Engagement is the currency of the modern classroom. Without it, even the most meticulously planned lessons can fall flat. In the landscape of educational technology, gamification has emerged as a powerful strategy to capture student interest, and Gimkit stands out as a leader in this space. Created by a high school student who felt classroom review games could be more engaging, Gimkit has evolved into a robust platform that goes beyond simple quizzes.
This article explores the top ten features of Gimkit that every educator should master. Whether you are looking to revitalize your review sessions or seeking meaningful data on student progress, these features demonstrate why Gimkit is an essential tool for today’s learning environments.
1. The Dynamic In-Game Economy
Unlike traditional quiz platforms where points simply accumulate, Gimkit introduces a virtual economy. Students earn in-game currency for answering questions correctly. This money isn’t just a score; it’s a resource they must manage strategically.
Why It Matters
This feature adds a layer of strategy and critical thinking to standard recall tasks. Students must decide whether to save their earnings or reinvest them in upgrades that boost their earning potential.
Classroom Application
In a math class, this feature serves a dual purpose. While students answer algebra questions to earn cash, they are simultaneously practicing financial literacy concepts like investment and return on investment (ROI). It keeps high-achieving students engaged longer, as the goal isn’t just to finish first but to build the most robust “bank account.”
2. Power-Ups and Shop Upgrades
The “Shop” is where the magic of the economy comes to life. Students can purchase upgrades such as “Streak Bonuses” (which reward consistency) or “Multipliers” (which increase the cash value of each question). They can also buy Power-Ups that freeze opponents or blur their screens.
Why It Matters
Power-Ups level the playing field. A student who might not be the fastest at answering questions can still win through smart resource management. It prevents the same three students from winning every time, which boosts morale and participation across the class.
Classroom Application
Use this feature to teach risk management. If a student spends all their money on a Power-Up to hinder a classmate, they have less to invest in their own growth. It creates a lively, interactive atmosphere that feels more like a video game than a test review.
3. Asynchronous Homework Assignments
While Gimkit is famous for live games, its “Assignments” feature is equally powerful. Teachers can assign a “Kit” (a set of questions) as homework with a specific deadline. Students play at their own pace until they reach a target cash goal.
Why It Matters
Not all students thrive in the high-pressure environment of a live, timed competition. Asynchronous assignments allow students to take their time, look up answers, and learn without the stress of the clock.
Classroom Application
Assign a Kit as a review before a major unit test. Since the goal is monetary (e.g., “Earn $1,000”), students may answer the same questions multiple times to reach the goal. This repetition reinforces memory and ensures mastery of the material.
4. KitCollab: Student-Generated Content
KitCollab turns the tables by allowing students to contribute questions to the game. The teacher starts a KitCollab session, and students submit questions from their devices. The teacher can accept or reject these submissions in real-time, building the game together with the class.
Why It Matters
When students create the questions, they take ownership of their learning. Writing a good question requires a deeper understanding of the material than simply answering one.
Classroom Application
Use KitCollab as an exit ticket or a review activity. Ask each student to submit one question based on what they learned that day. It provides immediate feedback on what concepts stuck and which ones might need reteaching.
5. Multiple Game Modes
Gimkit is not a one-trick pony. It offers a variety of game modes that change the mechanics completely. From the cooperative “Trust No One” (inspired by Among Us) to “The Floor is Lava” (cooperative survival) and “Tag” (team-based competition), there is a mode for every energy level.
Why It Matters
Repetition can lead to boredom. By rotating game modes, you keep the experience fresh. Some modes emphasize teamwork and communication, while others focus on individual achievement or deduction.
Classroom Application
On a Friday afternoon when energy is high, “Tag” allows for team-based competition. For a more subdued, team-building focus, “The Floor is Lava” requires the entire class to work together to keep the game going, fostering a sense of community.
6. Comprehensive Data Reports
After every game, Gimkit generates a detailed report. This isn’t just a leaderboard; it provides granular data on student performance. You can see overall class accuracy, individual student accuracy, and a breakdown of how each specific question was answered.
Why It Matters
Data-driven instruction is key to effective teaching. These reports highlight exactly which concepts the class has mastered and which ones are causing confusion, allowing for immediate intervention.
Classroom Application
Review the “Question Breakdown” immediately after a game. If you notice that Question 7 was answered incorrectly by 60% of the class, stop and reteach that concept right then and there. It turns assessment into an immediate learning opportunity.
7. Integration with Quizlet and Spreadsheets
Educators rarely have time to type out dozens of questions manually. Gimkit allows you to import existing sets directly from Quizlet or via a CSV spreadsheet.
Why It Matters
This feature is a massive time-saver. Teachers who have spent years building Quizlet decks don’t have to start from scratch. It also facilitates sharing resources between colleagues.
Classroom Application
If a department colleague has created a great vocab list on Quizlet, you can import it into Gimkit in seconds. This interoperability makes it easy to standardize review materials across different grade levels or subject teams.
8. Ink: A Creative Writing Mode
While most of Gimkit focuses on multiple-choice questions, “Ink” allows students to write and publish their own short stories or informative pieces. It is a departure from the rapid-fire quiz style and moves into content creation.
Why It Matters
It expands Gimkit’s utility into English Language Arts and creative subjects. It provides a platform for students to practice typing, narrative structure, and exposition in a low-stakes, gamified environment.
Classroom Application
Use Ink for quick creative writing prompts or journaling. Students can write a story based on a historical event they just studied or explain a scientific process in their own words.
9. Classes and Rostering (Google Classroom Integration)
For schools using Google Classroom, Gimkit offers seamless rostering. You can import your class lists directly, meaning students don’t need to enter game codes every time. They simply log in and see active assignments or games.
Why It Matters
It streamlines the logistical friction of getting a class started. Saving five minutes of setup time every session adds up to hours of instructional time over the school year.
Classroom Application
With rostering enabled, you can easily track student progress over time. You aren’t just looking at “Guest User 123” but at specific student profiles, allowing for long-term tracking of growth and participation.
10. Accessibility Features (Immersive Reader)
Gimkit integrates Microsoft’s Immersive Reader, a tool designed to support students with dyslexia and other learning differences. It can read text aloud, break words into syllables, and increase text size.
Why It Matters
Inclusivity is non-negotiable. This feature ensures that the game tests a student’s knowledge of the content, not just their reading speed or visual processing ability. It allows English Language Learners (ELL) and students with IEPs to participate on equal footing.
Classroom Application
Encourage students who struggle with reading to use the audio read-aloud function. For ELL students, the picture dictionary and translation features within Immersive Reader can help bridge language gaps during a fast-paced game.
Conclusion
Gimkit has transformed from a simple review tool into a comprehensive platform for engagement, assessment, and creative expression. By mastering these ten features, educators can create a classroom environment that is not only fun but also deeply rigorous.
The true power of Gimkit lies in its versatility. Whether you are using the in-game economy to teach strategy, KitCollab to encourage ownership, or detailed reports to inform instruction, the tool adapts to the needs of the teacher and the student. In a world where keeping students’ attention is harder than ever, Gimkit offers a solution that speaks their language without sacrificing educational value.
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