What is it?
H5P allows instructors to embed interactive elements into their Moodle sites. Some examples include:
- Image hotspots (images with annotations)
- Interactive videos (videos with embedded questions checking for understanding)
- Fill-in-the-blank exercises
- Drag-and-drop onto images (labelling an image or a diagram)
A full list of all H5P objects can be found at H5P’s website.
What are the benefits?
H5P adds an interactive active learning element to what might otherwise be passive forms of learning: reading a book or watching a video.
Once created, H5P objects can be re-used across different contexts.
H5P provides an easy way for instructors to do formative assessment. If used in a WordPress site or a Pressbook, student grades are not reported.
If recording student grades is desired, H5P objects can be integrated into Moodle.
What are the challenges?
Given the variety of H5P objects which can be created, it can be rather time-consuming to learn the intricacies of each type of object. One possible way around this limitation is to download an example of an H5P object and edit it to suit your needs.
Who’s using this?
The Biology Department has created several Pressbooks with embedded H5P elements to assist first-year students with the creation of lab reports. For example, this page on Using a Rubric contains two multiple-choice H5P questions so that students can check their understanding.
The other Biology books with H5P elements are:
Resources
KPU’s Teaching and Learning Commons has created a H5P Resource page as a jumping-off point for anyone interested in exploring the abilities of this technology.
If you’re ready to get your feet wet, the T&L Commons have also created a self-guided course in Moodle: Building Interactive Content with H5P.
You might also choose to book a consultation with one of the Teaching and Learning Commons’ Learning Strategists or Educational Media Strategists. Email tlcommons@kpu.ca to get this process started.
The official H5P webpage contains all kinds of documentation and tutorials for the different types of content objects which can be created. Start by looking at the page for the content you’re interested in making: if you scroll down to the Description, you’ll see a link to a tutorial.
References
Unsworth, A. J., & Posner, M. G. (2022). Case study: Using H5P to design and deliver interactive laboratory practicals. Essays in Biochemistry, 66(1), 19. https://doi.org/10.1042/EBC20210057 Direct link to article.
