Kahoot! is one of the most popular game-based learning platforms used in classrooms worldwide. Designed to make learning interactive and engaging, it allows teachers to create quizzes, surveys, and discussions in a gamified format. Students participate by answering questions on their own devices, making it a great tool for formative assessment, revision, and collaborative learning.
Key Features & Classroom Use
- Interactive Quizzes — Teachers can create custom quizzes or choose from a vast library of pre-made games covering various subjects. These quizzes can be played live in class or assigned as self-paced challenges.
- Multiple Game Modes — Classic mode (individual play) and Team mode encourage both independent learning and collaboration.
- Engagement Tools — Features like leaderboards, time limits, and visuals keep students motivated and actively involved in the learning process.
- Assessment & Feedback — Teachers can track student progress with Kahoot!’s reporting tools, helping to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
- Integration with Learning Platforms — Kahoot! integrates with Google Classroom, Microsoft Teams, and other edtech platforms, making it easy to embed into existing lesson plans.
Pricing & Plans
Kahoot! offers a mix of free and paid plans:
- Free Version - Allows teachers to create and play Kahoots with basic features, but limits access to more advanced question types and analytics.
- Kahoot!+ for Teachers (Paid Plans) - Pricing varies depending on features:
- Kahoot!+ Start ($3/month) - Enhanced quiz options, more customisation.
- Kahoot!+ Premier ($6/month) - Advanced question types, student-paced assignments, and analytics.
- Kahoot!+ Max ($9/month) - Full access to all premium features, collaboration tools, and expanded storage.
Note: Schools can also purchase Kahoot! EDU, a package designed for institutions with more collaborative and administrative features.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
Highly engaging and easy to use for both teachers and students.
Supports live and asynchronous learning.
Wide variety of pre-made quizzes.
Encourages active participation and competition.
Cons:
Free version has limited customisation and analytics.
Can become repetitive if overused.
Some students may focus more on speed than accuracy.
Alternatives to Kahoot!
If Kahoot! isn’t the perfect fit, here are some great alternatives:
- Quizizz — Similar to Kahoot! but allows students to answer at their own pace. Includes memes and power-ups to boost engagement.
- Gimkit — A gamified quiz tool where students earn in-game currency for correct answers, making it a more strategy-based experience.
- Blooket — Combines quizzes with different game modes like tower defence and fishing, keeping students engaged in new ways.
- Quizlet Live — Turns Quizlet’s flashcards into a competitive team-based game. Great for vocabulary learning.
- Mentimeter — More focused on live polling and audience interaction, good for discussions and feedback.
