New York State Battle of the Books

Section of School Librarians & Youth Services Section of New York Library Association

Virtual Hosting Platforms

When choosing what platform is right for your virtual BOB, here are some ideas.

We are sure there are even more ideas and would love to hear what you did! What worked/ what didn't? Please email us at NYSBattleoftheBooks@gmail.com

Kahoot

  • PROS: Participants can play from their own devices against each other. Many are familiar with this format from school or the Library already.

  • CONS: This is multiple choice based, so you have to take longer to make 3 fake answers for each question.


Quizlet (Individual Based)

  • PROS: Participants can use their own device. This is free for teachers!

  • CONS: Quizlet’s main highlight is accuracy over speed, which is the opposite of many BOB teams with learning how to buzz lightning fast. It is unclear if this is free for public librarians. Again, this is multiple choice based so get ready to make fake answers.


Socrative


Zoom Option #1: Raising Your Hand (Individual Based)

  • PROS: Zoom offers 45 minutes under their free plan. Students can simply use the “raise hand” feature to “buzz in” and the Facilitator will be able to see who “buzzed” first. This can also be used for a spelling bee-style or jeopardy-style game.

  • CONS: $15 a month for an unlimited time limit. This plan involved each student working alone, rather than in a group.


Zoom Option #2: Breakout Rooms (Team Based)

  • PROS: Students can work together as a team to answer a list of questions they are given with a time limit. This can also be used for a spelling bee-style or jeopardy-style game.

  • CONS: $15 a month for the breakout room/ unlimited time feature. A list of questions would have to be given ahead of time.


Zoom Option #3: Raisin Your Hand while on the phone (closest to BOB experience as possible)

  • PROS: Zoom offers 45 minutes under their free plan. Students can simply use the “raise hand” feature to “buzz in” and the Facilitator will be able to see who “buzzed” first. Students can be on a multi-line phone call with their teams to discuss.This can also be used for a spelling bee-style or jeopardy-style game.

  • CONS: $15 a month for an unlimited time limit.