Nearpod, an online teaching cloud-based platform, offers great potential to generate pedagogical tasks and yield better results in teaching communication skills. This study thus examined the effects of Nearpod-based English-speaking classes. To this end, one-on-one speaking tests were conducted twice in a semester, and a questionnaire was administered to assess university students’ perceptions of the usefulness of Nearpod in offline classroom. The participants comprised 39 university students who took a mandatory English class titled Communication in English. The paired samples t-test results indicated that the students’ overall speaking performance has improved over time. Specifically, compared to the high-level students, the low-level students showed a significant increase in speaking performance. The questionnaire analysis demonstrated that most students were satisfied with Nearpod-based English speaking classes because of enhanced interest, active participation in class, and increased interaction with class content and peers. The pedagogical implications are suggested and the limitations of the study are further discussed.

The nitrogen (N) absorption and partition of the rice plants are important indicators that can be used to improve the N use efficiency (NUE) of the plants. Improving the plant NUE can help to avoid nutrient waste that may cause environmental pollution. To investigate the N absorption and partition of the rice plants, Hwaseongbyeo (Japonica) and Dasanbyeo (indica/japonica) were applied with N fertilizers at the rates of 60, 120, and 180 kg N per ha in paddy field. Also micro plots of 0.81m2 were established inside each plot for application of 15N-labeled fertilizer. The differences in N utilization of the rice plants were associated with the total N absorption and partitioning after the heading stage. In the grain filling period, the increase of nitrogen content in the total and leaf blades of Dasanbyeo was higher than that of Hwaseongbyeo. Soil N was the main contributor for the increase of total N of Dasanbyeo during the grain filling period. The N fertilizer uptake rate of Hwaseongbyeo rapidly increased with the increment of N fertilization rate. In Dasanbyeo, N fertilizer uptakes were similar under all rates and times of N application. From heading stage to harvest, Dasanbyeo continued accumulating nitrogen, whereas Hwaseongbyeo had small changes. In conclusion, the difference in nitrogen absorption and partition after heading of the two cultivars was caused by the ability of Dasanbyeo to accumulate and remobilize soil nitrogen to the grains during the grain filling period.