What are the best tools and platforms for creating and delivering polls and quizzes in class?

I start most classes with a poll asking students about the topics they are interested in. This gives them a voice in their education, ensuring the content is both relevant and engaging. For example, in my Digital Media class, tangible skills in Artificial Intelligence (AI) are requested 9 out of 10 times. This insight shapes my curriculum, allowing me to focus on integrating AI skills and applications that are most beneficial for my students' future careers.

Polls and quizzes are invaluable in education. They kickstart learning by tapping into what students already know, offer a real-time understanding of their grasp on the material, and foster engagement. By promoting critical thinking and allowing educators to tailor lessons on the fly, these tools not only gauge progress but also inform teaching strategies. The immediate feedback they provide is crucial for both teaching and learning, making them a dynamic duo in the classroom that enhances the educational experience for everyone involved.

Polls are useful in many ways. At the beginning of the class, they can provide information about the background of students, their interests, and their level of understanding in certain concepts, etc. It can also be beneficial to conduct a poll halfway through the semester in order to adjust your lectures and improve the student experience. Of course, student feedback is welcome during lectures.

Tools for polls/quizzes: Mentimeter, Poll Everywhere, Kahoot!, Google Forms, Socrative, Quizizz, Microsoft Forms, Slido. Engage students, assess learning, and enhance interaction. Choose based on features and compatibility.

Choosing the right tool for polls and quizzes demands careful consideration. It's crucial to pick one that supports diverse question types and offers customizable interactivity to engage students effectively. Compatibility with existing devices and seamless integration with learning management systems or presentation tools are also key to ensure a smooth educational experience. Ease of use is a must to avoid technical hurdles, while prioritizing cost-effectiveness and stringent privacy measures safeguards both educators and students, making the selection process both strategic and thoughtful.

I choose platforms that allow for different types of responses: 1. Close-ended: to test for understanding after delivering content 2. Open-ended: for students to share their opinions and feedback about a particular topic or lesson 3. Collaborative: students are able to see one another’s responses and also comment or respond to them

Kahoot, Mentimeter, and Google Forms are standout tools for interactive learning. Kahoot’s game-based approach turns quizzes into exciting challenges, making learning fun. Mentimeter’s versatility in creating polls, quizzes, and even word clouds encourages a wide range of engagement, catering to different teaching styles and content. Google Forms’ simplicity and accessibility make it an excellent choice for straightforward surveys and quizzes, with robust analytics for tracking progress. Each platform offers unique features, allowing educators to tailor their approach to students' needs and learning environments.

Crafting effective polls and quizzes is an art that enhances teaching and learning. Aligning them with learning outcomes ensures they serve educational goals. Clarity in language and varied question types cater to different learners, while meaningful feedback aids comprehension. It’s important to balance difficulty to challenge yet not discourage students. Eliminating bias and testing before classroom use guarantees fairness and functionality. Finally, revising based on outcomes and feedback keeps the material relevant and engaging, making this approach a dynamic tool in the educator’s arsenal.

Delivering engaging polls and quizzes hinges on strategic timing and effective facilitation. By clearly stating their purpose and context, you prime students for active participation. Leveraging students' own devices fosters accessibility and comfort, enhancing engagement. Monitoring progress in real-time allows for adaptive teaching, while displaying and discussing results promotes a communal learning environment. Linking these interactive elements directly to the curriculum ensures relevance, and providing follow-up resources encourages deeper exploration, making each poll and quiz a valuable learning pivot.

One of my favs is to use a word cloud at the start of the semester to assess the students' understanding of the subject. I use polleverywhere, and as students are typing their words on their mobile phone or laptop, the wordcloud comes to life on the screen. I would then discuss with them what they know, giving them confidence, as well as keep them curious on what's not in the wordcloud. This can be done for in-person as well as online classes.

Some lecturers make the mistake of conducting a poll without leveraging its insights or allowing enough time for discussion. Beyond the quiz or poll itself, it's important to consider the broader context: how it fits into the lesson and what follow-up is necessary. In my experience, the most effective quizzes and polls are those that lead to discussions or reflections, fostering a deeper understanding. It's crucial to allocate sufficient time for this, ensuring that students do more than just answer questions; they should fully comprehend and discuss the concepts involved. Additionally, it's essential to create an environment where all voices are heard, not just the majority, to ensure a diverse range of perspectives and insights.