#HotPotatoes

HOT POTATOES is a set of programs that allows the production of interactive web-based teaching exercises which can be delivered to any computer. The suite consists on six individual programs: JCloze, JQuiz, JCross, JMatch, JMix, and The Mashe.

Since a quiz is a game or competition in which you answer questions, accordingly, in JQUIZ the learner must create, in an interactive way, the correct answer. This may happen in four different forms: multiple-choice, short answers, a combination of the two just mentioned called Hybrid questions, and multi-select questions (where the student needs to choose several correct answers, among all the options provided). Feedback can be provided for right and wrong answers, as well as a hint in the form of single letters, which appear one at the time, according to student´s request. The JQuiz also gives a score which is lowered if several hints letters were requested.

A cloze test is a test in which words have been removed from a short piece of writing, and students have to write what they think are the correct words in the empty spaces; in JCLOZE students must do the same thing but the program provides clues, and encouragement by automatic scoring. Hints in the form of single letters are provided in case the student needs an extra help.

A crossword puzzle is a game in which you write the answers to questions in a pattern of numbered boxes. In JCROSS the learners write up the words, by answering written questions or by looking at pictures and guessing the correct word. If necessary they can ask for hints, in the form of free letters.

A mix is a combination of different items so that the result cannot be easily separated into its parts, and JMIX produces jumbled-sentences, where the student can choose among several answers. In this case the hint bottom provides whole words or even segments of the right sentence, if requested.

Two things match when they look the same because they are pairs, so in JMTCH there are two lists made up of words, or sentences, or pictures, which the student has to match. Also in this program scoring is available.

THE MASHER is a program that compiles batches of hot potatoes exercises into a whole unit, in a sequential order, with the same colour and appearance setting; it also helps to set certain convenient links using the navigation bottons to create an index file for the unit. This is the tool that allows you to upload the files to hotpotatoes.net, in case of having an account, or if you have registered earlier.

At the Hot Potatoes home page, there is a free software available that has limited entries, still it gives a clear idea of the wide range of possibilities this tool has for ELT. The set with a wider range of entries is not freeware, but can be used without conditions by members of public or non-profit educational institutions. However, a registration is necessary. H.P. were created by the University of Victoria Humanities Computing and Media Centre (Canada). A commercial wing called Half Baked Potatoes provides the necessary funds.