Using apps to study and learn: Quizlet and Kahoot

https://quizlet.com

Study Sets

I first started using Quizlet in March 2016. I created a set of questions and used them as a review at the end of a training session.

Next I used Quizlet for my own learning and created study sets to assist in my study of wine. I really liked being able to access the Quizlet app on my phone and study while I walked. 

Here is a link to a Quizlet study set I made while reading the book "Make It Stick."

I most recently used the Quizlet Learn activity as I worked to learn RAPID. I haven't used it fully as it has more long term planning and reminding features.  I plan to use this as I study for the WSET Level 3 certification course. Mire about this later.

Quizlet Live

Next up with Quizlet has recently been the new classroom game, Quizlet Live.  This is a team collaboration game. It works best with terminology. The first time I used it with a group the energy level went from 20 - 1000. It took me a little while to understand the collaboration piece.  When team members sign in they each see 4 different possible answer choices. This is important to explain as you start the game.  For some reason it wasn't intuitive to me.

Diagrams

You can also incorporate diagrams into Quizlet.  Here is an example, Tongue Taste Areas

https://create.kahoot.it

I have used the quiz feature in Kahoot and love it as an in class review activity.  I would like to learn more about the Discussion, Survey and Jumble as well as the team aspect of the quiz game.

Experimenting with Game Boards in Adobe Connect

"Games can be used to test prior knowledge when introducing a topic or they can be used to test understanding", (p. 25, Dailey (2011). Robins (2010) explains that games are a good way to learn for these reasons:

• they involve intrinsic and extrinsic motivators, 
• have clear measures of success and feedback
• have reduced stakes
• help student translate various skills, concepts and ideas;
• involve both collaboration and competition
• usually include a tutorial or clear instructions for play; and 
• facilitate reflective thinking

This experiment involved taking a game board activity and adapting it to Adobe Connect.  Every webinar has unique functionality.  In Adobe Connect only presenters can use whiteboard tools, so volunteers are needed and their status changed to presenter for the duration of the game. I hope this recipe will help you give it a try.  It was a fun and engaging experiment.  I very much appreciate those who volunteered to help. I had a much smaller group than anticipated and plan to try it again with a larger group to see how it goes.

INGREDIENTS

1. Game Board. There are a variety of free templates for developing question cards and game boards.  This link will take you to a very simple PowerPoint game board. You can customize the game board by adding images to the board relevant to the topic.   Below is an image of the Adobe Connect layout.
2. A Set of Multiple Choice Questions. The site above also has a template for making question cards which could be use in a face to face setting.  I used PowerPoint to create a slide for each question with the answer animated to appear with a click.
3. Tokens. There a few symbol choices available using the whiteboard tools in AC.  I created two symbols and filled them in with a different color.
4. Die. I used a digital die from this site, http://www.random.org/dice.  I rolled the die off camera and told them the result.  It would have great to roll the die within Adobe.

DIRECTIONS

• In preparation for the game, the questions need to be developed and the PowerPoint or card set created. In addition the game bard can be customized.
• Obtain two volunteers willing to move the token for each team.  Change their status to presenter.  Participants are not able to use whiteboard drawing tools. I then gave the volunteers directions on how to move the token using the select drawing tool. 

                   

• The selected token will then appear as below and they can then click and drag the token
  throughout the game board.  Give the volunteers a chance to practice.

• I divided the participants into two groups based on their last name and reviewed the following directions which were on a ppt slide
  
  
  
  
• I revealed the question and then allowed anyone on the team to answer.  If they all have mic access this could take place orally if not, then the answers could be shared in the chat pod.  If the team did not have the correct answer, I allowed the other team an opportunity to answer.
• Below is the Adobe Connect room layout during the game.
  
  
  
  
  
  

REFERENCES
Dailey, B.A.M. 2001. Creating Significant Deep Learning Experiences: The Cross Papers Number 14. Phoenix, AZ: League for Innovation in the Community College.
Robins, S.S., Eisert, D. and Kelton, A.J. (2010, October 14). Games: The Best Way to Learn, Period. Retrieved from Educause http://www.educause.edu/annual-conference/2010/games-best-way-learn-period

Play and learning

I have been mulling over comments made about games and learning at a recent meeting.  Games were laughed at as being a waste of time, not professional and certainly not connected with learning. This has left me scratching my head because it flies in the face of what I know about the brain and learning.  In the monograph I wrote on creating deep learning experiences, I contrasted surface and deep learning.  One of the contrasts was this. Deep learners "are mindful; play and create with new ideas, relate theory to everyday life. Learners enjoy learning, the process flows "  Surface learners "take a mindless approach; entrapped in old ideas, the content is devoid of significance. Learners find learning to be unpleasant."

I plan to do more thinking and research on this perspective.  Maybe it is merely a semantic issue. I have recently listened to some great presentations from TEDD on this topic.

1. Tim Brown on Creativity and Playhttp://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/tim_brown_on_creativity_and_play.html
   At the 2008 Serious Play conference, designer Tim Brown talks about the powerful relationship between creative thinking and play -- with many examples you can try at home (and one that maybe you shouldn't).
   

2. Steve Keil: A manifesto for play, for Bulgaria and beyond

   http://www.ted.com/talks/steve_keil_a_manifesto_for_play_for_bulgaria_and_beyond.htmlAt TEDxBG in Sofia, Steve Keil fights the "serious meme" that has infected his home of Bulgaria -- and calls for a return to play to revitalize the economy, education and society. A sparkling talk with a universal message for people everywhere who are reinventing their workplaces, schools, lives.
   

3. Stuart Brown says play is more than fun

   http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/stuart_brown_says_play_is_more_than_fun_it_s_vital.htmlA pioneer in research on play, Dr. Stuart Brown says humor, games, roughhousing, flirtation and fantasy are more than just fun. Plenty of play in childhood makes for happy, smart adults -- and keeping it up can make us smarter at any age.