Hot Potatoes, a freeware suite of six apps for creating computer-based tests
Crossword puzzle creatorsQuiz/exercise makers
Description: Hot Potatoes is a software suite used for creating interactive exercises and quizzes for language learning and other educational purposes. Through Hot Potatoes, users can create various types of interactive exercises, including multiple-choice, short answer, crossword puzzles, and matching exercises. They can also customise the exercises with their own content and formatting preferences. Once created, exercises can be exported as HTML files and uploaded to learning management systems such as Moodle for students to access and complete. Hot Potatoes is free to use but requires installation. It was developed by Martin Holmes and Stewart Arneil at the University of Victoria in Canada.
Evaluation: Hot Potatoes is a valuable and handy tool for producing quizzes, tests, crosswords, and other testing materials for educational purposes. It may take some time to create tests, but in the long run, it is a great time-saver for teachers. Average IT skills are required for its use.
Cost: Free, requires installation.
Usability and tech notes ▼
Time efficiency 
Time needed to learn how to use a tool and its time-saving potential: Medium.
Interface language(s) The number of languages in which the tool is currently available/adaptable to: English only.
Respect for privacy What data does the tool collect and why? What security measures are there? GDPR compliant? : High (?). There is no privacy section on Hot Potatoes’ site, but yes on Half-baked’s, which is the software company that developed it. Half-Baked claims that it does not collect user data beyond what is necessary, so it abstains from using data for marketing or advertising. Its privacy code mentions security measures and user consent as a legal basis. Users can withdraw their consent and thus modify or delete their data on Hot Potatoes. It does not mention compliance with the GDPR. See more here.
Saving work for future use Can work be saved for future use?: Yes
Any other relevant information:
- Installation required?: Yes.
- Compatibility/ Operating System: Windows, Mac, Linux.