Getting Started with Gimkit: A Guide for New Users

Gimkit is an innovative, game-based learning platform that transforms classroom quizzes into fun, interactive activities, allowing students to reinforce knowledge while having fun. With elements of gameplay like earning points, purchasing upgrades, and competing in engaging ways, Gimkit enhances both student participation and retention of information. If you’re new to Gimkit, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started, from setting up your first “kit” to customizing games for the best learning experience.

Understanding What Gimkit Offers

Gimkit was designed by a high school student who recognized the need for more engaging study tools. It has since evolved to become a favorite for teachers across subjects because it makes learning both engaging and competitive. With Gimkit, students participate in quiz-based games that test their knowledge while allowing them to earn “money” or points, which can be spent on power-ups or upgrades. Here are some unique features to know:

• Game Modes: Gimkit offers various modes, such as “Classic,” “Team,” and special event modes like “Trust No One,” which mimics the popular social deduction game mechanics.
• Kit Building: Teachers can build their own question sets (called “kits”) or choose from a library of kits shared by other educators.
• Analytics: Gimkit tracks student performance, providing educators with insights into how each student performs, enabling targeted support and guidance.
• Customizability: Teachers can personalize questions, adjust settings, and adapt the gameplay to fit different subject areas and learning levels.

Creating Your Gimkit Account

To start using Gimkit, the first step is to create an account:

1. Visit the Gimkit website: Go to gimkit.com and click on “Sign Up.”
2. Choose Your Role: Select “Teacher” if you’re a teacher or educator. This account type provides access to kit creation, class management, and performance analytics.
3. Set Up an Account: You can sign up with Google or use an email address. Make sure to choose a secure password.
4. Explore the Free and Paid Options: While Gimkit offers a free version, a paid subscription (Gimkit Pro) unlocks additional features, including more game modes, larger kits, and advanced settings.

Building Your First Kit

Once your account is set up, you can begin building your first kit:

1. Access the Dashboard: After logging in, go to the “My Kits” section in your dashboard. Click on “New Kit” to start.
2. Choose a Title and Subject: Give your kit a title and select a subject area that best fits the topic of your quiz.
3. Add Questions: You can enter questions manually, importing a spreadsheet or using Gimkit’s Question Bank to pull questions from existing kits. Each question can be multiple choice or text-based.
4. Customize Question Settings: Gimkit allows you to adjust point values, timers, and the correct answer for each question. These features enable you to create tailored kits that match your students’ learning goals and quiz difficulty.
5. Save and Test: Once your kit is complete, save it, and preview the game to see how it plays out. Testing your kit is a great way to ensure it aligns with your objectives and works well with the selected game mode.

Launching a Game

Now that your kit is ready, you can launch a game for your students to play:

1. Choose a Game Mode: Gimkit offers several game modes to keep things interesting. Select the mode that best suits the topic, class size, and available time.
2. Set Up Custom Rules: Depending on the mode, you can adjust game rules, like setting a time limit, enabling or disabling power-ups, and controlling team sizes.
3. Share the Game Code: After configuring the settings, generate a game code. Share this code with your students so they can join the game from their devices.
4. Monitor the Game: As the game runs, you’ll see live updates on student progress. You can track who’s leading, view scores, and intervene if necessary.

Exploring Popular Game Modes

To make the most of Gimkit, it’s helpful to understand the different game modes available:

• Classic Mode: This is a straightforward format where students answer questions individually, trying to earn as much in-game money as possible. Perfect for review sessions or quick quizzes.
• Team Mode: Students work in teams to accumulate the most money collectively. This mode promotes collaboration and is ideal for group-based learning.
• Trust No One: This mode, inspired by social deduction games, requires students to answer questions correctly to avoid suspicion. This format is fun and engaging, especially for high-energy classrooms.

Each mode can provide a different twist, so don’t hesitate to experiment with them to see which works best with your class!

Using Gimkit’s Advanced Features

As you become more familiar with Gimkit join, there are several advanced features you may find beneficial:

• KitCollab: This feature allows students to contribute questions to a kit, making it a collaborative process. KitCollab is particularly useful for formative assessment, as it encourages students to engage with the material in new ways.
• Power-Ups and Boosts: Students can use the money they earn to buy in-game power-ups, like “Insurance” (extra lives) or “Multiplier” (boost earnings). These elements add strategy, making the game more than just a quiz.
• Analytics Dashboard: After a game, the analytics dashboard provides detailed reports on each student’s performance. This information can be valuable for identifying knowledge gaps, personalizing follow-up lessons, and providing targeted feedback.

Best Practices for Using Gimkit in the Classroom

To optimize the Gimkit experience, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Introduce Gimkit with a Tutorial Game: Start with a practice game to help students familiarize themselves with the platform’s features, rules, and gameplay.
• Incorporate Team Challenges: Team games can foster collaboration and make learning a shared experience. Try rotating team members each game to encourage interaction among different students.
• Set Clear Goals: Define the purpose of each game beforehand. Whether it’s for review, reinforcement, or a test of comprehension, make sure students understand what they’re aiming to achieve.
• Use for Homework Assignments: Gimkit offers “Assignments,” which allow you to assign kits as homework. This feature enables students to review material at home, enhancing retention.

Engaging Students Outside the Classroom with Gimkit Home

For students who want extra practice outside the classroom, Gimkit Home offers a convenient solution:

• Student-Led Practice: Gimkit Home allows students to play independently, reinforcing classroom material.
• Set Up Homework Kits: You can assign specific kits for students to complete on their own. This feature is particularly useful for exam preparation or reviewing difficult material.
• Family Engagement: Gimkit Home encourages family members to participate, creating a supportive learning environment at home.

Tips for Customizing Games for Different Learning Levels

Since students have varied learning styles and abilities, Gimkit can be adapted to fit multiple learning levels:

• Adjust the Difficulty Level: Create different versions of a kit with varied difficulty levels. This allows you to cater to both advanced students and those who need more foundational support.
• Add Time Limits for Quicker Recall: If you’re looking to improve students’ recall abilities, try implementing shorter time limits on questions.
• Use Fun Themes and Modes for Younger Students: Younger learners may respond well to themed kits or modes with less competition. Try using Trust No One or other social modes for a more playful, low-pressure environment.

Tracking and Analyzing Student Progress

The data insights provided by Gimkit are invaluable for educators. Here’s how to use these analytics effectively:

• Identify Knowledge Gaps: The analytics dashboard provides a question-by-question breakdown, helping you identify areas where students may need more help.
• Create Follow-Up Activities: Use analytics to tailor follow-up activities. For example, if a majority of students struggled with a specific question, create a mini-lesson or additional resources to address that topic.
• Encourage Self-Reflection: Share performance data with students so they can reflect on their progress. This helps foster a growth mindset, where students can see their areas of strength and opportunities for improvement.

Conclusion

Getting started with Gimkit can be a game-changer for your classroom, transforming traditional quizzes into interactive, enjoyable, and competitive activities. By creating engaging kits, exploring different game modes, and using analytics to track student progress, you can tailor Gimkit to meet a range of educational goals. Whether you’re using it for daily lessons, review sessions, or homework assignments, Gimkit offers a fresh, effective approach to keeping students engaged and motivated in their learning journey.