Christian Lucier
<EMAIL_ADDRESS>Ontario Tech University
Abstract
The popularity of using educational online quiz-based games (EOQBGs) in learning environments continues to grow. It is important that educators understand what exactly is an EOQBG and how they can be implemented in a classroom setting. EOQBGs are not something entirely new and are connected to student response systems (SRSs), a concept of the seventies. There are many different EOQBG platforms. It is a good idea for educators to familiarize themselves with the more common ones. Gamification, game-based learning, and game-based pedagogy all have ties to EOQBGs. There are a considerable number of benefits to EOQBGs, but there are also significant drawbacks. EOQBGs are constantly evolving and future versions of them, although still incorporating quiz questions, will become more complex. EOQBGs are here to stay in the world of education technology and should not be considered a gimmick.
Keywords
educational online quiz-based games, game-based learning, game-based pedagogy, gamification, student response systems
What are Educational Online Quiz-Based Games?
If you have been a student in a classroom in the last ten years or so, then chances are you have played some version of an educational online quiz-based game (EOQBG). Simply put, EOQBGs are quiz games that are played online with participants, which are usually students, either in a classroom or pretty much anywhere where the host of the game and players have access to the internet. The creator of the game prepares a series of multiple choice questions that focus on a specific topic (i.e., math, history, science) and hosts the game using some version of an EOQBG platform, such as Kahoot! (2022) or Quizziz (2022). When a game is being hosted, players join the game by entering a game pin on their smart device (i.e., PC, tablet, phone, etc.). Once players have connected, the host begins the game. Multiple choice quiz questions that have time limits and point values are presented to players. Typically, the faster a player answers a question, the more points will be earned. In between questions, a scoreboard is presented to players that displays point accumulation and player progress (i.e., changes in rank, correct answer streaks, etc.). Quiz games are often concluded with a suspenseful end result animation that displays who ranked first, second, and third.
It is important to note that EOQBGs on most platforms now can be played both synchronously and asynchronously. If being played synchronously, the host of the game usually uses a PC to run the game and a digital projector to display the questions and scoreboard to players. Depending on the tech policies of the institutions that are synchronously hosting the games, players may join the game with their own devices or are provided with a device.
Origins of Educational Online Quiz-Based Games
Besides the flashy visuals, catchy sounds, and innovative technology of EOQBGs, they are nothing real