JoinPD and Pear Deck: Guide to Interactive Online Learning

Pear Deck is a popular educational platform that transforms ordinary slide presentations into interactive lessons. It enables teachers to embed questions, polls, drawing slides, and other activities into Google Slides or PowerPoint presentations. According to an independent school district’s tech guide, “Pear Deck is an interactive presentation platform that enhances teacher–student interaction, offering real-time feedback and personalized instruction”. In practice, it refers to the Pear Deck.com student-join portal (joinpd.com), where students enter a unique session code to participate. Together, it and JoinPD let students join live or self-paced lessons online, making it easier to teach and learn interactively in the classroom or at home.

Pear Deck (part of the GoGuardian/Pear Deck Learning suite) is entirely web-based – there is no separate student app to install. Teachers use a Google or Microsoft account to create interactive slide decks and launch “Sessions,” and students follow along on any internet-connected device by going to joinpd.com (or clicking a join link) and entering the session code. Students do not need to create a Pea Deck.com account of their own; they only need the session code (though the teacher may require them to sign in with a school-managed Google or Microsoft account for identity). In effect, Join PD is simply the web page that presents the “Enter Code” field for students; it works seamlessly with Pear Deck’s slide interface. Because it is web-based and integrates with familiar tools (Google Slides, PowerPoint Online), it fits well into remote and hybrid teaching. In fact, PearDeck’s guides emphasize that it supports both Instructor-Paced (real-time) and Student-Paced (self-paced) modes, so lessons can run synchronously or asynchronously over the internet. This flexibility makes it a useful platform for online learning and classroom teaching alike.

• PearDeck (for teachers): An add-on/add-in for Google Slides or PowerPoint that lets teachers build interactive lessons. Teachers sign in with Google or Microsoft, install the PearDeck.com extension, and add question slides (multiple choice, text response, number, draggable, etc.) to their slideshow. When ready, the teacher clicks “Start Lesson” in the Pear Deck sidebar, which launches a live Session and displays a unique join code on the teacher’s screen.
• JoinPearDdeck (for students): The web page (joinpd.com) where students go to enter the join code (provided by the teacher). Alternatively, teachers can share a direct Join Link instead of a code. Either way, once the code/link is entered, students see the lesson slides and interactive activities on their own device in real time. If the teacher has required login, students will be prompted to choose their Google/Microsoft account after entering the code; otherwise they join anonymously with an avatar.

How Pear Deck Sessions Work

When a teacher presents a Pear Deck lesson, Pear Deck generates a six-letter Join Code (and optionally a shareable link). Students connect by visiting joinpd.com and typing in that code. Alternatively, students can simply click the Join Link URL if the teacher provided it. Once the code is entered, each student’s device enters the Student View. The Student View shows the current slide along with any interactive prompt. As the teacher advances slides, students’ screens update in sync (in Instructor-Paced mode) or they can progress on their own (in Student-Paced mode).

The typical steps are:

• Teacher starts the session: The teacher logs into Pear Deck (at app.peardeck..com or within Google Slides/PowerPoint), opens the prepared deck, and clicks the green Start Lesson button in the Pear Deck sidebar.
• System generates join code: Pear Deck displays a unique Join Code on the teacher’s projector screen (and in the teacher dashboard). The teacher shares this code with students (for example, by writing it on a board or posting it in chat). The code is valid for the duration of the session and typically expires after about one week.
• Students enter code: Students open a browser on any device and go to joinpd.com. They type in the code and click Join. If the teacher has enabled required login, students will then choose or enter their Google/Microsoft account to verify their identity.
• Student View appears: After joining, each student sees the Student View, which shows the current slide and interactive elements (such as question prompts) on their screen. Students answer questions or participate as directed by the teacher. Meanwhile, the teacher’s main screen (the Projector View) simply shows the slides; individual student responses are not shown on the main display.

Pear Deck offers two lesson modes:

• Instructor-Paced (Synchronous) Mode: The teacher advances the slides for everyone. All students’ screens stay in sync with the teacher’s. This is the traditional live class model. (All students see the same slide at once, and the teacher verbally discusses, polls the class, etc.) According to Pear Deck’s guides, “In synchronous, instructor-paced sessions… the teacher controls the pace of the lesson and progression of slides”. This mode works for in-person or remote video classes where a facilitator is leading in real time.
• Student-Paced (Asynchronous) Mode: Each student moves through the slides on their own. There is no live sync; students take the “power of Pear Deck” with them even if the teacher is not present. In this mode, the teacher can still include interactive questions, and students answer at their own pace. This is ideal for homework assignments or remote lessons where each student works independently. (Teachers can still monitor progress and view all responses after students finish.)

Teacher’s Role: Creating and Presenting Pear Deck Lessons

Pear Deck is primarily teacher-driven. A teacher must create or import the slides and launch the Pear Deck session. Key tasks for the teacher include:

• Lesson creation: The teacher uses Google Slides or PowerPoint Online (with the Pear Deck Add-on/Add-in) to build the presentation. They insert interactive slides (multiple-choice, text response, number answer, draggable, drawing, or website embed slides) at desired points in the deck. (For example, a teacher might ask a question, then include a Pear Deck multiple-choice slide for students to answer.) These slides become interactive when the lesson is launched.
• Starting the session: When the presentation is ready, the teacher clicks “Start Lesson”. A popup appears asking the teacher to choose Instructor-Paced or Student-Paced mode. After launching, Pear Deck displays the Join Code (and link) that students will use. The teacher makes sure students have the code.
• Controlling pace and engagement: In Instructor-Paced mode, the teacher advances slides at the desired time (for example, after all students have answered a question). Pear Deck automatically pushes the new slide to every connected student. The teacher can point out or project one student’s response on the main screen (for example, by promoting an anonymous name and answer to the Projector View), or keep answers private. In Student-Paced mode, the teacher may set deadlines or monitor progress, but students control their own pacing.
• Managing login/anonymity: In the Pear Deck Settings, teachers decide whether students must log in or can join anonymously. If the teacher requires login, then after entering the code, each student will authenticate via their Google/Microsoft account. This captures the student’s real name with every response (though names are not shown on the main projector screen). The teacher can then identify who answered what by checking the Pear Deck Dashboard or Takeaways™ (a summary view). If the teacher turns login off, students enter anonymously and are each given a random avatar and nickname (e.g. “Penguin”, “Jaguar”). In anonymous mode, student names are never collected, which preserves privacy but means the teacher cannot trace answers back to specific students.
• Collecting and reviewing answers: During or after the session, the teacher can view all student responses. Pear Deck’s Dashboard (Teacher View) shows each student’s answer to every question in real time. In the paid version, the teacher can also use the Takeaways™ feature to quickly see a summary, or export responses to Google Sheets for record-keeping. Importantly, student names/emails (if collected) are only visible in these private views; the main classroom view never displays personal data.

Throughout, the teacher guides the activity. For example, after an open-ended question slide, the teacher might ask volunteers to share answers before revealing the “Share Responses” screen. For polls or quizzes, the teacher might discuss results. Pear Deck essentially gives the teacher a dynamic class dashboard while maintaining lesson flow.

Student’s Role: Joining and Participating

Students are active participants in Pear Deck lessons but have a simple role. The main steps for a student are:

1. Receive the Join Code or Link. The teacher will display or send the unique session code (typically 6 letters) to the class.
2. Go to the JoinPD page. The student opens a web browser on a computer, tablet, or smartphone and navigates to joinpd.com .
3. Enter the code. On the JoinPearDdeck site, the student clicks Join or enters the Join Code exactly as given (it is case-insensitive).
4. Log in if required. If the teacher set login to “on,” the student will then choose or enter their Google/Microsoft account. If not, they may simply enter a nickname or will get one automatically. (Because no student account is needed just to join, many younger students can join by nickname.) This step may prompt students to allow Pear Deck access to their account for the session.
5. Answer questions and follow slides. Once joined, the student’s device shows the Student View of the lesson. The student sees each slide as the teacher advances, including any interactive prompts. When a question appears (e.g. “Type your answer” or “Choose A, B, C, or D”), the student enters a response on their own screen. After submitting, they may see a checkmark or a personal copy of their answer to keep. They can move ahead only when the teacher advances the slide (Instructor-Paced) or at their own pace (Student-Paced).
6. Ask for help if needed. If a student cannot join (e.g. the code isn’t working), common troubleshooting steps are to double-check the code spelling, ensure a stable internet connection, try a different browser, and verify that the teacher has actually started the session. (Join codes do expire after one week, so an old code might be invalid.) If issues persist, students should let the teacher know or consult the Pear Deck Help Center.

The student’s role is to listen, view the presentation on their screen, and interact when prompted. Pear Deck’s interface ensures that every student is “seen” by the teacher (via the Dashboard), even though each student works on their own device. Students benefit from being able to participate anonymously if they wish (reducing embarrassment in front of peers) and from quick feedback. Because responses are submitted digitally, shy students have a way to contribute answers they might not volunteer aloud.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Although Pear Deck is designed to be user-friendly, teachers and students may sometimes encounter technical issues. Common concerns include:

• Join code entry mistakes: Typing errors are the most frequent cause of join failures. Always double-check each letter of the code. It is not case-sensitive, but all characters must be correct.
• Expired or wrong session: If a student enters the code too late, the teacher may have already closed the session (ending the Join Code). Remind students to join while the lesson is live. Also, make sure the teacher shared the code for the current session; if the teacher restarts or reopens the deck, a new code appears.
• Browser compatibility: Pear Deck works in modern browsers with JavaScript enabled. If joinpd.com shows a blank page or error, make sure JavaScript is on and try a standard browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge). (For example, the Pear Deck join page reports “Pear Deck requires JavaScript to work properly” if scripts are blocked.) Disable any browser extensions or ad blockers that might interfere.
• Account login confusion: When login is required, students must use the same domain (Google/Microsoft) that the teacher expects. For example, if the teacher required Google, the student cannot join with a personal Microsoft account. If a student has multiple accounts, they should choose the correct one. If joining anonymously, students should not try to “Log In” on joinpd; they should simply enter a nickname when prompted.
• Link vs Code: Sometimes teachers share a direct Join Link (a URL) instead of a code. If students are directed to click a link, they can skip going to joinpd.com and just paste the URL into their browser. If one method fails, try the other.
• Network issues: As with any online tool, a stable internet connection is essential. If students cannot load the page or submit answers, have them check Wi-Fi or switch to a different network. Instruct students to refresh the page if it hangs.
• Teacher settings: If students report they join but see nothing, the teacher might not have started or advanced slides. Confirm that the teacher’s Pear Deck sidebar still shows the session as active. The teacher can also reset the session if needed.
• Mobile and tablet access: PearDeck.com works on tablets and phones, but the experience is best on larger screens. Some complex slide interactions may not display well on very small phones.

In general, most problems are resolved by confirming the current code/link and by reloading the page. Pear Deck’s support site and FAQs also offer guidance (for example,  and the PearDeck blog). Because Pear Deck sessions are fairly straightforward, persistent issues are rare once everyone understands the join flow.

Data Privacy and Ethical Considerations

It takes student privacy seriously. According to Pear Deck Learning’s Privacy & Trust Center, the company “does not sell, trade, or rent student personal information” and is FERPA compliant. It is a signatory of the 2020 Student Privacy Pledge and follows all applicable student privacy laws. In practice, this means:

• When students join anonymously, PearDeck does not collect any names or personal IDs – they see only avatars and nicknames on the teacher’s side.
• When login is required, Pear Deck only collects the student’s official school email or name as provided, which the school (not PearDeck) controls. Even then, any data collected belongs to the school district; Pear Deck will not use it beyond the educatio.comnal purpose.
• Pear Deck does not use student data for advertising and does not share it with third parties beyond what the school authorizes.
• Schools and teachers can delete session data from Pear Deck (for example, using the Dashboard export options) if needed.

For ethical use, teachers should also follow best practices:

• Explain to students why an email login might be required and how their responses will be used.
• Emphasize that the teacher values honest participation and will respect anonymity when appropriate.
• Ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to participate (e.g. providing devices or support to those who need it).
• Teachers should monitor the session and intervene if any student uses an inappropriate nickname or submits offensive content (these tools often have an “admin filter” setting for question inputs).

Because the platform can record free-text and drawings, teachers should refrain from collecting sensitive personal opinions or information about students. In short, PearDeck sessions should be used as legitimate classroom activities, not quizzes that invade privacy beyond what the learning goal requires. The built-in safeguards (anonymous mode, secure login, session controls) support ethical usage by giving teachers flexibility and control.

Alternatives and Related Tools

Pear Deck is one of several interactive classroom platforms. Other popular tools include Nearpod, Kahoot!, Quizizz, EdPuzzle, and Mentimeter. For example, according to software reviews, Pear Deck.com alternatives often cited are Nearpod (an interactive slides and VR platform) and Kahoot! (game-based quizzes). Each tool has different strengths: Nearpod also allows live student polling and VR field trips; Kahoot! focuses on competition-style quizzes; EdPuzzle turns videos into quizzes. Canvas and Google Classroom can also embed Pear Deck or similar activities.

When choosing a tool, consider features and context: PearDeck is especially strong for embedding questions directly in slide lessons. Nearpod similarly integrates with slides but offers additional activity types. Kahoot! and Quizizz are great for quick quiz reviews. Mentimeter allows anonymous word clouds and polls. Each of these can foster engagement like Pear Deck does. In general, using any such platform should follow the same basic pattern of teacher-led session and student participation. The key is that interactive edtech tools like Pear Deck and its alternatives help make online or in-person lessons more engaging by letting every student “have a voice” on their own device.

Final words

JoinPD (the student “join” portal) and Pear Deck together offer a powerful way to enliven lessons for students and teachers. It is simply where students enter a PearDeck.com join code to connect to the session. Pear Deck’s interactive slides work in real time to involve every student, whether the class is together or remote. Teachers prepare a presentation, start a Pear Deck session (in Instructor- or Student-Paced mode), and give students a code or link. Students go to joinpd.com, enter the code, and immediately see the live lesson on their screens. This model has been widely adopted in 2020–2025 especially, since it fits both in-person and online teaching.

By following the steps above and being aware of the login settings, teachers can ensure smooth sessions. Pear Deck’s strong privacy policies mean that students’ data is protected. In the end, JoinPD is a vetted, teacher-friendly platform for active learning. It lets educators continue to engage every student, every day – the motto of Pear Deck Learning – and provides an alternative to traditional lectures. For teachers, students, and even parents looking into this tool, the connected help center guides and community resources are excellent starting points. When used thoughtfully (and ethically), it can make online learning interactive, transparent, and fun for everyone.