What is Gimkit?

Gimkit: Ditch the Drills, Embrace the Game!

So, What’s the Deal with Gimkit?

Basically, Gimkit is a web-based platform that lets teachers (and even students!) whip up question sets – they call them “Kits” – and then use those Kits in a bunch of different, super fun game modes. The brainchild of Josh Feinsilber, who cooked this up back in high school (talk about impressive!), Gimkit stands out from the crowd. You know Kahoot! and Quizizz? Well, Gimkit takes things a step further with its unique twists, like earning in-game cash, snagging power-ups, and even letting students help build the quizzes themselves. Whether you’re rocking a live classroom session or assigning homework, Gimkit’s got you covered.

Let’s Dive into the Good Stuff: Key Features

• Game On! Interactive Modes: Forget boring multiple choice. Gimkit serves up a buffet of game modes to keep things fresh and exciting. We’re talking everything from classic quiz formats to exploring full-on 2D worlds where students can complete tasks and compete. Seriously, there’s something for everyone, whether it’s a “Featured” mode, one of the immersive “2D Modes,” a “Fun Pick,” a “Tycoon Twist,” or a straight-up “Fun & Games” option.
• Show Me the Money! The In-Game Economy: This is where Gimkit gets really interesting. Students earn virtual “money” for acing questions, and then they can turn around and invest that cash in power-ups and upgrades. Think of it like this: the better they do, the more advantages they can unlock. We’re talking earning more per question, getting insurance against those brain-fart moments, and a whole lot more.
• KitCollab: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: This feature is pure genius. It lets students contribute their own questions to the quiz. How cool is that? It gets them way more invested in the learning process. Don’t worry, teachers are still in control – you get to review and approve every question before it goes live.
• Make It Your Own: Customization is Key: Teachers can tweak just about everything to create the perfect game experience. Adjust the starting cash, set time limits for questions, play around with point values – you name it. Plus, you can spice things up by adding images and audio to your questions.
• Data is Your Friend: Insights That Matter: After each game, Gimkit hands you a treasure trove of data. You can see where the class excelled, where they struggled, and how each student performed individually. This is gold for planning future lessons and zeroing in on areas that need more attention.
• Anywhere, Anytime: Accessibility for All: Gimkit plays nice with pretty much any device – smartphones, tablets, laptops, you name it. That means students can jump in whether they’re in the classroom or chilling at home. And because it’s all web-based, there’s no need to download anything, which keeps things simple and safe.

Gimkit in Action: How It Works

What’s It Gonna Cost You? Gimkit Pricing

Gimkit offers a few different plans to fit your budget:

• Gimkit Basic: The free version. Great for dipping your toes in, but it’s limited to five students per game.
• Gimkit Pro: This unlocks everything – all the game modes, assignments, audio and image uploads, the works. It’s $14.99 a month or $59.88 a year.
• Gimkit Groups: If you’re looking to get your whole department or school on board, this is the way to go. Options for up to 20 teachers ($650 a year) or the entire school ($1000 a year).

Why Gimkit Rocks: The Benefits

• Engagement Overload: Say goodbye to bored students. Gimkit’s gamified approach and rewards system turn learning into a competition they actually want to win.
• Retention on Steroids: Repetition is key, right? Gimkit reinforces learning by giving students plenty of chances to answer questions and correct their mistakes.
• Custom Learning, Your Way: Tailor the content and game settings to match your specific lesson plans and cater to different learning styles.
• Teamwork Power: Features like KitCollab encourage students to work together and get more involved in the material.
• Data-Driven Decisions: The detailed data reports give you the insights you need to fine-tune your teaching and help your students succeed.

The Verdict: Is Gimkit Worth It?

Hands down, Gimkit is a fantastic way to inject some fun and excitement into your classroom. It’s not just about games – it’s about creating engaging learning experiences that actually stick. Whether you’re teaching in person or online, Gimkit is a powerful tool for boosting student motivation and helping them master new concepts. Give it a try – you might just find yourself having as much fun as your students!