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Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Kahoot! by Marybeth Norcross

Kahoot!


I recently discovered a free tool called Kahoot, a game-based classroom response system. Using Kahoot, teachers and students can create and play quizzes, discussions and surveys (called Kahoots) using any device with a web browser. It’s terrific, and you can check it out for yourself at https://getkahoot.com.

What I found really interesting is the way the designers at Kahoot set up their tutorials 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. And I haven’t found too many sites that use non-sequential instruction, so I enjoy the way the Kahoot tutorials are set up.

Tutorials are posted on a wall, similar to Padlet. They aren’t in any particular order, so 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, and how to launch your Kahoot in your classroom. They include tips on maximizing your Kahoots with 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 has 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.


What to Evaluate
High
Med
Low
Score
Instructional Aspects:
Objectives clearly stated
5
4
3
2
1
3
Objectives appropriately sequenced
5
4
3
2
1
N/A
Instructional strategies appropriate for the objectives
5
4
3
2
1
4
Instructional activities/process clearly described
5
4
3
2
1
3
Tasks adequate/significant for achieving objectives
5
4
3
2
1
N/A
Resources adequate/significant for achieving objectives
5
4
3
2
1
5
Learning achievement adequately evaluated
5
4
3
2
1
2
Evaluation criteria clearly expressed
5
4
3
2
1
N/A
Motivational Aspects:
Gaining and maintaining learners’ attention
5
4
3
2
1
4
Relating to learners’ interest and goals
5
4
3
2
1
5
Building on learners’ prior knowledge & foreshadowing what the lesson is about.
5
4
3
2
1
3
Providing positive feedback and feeling of accomplishment
5
4
3
2
1
N/A
Motivational strategies serve for objectives
5
4
3
2
1
3
Web Design Aspects:
Navigation clear and easy to access
5
4
3
2
1
4
Authorship and date clearly stated
5
4
3
2
1
0
Text follows rules of grammar, spelling and literary composition
5
4
3
2
1
4
Use of multimedia (Text, graphic, audio, video, animation, etc.) visually appeal
5
4
3
2
1
5
Mechanical aspects (No broken links, misplaced or missing images, etc.)
5
4
3
2
1
5
Web design appropriate for objectives
5
4
3
2
1
5
Web design appropriate for learner characteristics
5
4
3
2
1
5
TOTAL





60/80


While it a great site, navigation is the biggest problem.  You have to navigate between two separate websites, one for your account, and one for the tutorials and other information, which can be confusing to say the least. Although the layout is simple, just a gray background with white and purple text, it is easy to see, and the site is mostly posted tutorials, lesson plans, and advice and information from Kahoot users and creators. Because it is so simple, it’s organization is simple too. Links near the top of the page will take to several other pages and are clearly marked.

I do think that it caters well to the 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 titles fonts are large, eye-catching, and easy to read. The titles give enough information so you have a general idea of the subject before you access it by clicking on the title. The site feels very clean to me without being dull.

Because this isn’t a traditional web-based instruction site, there were some items on the rubric that didn’t apply to my assessment of Kahoot.  But with lots of resources, including a page filled with videos on all kinds of topics relating to Kahoot, it offers something for every learning style. I enjoyed learning about Kahoots this way.



14 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. I really enjoyed your website. Found it very informative. I do agree on your comments on the navigation. Found it somewhat difficult to find a certain topic or assignment that I could use for a specific assignment or lesson.

    Overall great job!!!

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  3. I think this website has serious potential! I got really frustrated with it though. I wanted to play a game, but I don't know if I did something wrong or if it malfunctioned, because I couldn't get the answers to click. Maybe it was just the one I tried. It does seem like an awesome resource. Good job Marybeth!

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  4. Another cool learning tool. Definitely appeals to those who want to find their own way. I too, am concerned with the dual sites and navigation. Looks like a higher learning curve but once you figure it out would be a great resource.

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  5. I agree with your taste on non-sequential instruction. When given a directions booklet to put something together I start at the back to see how it all fits together first. Using an office like theme such as Padlet gives differentiation to the person learning from the tutorials. I like the idea I can skip some but immerse in others where I am confused. I really liked the setup but do not believe it is conducive to grade school learners.

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    Replies
    1. Starting at the back first is a great strategy. I don't know why I never thought of it! Thank you for sharing that with me. I'm going to start doing that immediately!

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  6. I would have to say that this site is the most unique. It took me a little while to figure out how to get started, but I guess it was just because of my unfamiliarity with this type of learning system. I agree that there was really no sequence in the learning, but it is comforting to know there is a user guide. I am all about sequence. For me, it makes things go together a little easier. Aside from all this, the site is very fun and informative, especially for young students.

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  7. Not only do I love this concept, but I love the interface and feel of the initial instructional page WITHOUT having to create an account. I clicked on the 5 steps individually, and it came up with a one page description for each step. This quickly gave me the information that I needed and answered most questions that I had. Of course, the downfall is having students BYOD (bring your own device) and ensure they all have them if you don't have classroom sets of devices. I do LOVE not having to use clickers, but more user friendly devices that students are familiar with- great resource!

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  8. It looks like a great concept, but the navigation is bad. It may have just been my computer, but I had trouble getting a page to load and then when I tried to go back, I clicked too many times and I don't know where it took me. Great potential, but it does need some work.

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  9. This was my first time hearing about Kahoot, so it took me a while to figure out what the tool was about. I had to do some looking and searching. I think this is a very interesting tool that has great potential with students. I do believe they need to make it a little more user friendly to new viewers. I know if I had seen this outside of this class I possibly would have passed it up because I did not get quick answers. Good job Marybeth. Thanks for introducing me to this new tool. I am interested in looking into it more and possibly using it in the future.

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  10. I have never heard of this website either. I did enjoy going through it. I may even have a use for it. Thank you. We can all use new resources. It seemed as if it skipped around, looks like everyone else had the same issues. Looks like it could use a little help and it would be beneficial.
    Good job!

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  11. The site is a great tool. I have never heard of this tool. As soon as I accessed the site, I could tell the navigational structure was lacking. It took me a little bit to figure out where to go and what to do. It needs to be more user friendly in order for it to be more effective.

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  12. The design of the website is really good. The use of images, videos, and the how to guide on the site were very informative. There was also a place to give testimonials for the site. It offers a place for feedback.

    The one thing that I did not like is that you have to create an account before viewing the content of the site. It does offer an overview of the site before creating an account, however, sample quizzes or lesson plans could be added to the overview as well.

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  13. These tools are great. This reminds me a bit of The Answer pad, but the navigation was a little tricky. I am use to the other program, so my opinion is probably a little biased. I will say the drag and drop option of available questions and video is impressive. I will definitely take a closer look at this resource.

    ReplyDelete