Quizzam!

Quizzam! is an assessment-based app that allows students to “buzz in” to answer multiple-choice and short-answer questions, which can increase classroom engagement levels. With Quizzam!, teachers first create a virtual classroom that others can join. Next, teachers ask their students questions aloud, and students respond to the questions either by choosing an option or composing a short-answer response. When tracking responses, teachers can see who responded using one of two modes: the “buzz-in” or “multiple-choice” option. Each option shows who responded and the time it took for he or she to respond. However, the multiple-choice option reports if the correct option was selected, whereas the short-answer option displays students’ constructed answers. When first using it, teachers will need to review the help tutorials for how to use this app effectively, and teachers will need to explain how this app functions to their students as well.

Classroom Applications

1. Teachers can review any topic using this app. First, teachers will need to setup a classroom and have all the students join. Next, teachers can pose multiple-choice review questions to their students. Teachers can track students’ responses to assess their understanding. Teachers can add a twist to this activity by first having students compose review questions. Next, after ensuring the quality of the students’ questions, teachers can ask students their classmates’ questions as well as their own questions. Using either version of this activity, teachers can use the multiple-choice option or the buzzer option.
2. Teachers can use this app for whole-class testing. To do so, teachers first setup their virtual classroom that students join. Next, teachers read a test question to their class and students respond. As they respond, this app will report the students who responded, the time it took them to respond, and if their response was correct. Teacher can track this data and establish grades based on student performance.
3. This app can be used to administer surveys or pre-tests to the students about what they do or do not know as related to an upcoming unit. By asking strategic questions about different topics and monitoring student responses, teachers can use this data to inform where they need to spend their instructional time.
4. In small groups, students can use the app to quiz each other for upcoming tests. To do so, teachers first create groups of three to five students and have them login to a pre-made virtual classroom (teachers should make these classrooms before beginning this activity). Next, teachers will need to have each student compose 3-10 review questions. When ready, assign one student to be the “Quiz Master” and have him or her log into the pre-made virtual classroom as the teacher and the other group members log in as students. The Quiz Master then asks his or her questions to the group, and each student in the group responds. Once all of the Quiz Master’s questions have been asked, a different group member becomes the Quiz Master and the process repeats itself until all group members have been the Quiz Master. Teachers can add another layer to this activity by having students reflect on their performance and compose a paragraph explaining if they are or are not ready for the upcoming test.

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