Using H5P to Create Low-Stakes Activities and Assessments

Overview:

Are you using the Quiz tool in Brightspace to create auto-graded assignments and worksheets? Or, are you looking for a way to create low-stakes activities, without increasing the amount of grading you do each week? Try H5P!

H5P (short for HTML5 Package) is a tool that authors can use to quickly and easily create a wide variety of content-rich and interactive learning activities that can be directly embedded directly into a Brightspace course.

Adding H5P to your course can have many benefits, such as: 

• Increased student engagement and active learning.
• Improved knowledge retention and recall.
• Enhanced accessibility and inclusivity for diverse learners.
• Efficient and effective assessment of student progress and understanding.
• Reusable and adaptable activities that meet specific course goals and student needs.

This example was created using the Interactive Book content type. The interactive book combines readings, multi-media, and several types of self-check questions into a single organized learning resource. But there are dozens of content types you can use!
 

Note: This example was created with the aid of ChatGPT and Notebook LM. 

Example:

Direct URL

Instructions: 

• If you would like to add H5P into your course, here are some starting points to consider:
• If it is your first time using H5P, you will need to create a University of Arizona Author Account to get started.
• You can access H5P directly from your course site in Brightspace.
• H5P is quite easy to use, but there is help right here at UCATT if you need it!
  • Reach out to the InTech team for a consultation to help you get started.
  • Also check out our Instructional Designer Services if you want help creating content in using H5P.
  • H5P also has a library of tutorials and use cases for the different content types
• Selecting the Reuse button at the bottom of the example will bring up several ways to make a copy of the Interactive Book that you can edit and use in your course. 

Expert Advice:

Use the Interactive Book to replace boring static PDFs or handouts with an interactive “textbook” that guides students through key concepts. This example can also easily be remixed to use the Game Map or Page in H5P.

Other things to note: 

• Keep it focused on your learning outcomes. Take a moment to consider your learning outcomes and the purpose of the activity you want to create – does the activity support your learning goals?
• Start simple. Try creating a multiple-choice activity before jumping into a complex activity like a branching scenario.
• Remix and Reuse. H5P has a Copy, and Paste & Replace feature that makes it easy to mix and match different H5P content together.
• Brightspace Integration. H5P activities can be embedded directly within your D2L course modules.
  • Each content type is mobile-friendly and automatically adjusts to different screen sizes.
  • Students can try low-stakes quizzes multiple times, supporting mastery learning.
  • You can track participation through D2L’s gradebook integration.

Possible limitations:

• H5P should only be used for low-stakes knowledge checks and practice, not major assessments such as mid-terms or finals.
• Some content types are not fully accessible. Be sure to check out the content type recommendations before creating anything using H5P.
• Creating rich, interactive content can take time at first, but the activities can be reused or updated easily across semesters.