Gimkit is one of the most engaging tools educators have today to spice up their classroom activities. It combines fun and learning, making it a hit among teachers and students alike. But, if you’re new to Gimkit, you might be wondering, “What does it mean to be a Gimkit host, and how can I make the most of it?”
In this blog post, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about being a Gimkit host—from setting up your first game to keeping your students hooked throughout the session. If you’re ready to make learning more interactive and exciting, read on!
What Is a Gimkit Host?
A Gimkit host is the person who runs or manages a Gimkit game. Typically, this role is taken on by teachers who want to create interactive quizzes or live game sessions for their students. As the host, you are responsible for setting up the game, monitoring the players, and managing the flow of the session. In a Gimkit game, students answer questions in a competitive, fast-paced format, earning points or “cash” as they go.
The best part? You don’t need to be tech-savvy to become a great Gimkit host. The platform is user-friendly, and with a little practice, you’ll have your classroom hooked in no time.
How to Become a Gimkit Host in 5 Easy Steps
1. Create a Gimkit Account
Before you can host any games, you’ll need to create a free Gimkit account. The process is simple:
- Go to Gimkit’s website and click on “Sign Up.”
- Use your school email or sign up with Google.
- Once registered, you’re ready to start exploring the platform!
2. Familiarize Yourself with the Dashboard
Gimkit’s dashboard is your control center. Here, you can browse pre-made kits (quizzes) or create your own. The intuitive layout allows you to quickly add questions, set timers, and even tweak settings like power-ups and game modes.
Spend some time exploring the different options, so you feel confident when it’s time to host your first session.
3. Create or Select a Quiz (Kit)
Gimkit offers two options for hosting a game:
- Use a pre-made kit: These are quizzes created by other educators that are publicly available. This is a great time-saver.
- Create your own: Customizing your quiz ensures that the content aligns perfectly with your curriculum. You can create questions from scratch or import them from a CSV file.
4. Host the Game
Once your kit is ready, it’s time to host the game. Here’s how:
- Click the “Host” button next to the quiz you want to use.
- Choose from different game modes (e.g., Classic, Team, Humans vs. Zombies). Each mode adds a unique twist to the game.
- Set any additional preferences, such as game duration or whether to allow power-ups.
Then, simply give your students the game code to join in on their devices.
5. Monitor and Engage
As the Gimkit host, you’ll want to monitor the game’s progress from your dashboard. You can view how students are performing, adjust game settings on the fly, and even pause the game if you need to give instructions.
One tip: Keep the energy up! The more you interact with your students during the game, the more engaged they’ll be.
Pro Tips for Being a Successful Gimkit Host
- Keep It Short and Sweet: Attention spans can be short, especially in a classroom setting. Try to keep games between 10 to 15 minutes long.
- Rotate Game Modes: Gimkit offers a variety of modes, so don’t stick to just one! Try “Trust No One” (which has a mystery-solving element) or “Fishtopia” (a fishing-themed mode) to keep things fresh.
- Offer Incentives: A little friendly competition never hurts. Offer small rewards, like extra credit or a homework pass, for the top-performing students.
- Check Analytics: After the game, Gimkit provides data on how each student performed. Use this to tailor future lessons and address any learning gaps.
Why Use Gimkit in the Classroom?
There are several reasons why teachers are flocking to Gimkit to host games in their classrooms:
- Student Engagement: The interactive nature of Gimkit keeps students focused and enthusiastic.
- Learning through Play: Gimkit isn’t just about having fun; it’s also an effective way to reinforce key concepts.
- Easy to Use: Whether you’re a tech-savvy teacher or not, Gimkit’s simplicity makes it accessible for all.
- Adaptability: Gimkit can be used for any subject—math, history, science, you name it.
FAQs About Being a Gimkit Host
1. Is Gimkit free to use?
Yes, there’s a free version with essential features. However, there is also a paid version, Gimkit Pro, which offers more advanced features and unlimited games.
2. Can I use Gimkit for virtual classrooms?
Absolutely! Gimkit is perfect for both in-person and virtual learning environments. Simply share the game code, and your students can join from anywhere.
3. How do I create my own questions?
In the dashboard, click on “Create New Kit.” From there, you can add questions manually or import them using a CSV file.
4. Can I track student performance?
Yes, Gimkit provides post-game reports that show how each student performed, making it easy to assess understanding.
5. Are there different game modes available?
Yes, Gimkit offers a variety of modes, from individual competition to team-based games. You can switch between these modes to keep things interesting.
6. How long does it take to set up a game?
Once you’re familiar with the platform, setting up a game takes just a few minutes. For beginners, it may take about 10-15 minutes to get everything ready.
Conclusion
Being a Gimkit host is not only easy but incredibly rewarding. It’s a fantastic way to boost student engagement while reinforcing important concepts. Whether you’re new to the platform or looking to sharpen your hosting skills, following these tips will ensure your next Gimkit session is a hit with your students.
So, are you ready to make learning fun? Jump into Gimkit, and start hosting your own educational games today!
