Kahoot!
I recently discovered a free tool called Kahoot. Kahoot is a
game-based classroom response system. Using Kahoot, teachers and students can
create and play quizzes, discussions and surveys using any device with a web
browser. Kahoot is a great idea for
classrooms that have a 1:1 technology ratio, or a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy, and it applies some of the
best aspects of gaming to classroom learning.
Kahoot has all kinds of features and is user-friendly so
even young students can use it. You can check it out for yourself at https://getkahoot.com.
What I found really interesting is the way the designers at
Kahoot chose to set up their tutorials, examples, and product information. The
idea of non-sequential learning fascinates me. I get impatient with sequential
tutorials when they require me to go through material that is easy to figure
out or that I already know, so the idea of tutorials that are learner-directed
is pretty exciting. I haven’t found too many sites that utilize non-sequential
instruction, so exploring the Kahoot tutorials was a great opportunity.
The tutorials are posted on a wall, similar to Padlet. They
aren’t in any particular order; you can browse and click on ones that interest
you. Some have videos; some have links to other websites. As you scroll down
the page you can see tutorials on how to set up your Kahoot account, how to
create a Kahoot, how to launch your Kahoot in your classroom, mingled in with
tips on creating video and gif animations, and lesson plans posted by other
users.
If non-sequential instruction makes your head spin, there is
also a link to an excellent User Guide available for download. It is designed
to be stored on your own computer for easy reference. The User Guide includes
links to videos, blogs, lesson plans, and tips for maximizing your Kahoots. So,
if you prefer step-by-step instruction, you will want to use the guide.
Kahoot is a great site, or sites, since you have to navigate
between two separate websites, one for your account, and one for the tutorials
and other information. The layout is simple and it’s organization is
simple too. Clearly marked links near the top of the page take you to several other pages.
Kahoot caters well to users needs and interests. I can simply
scroll down until I find something I am interested in and click on it. Each article or tutorial is posted on the wall
like a Padlet, and the title fonts are eye-catching and easy to read. The
titles give enough information so you have a general idea of the subject before
you click on it. The site feels very clean without being dull.
With lots of resources, including a page filled with videos
on all kinds of topics relating to Kahoot, it offers something for every
learner. I enjoyed learning about Kahoots this way.
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