Kahoot!

 Kahoot! is a website where you can find and create question-games “Kahoots” with multiple choices. You can choose between different kinds of quizzes, discussions or surveys.

It is easy to use Kahoot!

First, you start by creating a free account on https://getkahoot.com.

Second, create a “Kahoot” with questions of your choice. There are also a lot of public games that you can choose from.

Third, log in at https://kahoot.it/#/ on your device. Type in the game PIN you are given. Choose a nickname and play the game alone or together in a group. The question is displayed on a shared screen and all players have to answer on their own devices. The result will show after each question.

It is easy to navigate on the website to find information, teaching ideas and guidelines of how to use Kahoot as a pedagogical tool.

There are some supplies needed.

Most important, Internet connections to all the devices are necessary. The group plays around a screen that everyone can see. A computer screen might be suitable for small groups and a projector or smart board for larger groups. All the players need a device to connect to Internet. That can be smartphones, tablet computers or laptops.

Teachers can use Kahoot! in different ways.

Kahoot! can be used to introduce a new topic in a fun way. Everyone will have the same chance if the questions are created in a pedagogic way, for example if they are build on logical thinking and “see behind the picture” exercises.

Another way is as a review tool. The teacher will then see the result right away and can give more attention to areas that are difficult. The review can also be in the form of a competition between the students. Or, let the students compete against themselves by doing the same game more than once to review the topic. Kahoot can also be used to make a contest against another class, anywhere in the world.

There are three options on the website, between quiz, discussion or survey. A discussion can be started by asking the students to anonymous take a stand in a sensitive topic. Or finally, use Kahoot! to make a survey in the class.

Before you as a teacher starts to use it, I believe it is important to consider if it is going to function as a competition tool between the students. Does everyone gain from this or will the weaker students be exposed in a bad way? Some ways to avoid this might be to do questions that are more about what they see in picture or opinions. You can also let the students choose what name the want and be anonymous in that way.

An example how to use Kahoot in the class:

Let the students do some teamwork on a subject. Where the students:

1.     Research the subject.

2.     Prepare a presentation in front of the class.

3.     Create a Kahoot where the answers can be found in the presentation.

4.     Let their fellow classmates do the Kahoot after the presentaion.