Kahoot

What is Kahoot?

Kahoot is a game-based online learning tool that can be used in workshops, tutorials, or self-access materials to engage students. Kahoot uses quizzes, surveys, and discussions to engage students in their learning in a competitive and fun manner. Beyond being a fun and interactive learning and formative assessment tool, Kahoot can help capture insights and target instruction. Other benefits include enhanced student involvement, improved classroom dynamics, higher motivation, rapid feedback, and higher energy levels throughout sessions. 

Kahoot can be played via digital platforms such as projectors, screen monitors, smartphones and iPads. It can also be played remotely through platforms such as Zoom and Teams.

Bringing Kahoot to the classroom is as easy as sharing a link in the chat or posting a QR code.

Kahoot licenses are available for SCU academic teaching staff, to obtain a Kahoot license you can request one by emailing the SCU Service Desk via servicedesk@scu.edu.au


    • How many students can use Kahoot?

      SCU's account allows for up to 2000 students in a live presented Kahoot and up to 10,000 students can be assigned a Kahoot.

      Accessing Kahoot

      • Kahoot licenses are available for SCU academic teaching staff. 
      • To obtain a Kahoot licence you can request one by emailing the SCU Service Desk via servicedesk@scu.edu.au
      • The licensed version gives you access to a large library of Kahoots created by educators.
      • You will receive an email notification from the Service Desk advising that your account is ready with links to activate your account.

      Logging in to Kahoot

      Follow the prompts to log in to your Kahoot account via your browser. Setup is straightforward and you should be ready to go within minutes using your SCU email and creating a password.

      If you have already set up your account, log in to Kahoot at: Login - Kahoot! using your SCU credentials.

      Preparing your Kahoot

      Prepare your draft quiz

      To make the process easier, ensure that you have a draft of quiz questions prepared. You will be able to use a number of quiz question types (see below), including polls, true-false, puzzles, word clouds, typed answers and more.

      Consider the range of questions that are easy, medium or difficult. Also consider whether you will use images to add interest and context to your questions.

      There are several quiz question options available, with standard multiple choice, true or false, typed answer, slider and puzzles. 

      Remember, learning is not just about getting the right answer; you can build online engagement with your students by asking open-ended questions, polling, creating a word-cloud, and brainstorming as a learning activity.

      For more information on quiz building, these articles are helpful:

      Creating your Kahoot

      1. Select Create > Kahoot

      2. Select from the Blank canvas or Templates options.
        • A blank canvas allows you to build your own Kahoot or choose a pre-designed template which you can edit for use.
        • The following example is using a Blank canvas.
      3. Before adding your questions, open the Kahoot Settings and add the title, description, and a cover image. You can select the lobby music (this will default to a Kahoot selection if you do not). Make your selection and a new window will open for editing.

      A YouTube link can be pasted to play for students waiting in the lobby for the quiz to begin. You can select the cover image from the library or use your own.

      Naming your Kahoot

      Make sure you give your Kahoot a name that is easy to recognise and relates to the content. Quiz#1 may not be so obvious in a year's time!


      4. Start adding your questions to your Kahoot. Between eight and twelve questions should be enough to allow range and variety (and some healthy competition amongst your students!); however there is no limit to the size of your Kahoot.

      The default first question is a standard multiple choice. You can change the Question Type by selecting the drop-down list on the right of your screen.

      Add:

      • Quiz question.
      • The answer + 3 possible answers.
      • An image that relates to your question or theme.
      • For each question you can set the time limit, points, answer options and use the image reveal option.


      Use a variety of question types

      By using a variety of question types, you will keep your students engaged - true/false, multiple choice, polls, word clouds, drop pins and more can be used.

      Make sure there is a range of easy to difficult questions to gauge their understanding of the topic.


      5. Continue to add your quiz questions.

      • Select +Add question button and make your selection from the quiz types.

      • Mouse-over the question types to see examples for each question type.

      How big is your student cohort?

      Be mindful of the size of your cohort. Kahoots are a great live interactive tool for formative assessment, and they can make learning fun. For example, 20 questions may work well with a small cohort but could slow the class down with a much larger group.

      Remember that you can also assign a Kahoot and set a deadline for students who are not able to attend the live Kahoot or set it as a self-paced learning assessment task. See Assigning a Kahoot.


      6. Once you are happy with the questions, you can optimise the appearance of your quiz by setting the Theme (background) to your quiz.

      Select Preview (top right) to review your quiz. You may wish to adjust the timing, check answers, and review for final edits and checks.  Exit Preview to make any final edits, then select Save to complete.

      You are now ready to Kahoot!


      7. You can then Preview, Start or Share your Kahoot.

      Or click Done to return to the Kahoot home page.

      Now it's your turn!

      Try creating your own set of icebreaker questions for your student cohort.

      Download the list of icebreaker prompts below for inspiration or create your own.


      Kahoot video demonstration

       


      Next: Running a live Kahoot  


      (Please note - it's better to refer to the Online version rather than export, as it's always up to date)


      References

    • Bicen, H., & Kocakoyun, S. (2018). Perceptions of students for gamification approach: Kahoot as a case study. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning, 13(2), 72–93. 

    • Ghawail, E. A. A., & Yahia, S. B. (2022). Using the E-Learning Gamification Tool Kahoot! to Learn Chemistry Principles in the Classroom. Procedia Computer Science, 207, 2667–2676.

    • Lin, D. T. A., Ganapathy, M., & Kaur, M. (2018). Kahoot! It: Gamification in higher education. Pertanika Journal of Social Science & Humanities, 26(1), 565–582.