How Teachers Can Use Gimkit in the Classroom (a tutorial)
Gimkit is an excellent game-based learning platform that combines fun and education, making it a highly engaging tool for both teachers and students. It works like a mashup of Kahoot and flash card platforms, but with several unique features that set it apart. Unlike other platforms, Gimkit allows students to earn virtual currency for every correct answer, which they can use to purchase power-ups, adding a competitive edge that keeps students motivated.
The platform also provides a variety of game modes, such as live games and homework assignments, enabling teachers to tailor their lessons to different learning styles. With constant updates introducing new features, Gimkit ensures that learning stays fresh, engaging, and highly effective for all students.
Step into my series as I unveil an array of cutting-edge educational technology tools suitable for the classroom. This collection features tools that bring you a mix of the classics you love and some cool hidden gems – because we all know the best tools aren’t always the ones in the spotlight.
What Is Gimkit and How It Works
Gimkit allows teachers to create interactive review games that students can play in real time or at their own pace. As a classroom game platform, it offers a variety of game modes like Gimkit Live and KitCollab mode, where students can even collaborate to create their own questions for the game. Whether using desktop computers, mobile devices, or their own smartphones, students can easily join a game via a game code or Gimkit app.
Once in, students answer multiple-choice questions to earn virtual currency or in-game money, which can be used to purchase various power-ups that add an extra element of competition. Teachers can also assign Gimkit games as homework assignments, allowing students to work independently at their own pace, with a due date in place.
Benefits for Students
- Engagement through Fun: The game show style and ability to earn rewards with in-game cash motivate students to participate actively.
- Self-Paced Learning: In both live gameplay and independent practice, students can learn at their own pace.
- Student Progress Tracking: Teachers receive detailed specific reports on individual student responses and overall class performance, helping identify needed areas of improvement.
- Wide Range of Topics: Gimkit can be used to review new vocabulary, practice foreign language skills, or reinforce lessons across many subjects.
- Constant Updates: With constant updates introducing new features, students are continually engaged by fresh challenges and new game modes.
How to Use Gimkit in Your Classroom
To begin, teachers can quickly create a game by selecting from question sets in Gimkit’s question bank or building a new kit from scratch. The quick setup of flashcard games simplifies lesson planning, allowing for easy integration into daily teaching routines. Games can be assigned as class-wide games or individual games, depending on the desired learning outcome.
Additionally, with Gimkit Pro, teachers unlock additional features like more game modes and advanced analytics to better monitor student progress.
Gimkit also offers free accounts with access to basic features, though upgrading to Gimkit Pro provides unrestricted access to powerful tools. New teachers can start with a free trial to explore the platform and its many features before committing to a subscription.
Beyond regular gameplay, teachers can integrate homework assignments with Gimkit, allowing students to play games at their own pace by setting a due date. This makes it easy to assign independent practice outside the classroom. Gimkit also allows students to collaborate through the KitCollab feature, where they can submit their own questions and work together to reinforce learning.
Additionally, the Gimkit dashboard gives teachers real-time insights into how students are performing. Detailed reports help track individual student responses and highlight needed areas of improvement, allowing teachers to make data-driven decisions for future lessons. The flexibility of Gimkit’s game modes and customization options make it adaptable for any classroom, whether in-person or remote.
Unique Features of Gimkit
Gimkit offers a range of exciting features that make it stand out as a versatile learning tool for the classroom. With its interactive gameplay, Gimkit not only engages students but also allows teachers to customize the experience to fit different subjects and learning goals.
The platform provides flexibility through a variety of game modes and customization options, ensuring that it can be used for individual or group activities, homework assignments, or live classroom sessions.
Teachers also benefit from detailed performance insights, which help them track student progress and identify areas for improvement. Below are some of Gimkit’s unique features that enhance its effectiveness:
- KitCollab Feature: This mode allows students to contribute their own questions, creating a collaborative learning environment.
- In-Game Money System: Students earn virtual currency for each correct answer, which they can use to buy upgrades or power-ups, adding an engaging element to the learning experience.
- Multiple Game Modes: From team mode to individual games, Gimkit offers a variety of formats to suit different classroom needs.
- In-Depth Reports: The answer check and second chance systems, along with performance reports, help teachers gauge student understanding and progress.
- Rewards System: By using a rewards system based on virtual currency, students stay motivated to improve their knowledge through gameplay.
Integrating Gimkit into Classroom Routines
Gimkit fits seamlessly into any classroom environment, whether it’s used for live games, independent practice, or as part of a school project. Teachers can set a due date for assigned games or use them to review important concepts before exams. The Gimkit dashboard provides an overview of all games, while the Gimkit login via a Google account simplifies student access.
With constant updates, new modes, and an ever-expanding set of game-related features, Gimkit continues to evolve as a fun and interactive tool for students. Its adaptability for independent practice, homework assignments, and classroom review sessions makes it ideal for both traditional and remote learning environments.
Whether you’re teaching elementary or a high school student, Gimkit offers an interesting concept that turns learning into a competitive yet rewarding experience. By using in-game cash, virtual money, and fun game modes, Gimkit adds value to any curriculum while keeping students engaged and motivated. It’s a fun way to bring learning to life, whether in the classroom or at home.
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Are you struggling with student engagement, apathy, or keeping your class on track?
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This free teacher workshop offers educators a valuable opportunity to explore and address student apathy. By examining its causes and discussing strategies, participants will learn how to make meaningful changes in their teaching methods that are actually working. The sessions are engaging and collaborative, allowing educators to share experiences and develop a collective approach to improving student engagement.
Highlights include:
- Understanding the roots of student apathy and its impact.
- Strategies for enhancing classroom dynamics.
- The importance of educator-student relationships.
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By the end of the workshop, you will not only understand what you need to accomplish to stabilize the 4 pillars of your classroom, but you will also walk away with 5 tangible ideas to try in the classroom the very next day.
Join today to be part of the solution to reigniting student enthusiasm and engagement.