of learning media. In addition, additional variables or factors may contribute to the results that were not accounted for in this study.

Indeed, the era of smartphones and simple internet access could contribute to the diminished significant difference between older and younger teachers’ perceptions of learning media. The advancements in technology and increased accessibility to online resources have likely impacted older and younger instructors, narrowing the gap between their familiarity and comprehension of various learning media. Teachers of all ages now have greater access to various digital tools and resources, such as educational applications, online platforms, and multimedia content, because of the widespread adoption of smartphones and the Internet. This increased exposure and access to technology may have led to a more unified perception among instructors regarding the potential benefits and applications of various learning media. Additionally, as technology becomes increasingly integrated into educational practices, professional development opportunities and training programmes may have helped equip older teachers with the necessary skills and knowledge to use learning media, bridging the generational gap effectively.

It is essential to investigate the efficacy of Nearpod-based flipped classroom in various educational settings. Firstly, by analysing its impact across multiple grade levels and subject areas, its benefits and limitations can be better understood. Secondly, investigating the implementation strategies of the Nearpod-based flipped classroom would provide insights into best practices and guidelines for successfully integrating instructional practices. This investigation could resolve potential obstacles and maximise the advantages of this innovative approach. In addition, future research should assess the impact of Nearpod-based flipped classroom on student learning outcomes to determine its efficacy in boosting student achievement, motivation, and overall learning. In order to comprehend the approach’s ongoing benefits and opportunities for enhancement, it is necessary to consider its long-term effects and sustainability. Finally, investigating the role of teachers’ professional development in integrating the Nearpod-based flipped classroom would provide valuable insights for supporting their preparedness and competence in adopting and employing this strategy effectively.

Based on the research findings, it is possible to conclude that using Nearpod in a flipped classroom in elementary schools has the potential to yield positive results. The Nearpod-based flipped classroom can be viewed as an innovative tool for elementary level learning. This is because Nearpod’s flipped classroom offers numerous innovative services that make learning more engaging. Based on the distributed questionnaire, it is evident that teachers have designed a comprehensive and meaningful teaching and learning process for their students. In addition, teachers actively pursue solutions to problems encountered during the learning process. These solutions are implemented by designing and developing a learning process that uses innovative learning media and existing technology. The ability to produce media that corresponds to students’ mechanisms, characteristics, and social environment facilitates the development of innovative instructional design. According to the results of the data analysis, there is no distinction between teachers’ years of teaching experience and their perception of learning media or Nearpod-based flipped classrooms. Technological advancements and increased access to online resources have likely impacted older and younger instructors, narrowing the gap between their familiarity and comprehension of various learning media. Teachers of all ages now have greater access to various digital tools and resources, such as educational applications, online platforms, and multimedia content, because of the widespread adoption of smartphones and the Internet.