How Kahoot! Is Changing the Game with Meira Koponen

In this episode,  Jethro Jones interviews Meira Koponen, a learning designer at Kahoot. They discuss the importance of game-based learning, the integration of AI to enhance classroom experiences, and innovative approaches to make learning more inclusive and engaging. Meira shares her experiences from Finland, her passion for education, and some exciting new features of Kahoot that support both teachers and students.

Meira Koponen is a Pedagogy and Didactics Manager (Learning Designer) at Kahoot!

See previous interviews about education in Finland with Pirjo Suhonen: Episode 183, and Episode 184

• What a learning designer at Kahoot! does. 
• Testing with teachers.
• Things must be designed in such a way that teachers can create
• AI Creator in Kahoot!
• On being the last place all the time.
• Team, classroom collaborative
• Playing at your own speed and level.
• Self-paced, different goal, 
• Being part of a community
• Kahootopia - Learning portfolio
• Learning doesn’t happen without effort.
• We put a lot of emphasis on Academic skills.
• We need to focus also on other skills. 
• Organic vs. Mechanistic skills
• Learning line upon line, little by little. 
• Fail often, that’s how you learn. 

Learn more about today's sponsors, Playworks, IXL, and Renaissance Learning:

As a global leader in education technology operating in more than 110 countries, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth and help all students build a strong foundation for success. We believe that technology can unlock a more effective learning experience, ensure that students get the personalized teaching they need to thrive, and help educators and administrators to truly, fully, See Every Student. Learn more at renaissance.com.

We’re proud to be sponsored by Playworks, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with evidence-based practices that help schools improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play.

If you’re a school or district leader struggling with the challenge of chronic absenteeism, as so many are across the U.S., you may not realize that structured recess is a research-backed approach to keep kids in school. In fact, a UC Berkeley study of Title I schools found that those partnering with Playworks had significantly lower chronic absenteeism rates. Further, Mathematica research demonstrated that Playworks schools spent 27% less time transitioning from recess back to learning, saving teachers valuable instructional time. 

These results are possible for your students, too. Learn how Playworks can help you improve student-educator relationships, belonging, and attendance by signing up for a quick no-obligation conversation.

We’re also thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. 

IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:

• Simplify and streamline technology
• Save teachers’ time
• Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
• Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.