I’m going to start off by being really vulnerable with you guys for a moment, okay?
One of my worst qualities is my competitiveness. I can’t help it, really. I don’t know where it comes from (actually, I kind of do. Thanks, Mom). No matter how hard I try and no matter the tears there is something in me that won’t let a five-year-old beat me at Mario Kart despite it literally not mattering at all. In card games, party games, and sports, you’ll find me at the front lines arguing with Grandma over Uno rules. Sorry Grandma, you still can’t turn a ‘Draw 4’ card into a ‘Draw 8’ card with stacking.
One of the times when this quality shines the worst is in the classroom. I don’t care what class it is, what subject it is, or what the stakes are–if there is a game of Kahoot, I am fighting for first place on that podium every single time. Funny enough, I can’t tell you anything I’ve actually learned from a game of Kahoot (except at that Pitbull party where we played Kahoot. He was born in Florida, fun fact). The thing is, Kahoot may be a classroom go-to, but it’s not actually the best way to get students engaged, learning, and confident.
Kahoot is a great way to get kids ramped up and excited, but it doesn’t do much beyond that. Seeing who can click an answer the fastest isn’t always the best way to engage students and make learning stick. As an alternative, educators are exploring beyond Kahoot to find greater engagement, deeper understanding, and better knowledge retention. Education technology is bringing so many diverse tools that can be perfectly tailored to your classroom. Free alternatives are aplenty, and we can show you where to start.
So let’s dive into some of our top Kahoot alternatives, shall we? By the end of this, you’ll be ready to move away from chaotic classroom quizzes and shift towards versatile, immersive, and game-based learning platforms.
Although most students love Kahoot, it has its limitations in today’s dynamic classrooms. Its biggest folly is the emphasis on speed rather than learning. And we’ve all been there, right? Being on the Kahoot podium is akin to an Olympic medal for most students. Vying for the podium usually promotes quick clicks rather than thoughtful responses, which can be harmful to student retention. A recent study on Kahoot usage in a foreign language classroom found that it undermined student engagement, created a sense of inadequacy among lower-ranking students, and pushed students to answer quickly rather than accurately. The limited question formatting also makes it difficult to give students a chance to think more deeply about the material in front of them.
To promote deeper engagement, students need questions that will push their critical thinking and encourage real collaboration. Student engagement is boosted when collaborating because students feel a greater sense of responsibility for their own work and the work of their teammates. Interactive tools can also support diverse learning styles, giving each student an opportunity to thrive.
To find the best alternative to Kahoot that will promote interactive learning in your classroom, there are a few key features to look for.
First, look for interactive features beyond quizzes. Quizzes, especially timed ones, create anxiety, pressure, and an inability to focus for students. Stressful environments aren’t the most productive learning environments. Look for programs that have features like interactive presentations, game-based learning, or collaborative opportunities. These features will help promote engagement while minimizing stress, the perfect combination for real learning.
Kahoot alternatives all have different purposes that can support your classroom goals, whether that’s test preparation, a unit review, or practicing real-world application. Choose the right tool for your goal–check below for our recommendations.
And of course, always look for a free version. A free account or a trial run is the best, low-pressure way to figure out if a platform is right for you and your students without the commitment.
Kahoot alternatives provide so much more to the classroom than just a time-filler. Gamified learning activities actually help students get more engaged. Higher engagement means higher retention, confidence, and participation. Through gamified quizzes and activities, students are encouraged to work as a team in an authentic way. They’re invested in the right answer and the gamified experience. (Check out our other blog posts to read more of our thoughts on gamification in education.)
Teachers also get the benefit–free Kahoot alternatives are an excellent way to help students practice applying concepts they learn in the classroom. Connecting theoretical knowledge with real-world problems will help teachers show their students the value of learning and again promote greater engagement. Better yet, many of these alternatives can be personalized in just the right way to fit your classroom, the needs of your students, and your teaching style. It’s all about finding the tools that are right for you.
And with that, let’s explore some of our top Kahoot alternatives.
Regardless of which platform is best for your classroom, there are some key steps that will ensure these Kahoot alternatives are a success.
Before even launching a game, set clear expectations.et students know the standards for participation and collaboration. Having a clear map of what the game will look like can help students focus and know how to participate. Some of these platforms like Mission.io will even provide data with insights on metrics such as collaboration and critical thinking. These instant feedback tools are ideal for informing instruction.
Another tip for getting the most out of these tools is mixing and matching. Combine interactive tools for differentiated, inclusive learning experiences. For example, Factile can be used as a competition for fraction review, followed by a Mission.io Mission to help the class collaborate, team up, and see how their knowledge of fractions can apply to the real world. Using multiple platforms can create the perfect balance between mixing competitive and cooperative elements to increase a deeper understanding of class concepts.
From hyper kindergarteners to shy middle-schoolers to higher education scholars, there are websites, apps, extensions, and a whole variety of tools that can make learning fun again. The more engaged students are, the more they retain.
Prioritize those platforms that make teaching easier and learning unforgettable. With the right tools, you can turn any lesson into an adventure.