Kahoot is a free game-based learning platform that allows instructors to give interactive quizzes (Kahoots) that are fun, yet bring out some friendly competition. The quizzes, which can include media and images, are a great way to begin or end class. Or, a Kahoot can be rolled out anytime students need help refocusing on a lesson. Creating a Kahoot is easy and takes very little time.
To begin a quiz, instructors show their screen, which will include a pin number. Students use their phones, tablets or laptops to search the Internet for Kahoot. They will want to click on the first search item, enter the pin and a nickname, and begin the quiz.
Students will need to view the instructor’s screen to see the leader board and their rankings. This is the fun part. And by allowing students to use a secret nickname such as “The Big Bad Wolf,” they won’t have to worry other students will know how they scored. Of course if “Big Bad Wolf” is winning, the student may want to reveal his/her true identity.
When the assessment is finished, instructors can download a spreadsheet of correct and incorrect answers as well as individual student achievement data. This fun, formative assessment is a great way to find out how well students are learning the course content.To learn more about Kahoot, visit lynda.com — free with UM credentials—and watch Engaging Students with Game-based Learning Using Kahoot!
