Kahoot! Ambassador, Bettina Z, is an educator and homeschool teacher based in Indiana, USA. Bettina has become a Kahoot! Expert, as both an Ambassador and Kahoot! Marketplace seller creating content for both the classroom and the homeschool environment. Read on for a recap of our conversation with Bettina, learning how she used Kahoot! to help capture curiosity in her children’s learning journeys.
Tell us about your education and career background and what subjects you teach.
I have a background in biology and once dreamed of becoming a veterinarian, but I chose to start a family! My love for science never faded, and now I get to share that passion through teaching classes on animal classification, taxonomy, cell theory, and semester-long explorations of famous scientists and inventors.
I also have a minor in history, which I get excited about teaching because history is more than just battles and big names… It’s the story of everything! I love weaving history into my science lessons, turning them into epic tales of discovery. Right now, I’m teaching through American History with classes broken into the 1700s, 1800s, and 1900s, along with classes about Ancient Civilizations like Egypt, Greece, and Rome. I also dive into art and literature, exploring how the lives of creators shaped their masterpieces. My students range from elementary to middle school, with a few early high schoolers thrown in for good measure. While most are from the U.S., I also teach some fantastic students abroad, including private learners in China.
Why did you choose to become a homeschool educator? What do you enjoy the most about it?
When it was time to decide on schooling for my own kids, I felt a tug. The traditional education system had some quirks that didn’t sit right with us, and having been homeschooled myself during high school, I knew the ropes. I genuinely wanted to learn alongside my children, sharing every “aha!” moment with them. Homeschooling today is a whole new ball game, but we were determined to ensure they socialized beyond our living room. Our three kids were involved in year-long bowling leagues, summer baseball, martial arts, and a weekly homeschool co-op. They’re still bowling and practicing jiu-jitsu, 11 years strong! My oldest, now 17, even snagged 6th place in state youth bowling this year! Homeschooling has its hurdles, but I love the chance to explore the world with my kids and dive into whatever piques their curiosity. The flexibility is fantastic! We spent years going to museums weekly, and when needed, we can take mental health days.
When did you begin using Kahoot? What drew you to the platform?
About six years ago, my kids’ Spanish tutor from Costa Rica introduced us to Kahoot!, and it was a game-changer! The kids loved learning in a game format, and it was a breeze to create quizzes and assign them through Google Classroom. They enjoyed it so much that I started using it with my students too. Kahoot’s features have evolved, but it remains super user-friendly, which is a huge win. These days, I still craft a few kahoots for my kids, but my main gig is creating engaging content for my classes and selling curriculum to educators on the Kahoot! Marketplace. I aim to make learning fun and versatile for homeschool parents and teachers alike, using slides and quizzes to create a dynamic, low-prep experience that’s also a hit with both students and educators.
What kind of resources do home educators prefer as opposed to classroom educators?
Homeschooling parents have all sorts of motivations, yet many share a common goal… to ignite a lifelong passion for learning! From my experience, most homeschooling parents love to mix it up with printables, hands-on activities, field trips, and digital content. Kahoot! offers fantastic resources for delivering some of this to homeschoolers. While classroom and virtual teachers often seek similar resources, the twist is that homeschooling parents tailor their approach to each child, focusing on unique needs rather than grade levels. Kahoot! offers features that help both parents and teachers find the perfect materials.
What Kahoot! features do your students enjoy using?
My students are having a blast with the gaming options on Kahoot! I host a virtual social club where my students can’t wait to dive into games like Robot Run and Submarine Squad. Claiming rewards and upgrading islands are a hit, and my group of 6 to 9-year-old girls dreams of exploring the island in a more interactive way. They’ve even picked out their own spots to “live” on the island and hope to someday be able to go inside them.
In what ways can Kahoot! help home educators?
As a homeschool mom and virtual teacher, I wholeheartedly believe that Kahoot is a gem in the world of education. Learners eagerly participate in kahoots, even in subjects they usually find tricky. With features like assigning kahoots and using flashcard mode, it turns any subject into an exciting adventure. Homeschool curricula can sometimes be dry, but adding kahoots transforms learning into a fun experience, which helps students connect with subjects better. I’m incredibly grateful for Kahoot!’s role in my homeschooling program and teaching career. It’s become a beloved part of my life!
Check out Bettina’s resources on subjects such as history, literature, and science on her Kahoot! profile and channels. Perfect for both the classroom and for teaching at home!
