How to Use Hot Potatoes JMATCH

 

A.    Introduction to JMatch

JMatch  is one of the six Hot Potatoes applications.

It allows teachers to create “matching exercises”, such as:

·         Vocabulary word ↔ definition

·         Term ↔ explanation

·         Picture ↔ word

·         Audio ↔ text

·         Question ↔ answer

·         Country ↔ capital

JMatch exercises can be exported as HTML files so students can complete them online.

JMatch supports two types of activities:

1.      Standard Matching (students match items from List A to List B)

2.      Drag and Drop Matching (students drag answers to the correct position)

B.      Opening JMatch

1.      Launch Hot Potatoes.

2.      Click “JMatch” from the tools.

3.      A blank activity window will appear with two columns:

·         Left column: Questions, prompts, or items

·         Right column: Answers

C.    Creating a Basic Matching Exercise

Step 1 Enter the Items

1.      Click on each row in “Column 1” and type the question, word, or prompt.

2.      Click the corresponding row in “Column 2” and type the answer.

Step 2 Add More Rows

1.      Click “Add” to insert additional rows.

2.      Click “Delete” to remove a row.

Step 3 Shuffle or Keep Fixed Order

JMatch will automatically shuffle answers in the HTML version, but you can choose:

·         Fixed order

·         Random order 

Configure this in:

Options > Configure Output > JMatch

D.    Adding Images to JMatch

You can use images as either:

✔ Items in Column 1

✔ Answers in Column 2

✔ Additional illustrations in the instructions section

To insert an image into an item:

1.      Click the row where the image should appear.

2.      Go to Insert > Picture.

3.      Choose the image file (JPG, PNG, GIF).

4.      Adjust width, height, and alignment.

5.      Click “OK”.

Image code will appear in the cell as HTML, but it will display correctly in the browser.

E.     Adding Audio to JMatch

You can add audio files (MP3, WAV) so students listen and match the correct answer.

Steps:

1.      Click on the item cell where audio should appear.

2.      Go to Insert > Media Object.

3.      Select the audio file.

4.      Choose:

·         Play button style

·         Auto play (optional)

·         Size settings

5.      Click “OK”.

This is useful for:

·         Listening matching tasks

·         Pronunciation practice

·         ESL/EFL listening comprehension

F.      Adding Video (Optional)

You can even embed video in a matching exercise:

1.      Go to Insert > Media Object.

2.      Choose a video file (MP4 recommended).

3.      Adjust width/height.

4.      Insert it as an item or as part of the instructions.

G.    Editing Instructions, Titles, and Appearance

To customize instructions:

1.      Go to Options > Configure Output > Titles/Instructions

2.      Edit:

·         Title of the exercise

·         Instructions (e.g., “Match each word with its definition.”)

·         Optional introductory text

·         Ending text (e.g., “Good job!”)

Appearance Settings:

Found in Configure Output → Appearance:

·         Background color

·         Text color

·         Font family

·         Font size

·         Table width

·         Alignment

H.    Configuring Feedback & Buttons

In the “Output Options”, you can edit:

✔ “Correct” message

✔ “Try again” message

✔ “Show answers” button text

✔ “Check” button label

These control what the learner sees during the activity.

I.       Saving the JMatch Project (Editable Version)

To save your editable file:

1.      Go to File > Save As

2.      Save as”.jmt”

3.      This file can be opened and edited anytime later.

J.      Exporting the JMatch Exercise to HTML

This is the most important step because students will open “the HTML file”, not the .jmt file.

Steps to export:

1.      Click File > Create Web Page

2.      Choose one of the formats:

✔ Standard Format (List Matching)

Learners choose the correct match from dropdown menus.

✔ Drag-and-Drop Format

Learners drag answers to the correct position.

3.      Select your preferred format.

4.      Save the HTML file.

5.      Open it in a browser to test functionality.

11. Previewing the HTML Exercise

Before giving it to students:

1.      Open the HTML file in Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.

2.      Test:

·         Matching functionality

·         Audio/video playback

·         Images

·         Buttons (“Check”, “Show Answers”)

·         Scoring system

3.      If something looks wrong → go back to JMatch → edit → export again.

12. Publishing or Sharing the Exercise

Once exported, you can share the HTML file via:

✔ Learning Management Systems

·         Google Classroom

·         Moodle

·         Schoology

·         Canva

✔ Communication Platforms

·         WhatsApp

·         Telegram

·         Email

✔ Websites / Blogs

Embed the HTML or upload it directly.

K.    Tips for Creating Effective JMatch Exercises

·         Keep matching pairs simple and clear.

·         Use images for vocabulary lessons.

·         Use audio for listening practice.

·         Avoid too many items (10–15 is ideal).

·         Provide clear instructions at the top.

·         Always preview before sending to students.

·         Use Drag-and-Drop for younger learners.