Gimkit is a fast-paced, game-like educational platform that is changing the educational technology landscape. Gimkit — created by a 15-year-old high school student — lets teachers build and host quizzes, which students play in real time, answering questions in exchange for in-game money to compete against fellow students. If you are ready to revolutionize your classroom or virtual learning environment, learning how to host Gimkit is your first step.
This guide will take you through the ins and outs of using a Gimkit host, including how to set up your first game, to how to get the most engagement with your students.
What is Gimkit?
Gimkit is a game that can be played with friends, but before getting into how to host one, it’s crucial to comprehend what Gimkit is. Gimkit is an interactive learning tool that combines the competitive nature of video games with academic material. Gimkit, on the other hand, incorporates strategy, power-ups and a currency system, so students can have a more immersive experience than your traditional quiz platform.
The platform has both live game modes (where a teacher or instructor facilitates the games) and asynchronous modes that students can play at their own pace.
Why Use Gimkit as a Host?
When you host a Gimkit, you’re not only sharing questions — you’re creating an experience. So why do educators and trainers turn to Gimkit?
- Kept students engaged through fast-paced gameplay.
- Create Your Own Kits or Use Public Ones Made By Others: Customizable quizzes.
- Analytics: Monitor student progress in real-time.
- Collaborative & Competitive Modes: Ideal for group-based teaching or casual competition.
Gimkit can be used either in a classroom, as a remote lesson or even a team bonding activity.
How to Host Gimkit (Step by Step)
Create a Gimkit Account
Creating an account at gimkit is the first step to becoming a Gimkit host. com. You can register as a teacher or a student, but a teacher account is recommended for hosting.
After registering, you you will be taken to your dashboard, where you can create and manage your “kits” (sets of questions) and launch your live games.
Create or Select a Kit
What is a kit? A kit is a set of questions that you use in your Gimkit game.
- Create Your Own: Click “New Kit,” select a subject and format, and start adding questions. Use Quizlet to import questions, or upload a CSV file to get started quickly.
- Use One of The Ones Already There: Search through the Discover tab. You have the option to copy and customize them as necessary.
Your kit should complement the learning objectives or theme of your game.
Start Hosting a Live Game
Once your kit is ready:
- Head over to your kit and hit “Play”
- Choose “Host Live Game”
- Choose a game mode (Classic, Trust No One, One Way Out, Infinity Mode… and so on)
Different game modes that change up the rules and dynamics. For example, “Classic” is a straight How Well Do You Know Your Partner? competition and “Trust No One” is a social deduction game, like Among Us.
Customize Game Settings
As the host of Gimkit, you get unlimited control of all game settings. You can customize:
- Length: How long will the game be?
- Target Earnings: Set the amount of virtual cash that students need to accrue in order to win.
- Power-Ups: Turn strategy on by enabling or disabling power-ups
- Music and Visuals: Background music can add excitement, and various effects can enhance your message.
Change settings based on age group and level of challenge you seek.
Share the Game Code
After settings are confirmed, Gimkit will create a game code. (Share this with your students or participants.) All they have to do is go to gimkit. com/join and enter the code, and enter their name or a nickname.
You can also run games over video conferencing tools like Zoom or Google Meet, sharing the game code on your screen.
Monitor and Engage
The Gimkit host sees real-time data during the game about how players are doing. You can:
- Keep a close eye on the leaderboard to find out who’s in the lead
- Monitor individual responses to identify misconceptions
- Ask questions to discuss during the pause in game time or clarify concepts
This immediate feedback loop adds a level of fun while also offering strong, impactful teaching potential to Gimkit.
Finish the Game and Check Results
At the end of the game, there’ll be a summary screen. As a host, you can view:
- Total earnings per student
- Accuracy rate
- Most missed questions
- Overall class performance
These results can be download to help you plan your teaching strategy or share it with the students for review.
How to Be a Good Gimkit Host
There is more to being a great Gimkit host than just starting a game. Here are a few pro tips:
- Mix It Up: Consider alternating between game modes.
- Encourage Strategy: Discuss power-ups and earning strategies post-game.
- Use Groups: For team-based modes, promote teamwork and communication.
- Host Gimkit before any tests as a review tool.
- Be Motivating: Not only provide prizes to the winner but also donate the amount for participating.
Gimkit Host: Free vs. Pro
Gimkit has a free version, but also an optional Gimkit Pro subscription that features:
- Unlimited kits
- More advanced game modes
- DASHBOARD — Detailed Performance Analytics
- Games for homework assignments
If you frequently host or use Gimkit for multiple classes, Pro is worth it.
Gimkit Host Features Creative Use Cases
Becoming a host doesn’t need to be restricted to testing reviews. Use the Gimkit host function for:
- Icebreaker: Use fun trivia to warm up your class.
- Vocabulary Building: Perfect for language arts and foreign languages.
- Math Practice: Create problems that students need to complete quickly.
- End-of-Year Recaps: Quiz what you remember from the entire semester.
With the help of some creativity and interactive hosting the possibilities are limitless.
Final Thoughts
You’re not just running a quiz when you’re a Gimkit host—you’re creating epic learning adventures! As one of the best gamification tools that encourage active learning, Gimkit offers teachers and trainers a far-stretching capability to make every learning environment less static through multiple game modes, real-time interactions, and refreshing customizations that enhance a course.
Whether you are a Gimkit newbie or want to take your hosting skills to the next level, the steps and strategies above can help you create the most engaging Gimkit sessions possible.
So why wait? Setup the first kit, press that “Host” and the learning games afoot!