Hey Cloggers, fellow bloggers, and amigos!

Claire, Laurence, and Kaylyn here. Today for our EdTech blog, were talking about Kahoot! If you haven’t heard of Kahoot, we feel bad for you because it was one of the best parts of our childhood school experience (kinda sad when you think about it…).

We wanted to look at some of the pros and cons of Kahoot because, as educators, we need to be critical before bringing a technology into the class. So here we go…

Pro #1: It’s FUN!

Kahoot is honestly such a fun way to take information. It allows you to play a game with your peers online and makes a traditional lecture more engaging.

Pro #2: It’s quick and easy!

With regards to efficiency, Kahoot usually immediately engages students and is a quick way for teachers to see where their students are at with information. It can be made in as little as 10 minutes and you could even pass this responsibility onto a student – this will help students better understand information too.

Pro #3: There are so many pre-made Kahoot quizzes already out there.

This can make it even more efficient because there is a good chance that there is already a Kahoot made for the topic that is being discussed. This can make at home or spontaneous studying and learning accessible and fun!

Con #1: Students can create their own usernames.

Since students can create their own usernames, there is often a mix of joke names and real names. This can make tracking student progress really difficult for a teacher. It can also be a way for students to make inappropriate jokes in front of the whole class without being identified.

Con #2: You need access to enough tablets or computers for every student.

If your school does not have enough iPads or laptops, then students will either have to share (which usually ends up with one taking control) or some students will have to sit out for certain rounds (which can result in less learning). Not ideal.

Con #3: It’s a competitive style of learning.

The very goal of Kahoot is to win, not to learn. Although learning might occur while students compete, it can create a somewhat toxic classroom environment. Furthermore, if students fear being incorrect (and having everyone see that dreadful red screen), then they might simply check out of the activity.

SO, what are your thoughts on Kahoot? Is this a platform you want to implement into your classroom? Or avoid completely?

Clogging off now/Adios Amigos,

LOBO, Kaylyn, and COordt 🙂