Are Classroom Games a Tool for Learning or Merely Entertainment?

Kahoot! reports that over 10 million educators utilize its platform, where quiz games have become an integral part of the educational experience. However, a dynamic classroom environment does not necessarily equate to effective learning. In a recent episode, two experts discuss the distinction between genuine educational progress and the pursuit of points in gamified learning.

Does Enjoyment Facilitate Learning?

Liz Crawford, the senior director and global head of education at Kahoot!, emphasizes that engagement is only valuable when it leads to measurable outcomes. Citing over 300 independent peer-reviewed studies, she notes that students who consistently use Kahoot! tend to score an average of one grade higher. In a conversation with Ira Apfel, Crawford outlines how techniques like retrieval practice and immediate feedback contribute to the effectiveness of the games. She also highlights recent updates that allow teachers to eliminate timers and speed-based scoring, along with the introduction of an AI tool that transforms teachers’ own materials into customizable quizzes.

Identifying Genuine Learning in Quiz Games

Matthew Farber, an associate professor of educational technology at the University of Northern Colorado, brings insights from his nine years of teaching middle school social studies. He argues that quiz games predominantly serve as review tools accompanied by timers, cautioning that using them for grading can be problematic. Farber differentiates between gamification and game-based learning, explaining how a concept he terms “blind Kahoot” utilizes neuromyth questions to turn incorrect responses into valuable instructional opportunities. He advocates for the integration of narrative games with literature and urges educators to prioritize play over point accumulation.

For further insights, listen to the episode.

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