H5P: A tool that supports blended learning

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problem-solving task
is an important feature of 21st century classrooms

What is H5P?

H5P is an open-source interactive content creating site. It is an abbreviation of HTML5 Package. The website allows users to create, design and share collaborative content using a range of content starting from games to social media.

The gaming and quizzes involve problem-solving skills which is an important aspect of today's teaching and learning process. 

List of contents in H5P

Blended Learning

H5P supports blended learning in a very smart way. Blended approach to learning emphasizes on multiple ways to deliver knowledge to students.  It combines classroom learning with online activities which give students the control, pace and time to work independently. In terms of pedagogy, it supports autonomous and experience-based learning through simulated activities online. Furthermore, students develop pro-social skills by participating in online interactive tasks. These tasks engages students  cognitive and affective domains. Overall, blended learning helps build a learning community which is helpful for better collaboration and learning.


Sample Task 

Find Transitional Words is an interactive H5P content that I have created for my students (intermediate level)  using Mark the words category. 

Find Transitional Words Task on H5P

I have added five statements in this sample content but i hope to add a few more before I actually use this task in my class. The  instruction for Mark the words task is very straight-forward. Students have to click on appropriate word (transitional word/connector) of  all five statements and click 'Check'. The screen will show how many they have corrected and what score (in percentage) they obtained. They will get to see the correct answers if they make any error while solving the exercise. Teachers can add feedback to each division of percentage to help students sustain their interest and motivation.

Interactive activities like this can always boost confidence and problem-solving skills among learners. This platform provides opportunities for building experiential knowledge which is very significant for 21st century classroom teaching.

H5P offers an array of options for teachers to create and design suitable activities for students. These tasks can either be used in class or be given as homework. Therefore, this application allows a blended approach to teaching.  Here is tutorial on how interactive content can be designed using H5P:


Interested teachers can also take a look at a range of tutorials available on H5P website before attempting to create something new. H5P content can be embedded in Learning Management System (LMS) such as Moodle, Google Classroom or downloaded directly to the PC. Besides this, teachers can always share the link with students via social media.

H5P in Bangladeshi Educational Setting

  • Particularly useful for instutions that support Virtual Learning Environments. However, teachers can always create and share content independently using H5P.
  • Suitable for young and adult learners
  • Interactive tasks can be designed for teaching writing, grammar, vocabulary
  • Engaging tasks can promote thinking and better retention among less-motivated and slower learners

Disadvantage

  • Assessment technique can be complicated as there aren't good options to monitor students' progress and participation
All in all, H5P is a smart platform for teachers to instill active learning among their students through interactive content.

Courtesy: pixabay.com, H5P website and Youtube.com





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