Authoring tools for teachers

Kubbu

http://www.kubbu.com/

Although web based at the creation stage the output of Kubbu can be web based or paper based.  It is especially useful for but not limited to producing paper based activities to use in class, away from computer screens. Used online teachers can create classrooms just for their students where they can save activities. Teachers can email students to let them know when a new activity is ready for them to complete. It is also possible for teachers to record and analyse student performance.

Users need to register with Kubbu before they can use the online tools and much of what can be done is free. 

The features of Kubbu are detailed below. When online placing the mouse over one of the seven features will reveal additional information.

In short there are 5 activity  types as shown below:

1. Match - classic matching exercise but presented in a different way - dominoes or find pairs and link up. For a feel for how the online activity works go to the Samples button and try some of the pre-made activities.
2. Divide - good when things need to be put into groups or categories. For example, students could do an activity that requires them to decide if a noun is something found in the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom or living room. This is done by dragging the word to the right category. TV to living room, for example
3. Slider - gap fill where students choose from a range of possibilities such as the correct preposition
4. Composer - students must write answers in a box. For example, they are given the infinitive but must type in the past simple
5. Crossword - as you would expect. Online click the clue, the corresponding part of the grid becomes active (orange colour) and students type in their answer

Printed version of the activities work very well but of course need paper and pen.

There are limitations to the free Kubbu account as shown below;

There is always a pay option but I think for most people the free version should suffice. Creating student accounts so that your learners can use the materials you have created online is quite time consuming so you may wish to view Kubbu as a way of making paper based activities. Both options are of course available.

Kubbu can be accessed from:

http://www.kubbu.com/