Microsoft Word Week 1 Hot Potatoes Software Heidi Edit docx

PRODUCING A HOT POTATOES ACTIVITY
1. Begin by opening the software. For this example JQuiz will be used. Once opened, the software
will display the screen shown above.
2. Questions and answers can be added to the boxes shown as in the image above. Once questions
and answers have been added, save the file by clicking on File -­‐> Save As
a. This save feature will produce a .jqz file. This is the working file that should only be
used to create the activity and should not be shared with students.
3. Once the JQuiz activity is complete it can be published as an .htm file for classroom use.
1
2
3
4
5
6

---

americanenglish.state.gov
4. To create the .htm file, click on File -­‐> Create Web Page -­‐> Standard Format
5. At the basic level this is the scale of Hot Potatoes and much of the interface is similar to more
familiar software such as Microsoft Word. If you can copy and paste in Word, much of the
interface of Hot Potatoes will feel familiar.
6. With this brief overview, it is best to begin by making three or four activities using just the basic
structure and format of the software. Just keep in mind these basics:
a. Hot Potatoes saves two files:
i. .jqz file – This is the working file to be used when making the activity. Each
piece of Hot Potatoes has its own file format (.jcl for Jcloze, .jmt for Jmatch)
ii. .htm – This is the activity file that should be provided to students. This file is
produced to look like a web page and can be opened with a browser (such
as Internet Explorer, Chrome, or Firefox).
b. Stay organized – Create a folder for each activity and save both the .jqz and .htm file
in the same folder. This will make it easier to find each activity.
c. After some time experimenting with the software, click on Options -­‐> Configure
Output in the menu bar.
i. The Configure Output panel allows for the material to be customized such
as changing colors, changing texts, and adding additional instructions or
information.