Studies show that involving students in a topic improves their learning standard. One of the best ways that involves students in a lesson plan is
inquiry–based learning. Inquiry–based learning describes approaches to learning that are based on the investigation of questions, scenarios or problems- often assisted by a facilitator.
Inquiry–based learning involves students, builds new knowledge and improves their skills through questioning and answering approaches. One more way of involving students is game–based learning where they can learn by playing educational games. Just imagine how effective will it be if we combine inquiry–based learning with a game–like environment. Kahoot brings you a great learning platform that helps educators involve students in lessons by questioning, discussing and surveying in a game–like environment. Let’s learn about it briefly.
Kahoot provides educators and students with a a trusted learning space where educational content is delivered by asking meaningful questions in real-time, creating a social, fun and game-like environment. Kahoot believes in the statement that, ‘great learning starts by asking great questions’.
How does It work:
Go to GetKahoot.com and create an account by entering few details namely, username, email and password. Once you’re done with registration, log in to your account. It displays the following points on the screen.
Play our intro quiz or find a public Kahoot:
Intro Quiz: It helps you learn how to use Kahoot. Hit “intro quiz” and follow the instructions. After launching the quiz, firstly it asks you to start the web browser, goto kahoot.it and enter the displayed game pin. Follow the procedure in a new tab or through another device. Once you’re done with it, it asks you to enter a nickname. Click on “join” and it will immediately display your name on the previous tab or on the main device. Now go to the main page and click on play. The game will be loaded on the other tab or device and you’ll be able to answer it by clicking on the respective option within the time. Results will be displayed on the main tab. Click “next” on the main tab to launch the new question on the next tab or device.
How can we use Kahoot to engage students: .
Create a new Kahoot:
Through a simple ‘drag & drop’ creator tool (using any device), build quizzes with embedded imagery and video, based on educational content. Or, find public content to play with. It’s fast, intuitive and fun!
Choose your Kahoot’s type (Quiz, Survey or Discussion) and click on the respective option.
Quiz: points–based multiple choice quiz with unlimited questions.
Discussion/ Survey: gather opinions or facilitate debate with 1 quick question.
Kahoot provides you with a user-friendly interface by giving you easy and step-by-step instructions to create a quiz. Or you can discover many Kahoots (Quizzes that are created by others) on a public Kahoot menu just by entering relevant key words.
Launch:
Engage the room and focus attention by projecting the quiz onto the screen at the front. Without needing an account, everyone in the room quickly joins through their personal device, and see their name appear on the screen. Kahoot supports all the devices with Web browsers.
Play:
It enables users to answer questions in real–time through an easy-to-use interface, they play against each other aiming to top the on-screen leaderboard, whilst you facilitate and discuss the content. It helps educators assess students’ performance and help each individual learn better. It also allows students to ask questions back.
Special Features of Kahoot:
Kahoot is somewhat special compared to many existing student response systems. Let’s learn about its special features quickly.
Learner Centered: Kahoot enables students not only to answer the questions but also to ask questions back.
Supports Any Device:
It’s not an iPad or Android app. It’s an online platform that supports any device with a Web browser.
Game–Based Learning & Academic Research:
Gaming mechanics provides additional engagement, motivation and rewards through learners’ participation, with a game-based pedagogy which is proven by academic research.
Social:
Kahoot improves subject knowledge as well as social skills as it is a platform for sharing, browsing, making it favorite or playing with content created by educators and learners globally.
Understand, Assess and Adapt with Data:
Kahoot provides educators with a ‘snapshot’ of each learners current understanding and long–term tracking of progress through which they can make formative assessments for adaptive teaching.
Kahoot pedagogy applies to educators and learners of all ages (school, university and business). To get updates on tutorials, tricks and tips about Kahoot, visit their blog or follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr and Instagram. We hope this information is useful for you to know about a great student response system that helps educators engage students with a game–based blended learning environment. We’d like to know about more tools like these. If you know a few, please feel free to share with us in the Comment Box. Also share with us your personal views and your ways of using student response systems in your classroom.
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