Welcome! I’m Jeff Knutson from Common Sense, and today we’re diving into the world of online formative assessments. With so many options available, it can be challenging to choose the right tool for your classroom. Let’s explore two popular platforms—Kahoot and Formative—and see how they stack up against each other.
Both Kahoot and Formative are web-based platforms that allow students to engage with quizzes and questions online. They provide real-time data for teachers and are accessible on any device without requiring student accounts. Best of all, they’re free to use! These tools are versatile, suitable for various subjects and grade levels, from elementary to high school. Students can participate using computers, Chromebooks, tablets, or even their smartphones. However, each platform offers unique features that set them apart.
Kahoot transforms the traditional multiple-choice quiz into an exciting game show experience. With lively music and vibrant colors, it boosts student engagement. Teachers project questions and answer options onto a screen, and students join the quiz by entering a code. Scores and rankings are displayed in real time, adding a competitive edge. After the quiz, teachers can download detailed student data for each question. Additionally, Kahoot’s “Ghost Mode” lets students compete against their previous scores, encouraging improvement.
Teachers have access to a vast library of public Kahoots, which can be used as-is or customized to fit specific needs. While Kahoot is fun and engaging, it may not provide the detailed feedback some educators seek.
Formative offers a broader range of question types, including short answers, drawings, and multimedia elements like images and videos. Students can respond using any web-enabled device by entering a question code and their name. While accounts aren’t necessary, logging in allows for tracking progress over time and sharing feedback and grades. A standout feature of Formative is the immediate feedback students receive as they answer questions, promoting deeper learning.
Formative also includes some learning management system (LMS) features, enabling students to submit other classwork or assignments. This makes it a comprehensive tool for educators seeking detailed insights into student performance.
The choice between Kahoot and Formative depends on your educational goals. If you aim to create a fun, competitive environment, Kahoot is an excellent choice. Its Ghost Mode and real-time data are innovative, though it doesn’t track progress over time. Conversely, if you prioritize detailed feedback and progress tracking, Formative is the better option. Its diverse question types and instant feedback can foster deeper learning experiences.
Ultimately, the decision may come down to whether you value entertainment or comprehensive feedback more. What kind of formative assessment best suits your classroom? Share your thoughts and explore more EdTech tools and lesson ideas at Common Sense Education.
Create your own Kahoot quiz based on a topic relevant to your field of study. Focus on designing questions that not only test knowledge but also encourage critical thinking. Share your quiz with classmates and analyze the engagement levels and feedback received during the session.
Develop a formative assessment using Formative that includes a variety of question types such as short answers, drawings, and multimedia elements. Aim to provide immediate feedback for each question to enhance learning. Reflect on how this feedback impacts student understanding and engagement.
Conduct a comparative analysis of Kahoot and Formative by using both platforms to assess the same set of learning objectives. Evaluate the effectiveness of each tool in terms of student engagement, feedback quality, and data insights. Present your findings in a report or presentation.
Organize a peer feedback session where you and your classmates use Formative to submit assignments. Provide constructive feedback on each other’s work using the platform’s features. Discuss how the feedback process can be improved and how it contributes to deeper learning.
Explore additional EdTech tools beyond Kahoot and Formative that can be used for formative assessments. Research their features, benefits, and limitations. Share your findings with the class and discuss how these tools can be integrated into your educational practice.
Sure! Here’s a sanitized version of the transcript:
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Hi, I’m Jeff Knutson from Common Sense. Pop quiz—what’s your favorite type of formative assessment? I know, it’s hard to choose. In terms of online formative assessment, there are many options available. A lot of them are engaging for students and provide a great way for teachers to check for understanding. But how do you pick the best one for your classroom? Let’s take a look at two popular options—Kahoot and Formative.
Both platforms make it easy for students to respond to online quizzes and questions, and they provide real-time data for teachers. They are web-based and work on any device, and neither requires student accounts. Plus, they’re both free!
Either platform can be used across grade levels from elementary to high school and is suitable for nearly any subject. Students can respond using various devices, whether it’s a computer, Chromebook, tablet, or even their own phone. However, there are some key differences between the two.
Kahoot enhances a multiple-choice quiz format and turns your classroom into a game show. The lively music and bright colors are sure to boost engagement, and students can see scores and rankings in real time. Teachers project questions and answer options onto a screen, and students just need to enter a code to participate. After a quiz, teachers can view and download student data for each question. Kahoot also offers a “Ghost Mode,” allowing students to compete against previous scores.
Teachers have access to a wide range of public Kahoots, which can be used as is or customized. Kahoot can be a lot of fun, and students often enjoy the music. However, if you’re looking for more detailed feedback, you might want to consider Formative.
With Formative, question options go beyond multiple-choice to include short answer, drawing, and even images and videos. Students can respond using any web-enabled device by entering a question code and their name. They can also show their work as supporting material. While students don’t need accounts to participate, logging in allows for tracking progress over time and sharing feedback and grades. Most importantly, students receive immediate feedback as they answer questions, which is something you can’t do with Kahoot. Additionally, Formative has some LMS-like features that allow students to submit other classwork or assignments.
So, which is the better choice? It really depends on your goals. If you’re looking for a fun, competitive way to quiz your students, Kahoot is a great option. The Ghost Mode is innovative, and you’ll receive data for each question, but it doesn’t track progress over time. On the other hand, Formative may not be as flashy, but it offers more question options and the ability to track student data over time. The instant feedback can promote deeper learning, making it a solid choice if that’s what you’re after.
In the end, it might come down to whether you prefer more fun or better feedback. What kind of formative assessment is best for your classroom? Share your thoughts and explore more EdTech tools and lesson ideas at Common Sense Education.
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Education – The process of receiving or giving systematic instruction, especially at a school or university. – The university is committed to providing high-quality education to all its students.
Technology – The application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry and education. – The integration of technology in the classroom has transformed the way students learn and interact with educational content.
Formative – Relating to assessment that is intended to provide feedback on performance to improve and accelerate learning. – Formative assessments are crucial in helping students identify their strengths and areas for improvement throughout the course.
Kahoot – An interactive game-based learning platform used to engage students in educational activities. – The teacher used Kahoot to create a fun and competitive quiz that reinforced the lesson’s key concepts.
Assessments – The evaluation or estimation of the nature, quality, or ability of someone or something, often used in educational contexts to measure students’ understanding. – Regular assessments help educators gauge the effectiveness of their teaching methods and the progress of their students.
Feedback – Information provided by an agent regarding aspects of one’s performance or understanding, used as a basis for improvement. – Constructive feedback from instructors is essential for students to enhance their academic skills and knowledge.
Engagement – The act of being involved or participating in something, often referring to the level of interest and participation in educational activities. – Student engagement increased significantly when interactive digital tools were introduced in the classroom.
Learning – The acquisition of knowledge or skills through study, experience, or teaching. – Online platforms have expanded the opportunities for lifelong learning beyond traditional classroom settings.
Tools – Devices or implements, especially ones used to carry out a particular function, often referring to digital resources in education. – Educators are increasingly using digital tools to enhance the learning experience and facilitate remote education.
Students – Individuals who are enrolled in an educational institution for the purpose of learning. – The university provides a wide range of resources and support services to help students succeed academically.
