Gimkit is an innovative online platform designed to make learning more engaging and interactive through gamification. It functions as a quiz-based educational tool that incorporates game-like mechanics, such as earning in-game currency and purchasing power-ups, to motivate students. Unlike traditional quiz platforms, Gimkit focuses on creating an enjoyable and competitive learning experience for students while providing educators with valuable insights into student performance.
Developed by Josh Feinsilber, a high school student, Gimkit emerged as a solution to make classroom quizzes less mundane and more interactive. It is now widely used in classrooms across various grade levels and subjects.
Key Features of Gimkit
1. Interactive Game Modes
Gimkit offers a variety of game modes to suit different classroom dynamics and teaching objectives:
- Classic Mode: Students answer questions individually, earning virtual money for each correct response. This currency can be used to purchase upgrades, power-ups, or other in-game benefits.
- Team Mode: Students are grouped into teams, encouraging collaboration and fostering teamwork while they work together to answer questions and strategize on how to spend their earnings.
- Trust No One Mode: Inspired by social deduction games like “Among Us,” this mode adds an element of mystery and critical thinking, as students must determine who among them might be sabotaging the group effort.
- Infinity Mode: Designed for self-paced learning, this mode allows students to answer questions without the pressure of time constraints. It’s particularly useful for independent study sessions.
- KitCollab: This feature allows students to contribute their own questions to a game, fostering a sense of involvement and ownership in the learning process.
2. Customizable Kits
A “kit” in Gimkit is essentially a quiz or a set of questions. Educators can create kits tailored to their lesson plans by:
- Creating questions from scratch.
- Importing content from other platforms like Quizlet.
- Browsing and selecting pre-made kits available in Gimkit’s library.
Kits can include multiple-choice, short-answer, or true/false questions, and teachers can also upload images and audio to enhance the content.
3. Live and Asynchronous Play
Gimkit supports both live gameplay, ideal for real-time classroom engagement, and asynchronous assignments, which allow students to complete quizzes at their own pace. This flexibility makes it a versatile tool for in-class activities, homework, and revision.
4. In-Game Economy
One of Gimkit’s unique features is its in-game currency system. As students answer questions correctly, they earn money that they can use within the game to purchase upgrades. These upgrades might include:
- Power-ups to enhance their performance.
- Bonuses to earn money faster.
- Shields or defenses against penalties in certain game modes.
This system adds an element of strategy, as students must decide how best to use their resources.
5. Real-Time Feedback and Analytics
Teachers can monitor student progress in real-time during live games. Gimkit provides detailed analytics, including:
- Accuracy rates.
- Question-specific performance.
- Insights into which areas students struggle with.
These analytics help educators tailor their instruction to meet the needs of their students.
How to Use Gimkit
1. Getting Started
To use Gimkit, educators need to create an account, which can be done using an email address or a Google account. After logging in, teachers can start creating kits or choose from pre-existing ones in the platform’s library. Students join games using a unique code provided by the teacher.
2. Classroom Applications
- Review Sessions: Use Gimkit for reviewing key concepts before tests or exams.
- Homework Assignments: Assign kits for students to complete at home, promoting independent learning.
- Icebreakers and Fun Activities: Engage students with lighthearted or themed quizzes to build rapport and excitement.
- Student-Created Quizzes: Empower students to create questions, which can deepen their understanding of the material.
3. Adjusting Difficulty
Teachers can adjust the difficulty of questions and the pace of the game to accommodate different learning levels. For instance, beginners may benefit from slower-paced games with simpler questions, while advanced learners can enjoy more challenging content.
How to Use Gimkit in the Classroom: Complete Sign Up and Log In Process
Gimkit is a user-friendly platform, and getting started is straightforward. Below is a step-by-step guide to signing up and logging in to begin using Gimkit in your classroom:
1. Creating a Teacher Account
To use Gimkit as a teacher, follow these steps to sign up:
Step 1: Go to the Gimkit Website
- Open a web browser and navigate to www.gimkit.com.
- On the homepage, you’ll see options to sign up or log in.
Step 2: Click on “Sign Up”
- Click the Sign Up button, at the page’s top right corner.
- You will be prompted to create an account.
Step 3: Choose a Sign-Up Method
You can sign up using one of two methods:
- Email Address: Enter your email, create a password, and provide basic information like your name.
- Google Account: Click the “Sign up with Google” option. If you’re already signed into your Google account, Gimkit will automatically connect to it. Otherwise, you’ll need to log in to Google during the process.
Step 4: Verify Your Account
- For email sign-up, check your email inbox for a verification link sent by Gimkit. Click the link to confirm your account.
Step 5: Select Your Role
- Once your account is verified, Gimkit will ask you to select your role. Choose Teacher to gain access to tools designed for educators.
2. Logging In to Your Account
Once your account is set up, logging in is simple:
Step 1: Go to the Gimkit Website
- Visit www.gimkit.com in your browser.
Step 2: Click on “Log In”
- Click the Log In button, located at the top right of the homepage.
Step 3: Enter Your Credentials
- If you signed up using an email, enter your email address and password.
- If you used Google to sign up, click on the Log in with Google option and choose your account.
Step 4: Access Your Dashboard
- After logging in, you will be redirected to your teacher dashboard to create, manage, and play kits.
3. Setting Up Your Classroom
Once you’re logged in, follow these steps to prepare Gimkit for your classroom:
Step 1: Create or Import a Kit
- Click on the New Kit button in your dashboard.
- Choose to either create a new quiz by manually entering questions or import questions from Quizlet or other sources.
Step 2: Customize Your Kit
- Add questions to your kit, including multiple-choice, true/false, or short-answer formats.
- Upload images or audio files to make the quiz more interactive.
Step 3: Launch a Game
- Select a game mode (e.g., Classic, Team, or Infinity) from the options available.
- Adjust game settings, such as time limits and earning rates, to suit your classroom needs.
Step 4: Share the Game Code with Students
- Once the game is ready, Gimkit generates a unique game code.
- Share this code with your students. They can enter the code on their devices by visiting this page.
Step 5: Monitor the Game
- During gameplay, you can monitor student performance in real-time through the dashboard.
- View statistics such as accuracy rates and question-specific data to identify areas for review.
4. For Students: Joining a Game
Here’s how students can participate in a Gimkit game:
Step 1: Visit the Play Page
- Students go to this page on their devices.
Step 2: Enter the Game Code
- Students input the unique code provided by the teacher to join the game.
Step 3: Create a Nickname
- Students can choose a nickname, which will appear on the leaderboard.
Step 4: Start Playing
- Once all participants have joined, the teacher starts the game, and students begin answering questions.
5. Tips for First-Time Users
- Practice First: Familiarize yourself with Gimkit by creating a test game and playing it yourself.
- Test Device Compatibility: Ensure that your classroom devices (e.g., tablets, laptops, or smartphones) are compatible with the platform.
- Introduce Students Gradually: If it’s the students’ first time using Gimkit, provide a brief tutorial or walkthrough.
By following these steps, you’ll be ready to seamlessly incorporate Gimkit into your teaching strategy, creating a fun and interactive learning environment for your students.
Pricing and Accessibility
Gimkit offers two main subscription options:
- Free Version: Limited to five students per game. Suitable for small group activities or trial use.
- Gimkit Pro: Priced at $9.99 per month or $59.98 annually, this plan includes unlimited games, access to all features, and the ability to create assignments.
The platform is browser-based, so no app installation is required. It is compatible with most devices, including laptops, tablets, and smartphones, ensuring accessibility for students and teachers alike.
How to Host a Game in Gimkit
Hosting a game in Gimkit is an essential feature that allows teachers to engage students in an interactive and educational gaming session. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to host a Gimkit game:
1. Log In to Your Gimkit Account
- Open your browser and visit the Gimkit home page.
- Log in to your teacher account using your email and password or your Google account.
2. Select or Create a Kit
- From your dashboard, select an existing kit (quiz) you’ve created or choose one from the public library.
- To create a new kit:
- Click “New Kit”.
- Enter a name for the kit and select the subject.
- Add questions manually or import them from Quizlet.
3. Start Hosting a Game
- Once you’ve selected a kit, click the “Play” button.
- Gimkit will present you with various game modes. Select the mode that best suits your teaching goal, such as:
- Classic Mode (individual play)
- Team Mode (group collaboration)
- Trust No One (social deduction)
- Infinity Mode (self-paced learning)
4. Customize Game Settings
After selecting a game mode, customize the game settings to tailor the experience:
- Game Length: Set a timer or decide the number of questions for the game.
- Starting Balance: Choose how much virtual money players start with.
- Power-Ups and Upgrades: Enable or disable certain features like shields, bonuses, or multipliers.
- Theme Options: Select themes (if applicable) to match your game mood.
5. Share the Game Code
- Once the game is set up, Gimkit will generate a unique game code.
- Share this code with your students:
- Ask them to visit this page.
- They’ll enter the code to join the game.
6. Monitor Participation
- Wait for all students to join. You can view their names and nicknames on the host dashboard.
- If someone hasn’t joined, remind them to input the correct code.
7. Start the Game
- When all participants are ready, click the “Start Game” button.
- Students will begin answering questions, earning virtual money for correct answers.
8. Monitor the Game in Real-Time
- Use the host dashboard to monitor gameplay. You can see:
- Individual scores.
- Accuracy rates.
- Student progress on specific questions.
- If needed, pause the game to clarify instructions or review answers.
9. End the Game
- The game will automatically end when the timer runs out or the goal is achieved.
- Review the leaderboard to see top performers and overall class results.
- Discuss key takeaways or areas for improvement with your students.
10. Review Game Analytics
- After the game, Gimkit provides detailed analytics:
- Performance by student.
- Accuracy for each question.
- Insights into common challenges or areas of strength.
- Use this data to adjust future lessons or quizzes.
Challenges and Limitations
While Gimkit has many strengths, there are some challenges to consider:
- Subscription Costs: The Pro version may be cost-prohibitive for some educators or schools with limited budgets.
- Device Dependency: The platform relies on students having access to devices and an internet connection, which may not always be feasible.
- Potential for Distraction: The game-like nature of Gimkit might distract some students from focusing on the educational content.
Educational Benefits of Gimkit
Gimkit offers several advantages for both teachers and students, making it a valuable tool in modern education.
1. Increased Engagement
The gamified nature of Gimkit transforms mundane quizzes into exciting challenges. Students are more likely to stay focused and participate actively when the learning process feels like a game.
2. Collaboration and Teamwork
Modes like Team Mode and KitCollab encourage students to work together, communicate effectively, and support one another to achieve shared goals.
3. Critical Thinking and Strategy
The in-game economy requires students to think critically about how to spend their earnings. This strategic element enhances decision-making skills.
4. Personalized Learning
With features like Infinity Mode and detailed analytics, Gimkit allows for a more personalized learning experience. Students can work at their own pace, while teachers can identify and address individual learning gaps.
5. Motivation Through Rewards
The ability to earn and spend virtual currency acts as a strong motivator for students, making them eager to answer more questions and improve their performance.
Conclusion
Gimkit represents a modern approach to education, combining technology, gamification, and real-time analytics to create a dynamic learning environment. Its diverse game modes, in-game economy, and interactive features make it a versatile tool for teachers looking to boost student engagement and retention. By balancing fun and learning, Gimkit not only enhances classroom experiences but also empowers students to take an active role in their education. Despite a few limitations, its benefits far outweigh the challenges, making it a valuable addition to any educator’s toolkit.
Images Source: gimkit.com
Andrej Fedek is the creator and the one-person owner of two blogs: InterCool Studio and CareersMomentum. As an experienced marketer, he is driven by turning leads into customers with White Hat SEO techniques. Besides being a boss, he is a real team player with a great sense of equality.