Gimkit, a game-based learning platform, has taken the educational world by storm. With its engaging and interactive format, it has become a favorite among teachers and students alike. At the heart of every Gimkit game is the host—the person who sets up, manages, and facilitates the game. Whether you’re a teacher, a student, or just someone interested in hosting a Gimkit game, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to become an effective Gimkit host.
What is Gimkit?
Before diving into the specifics of hosting, it’s essential to understand what Gimkit is. Gimkit is an online quiz game that allows players to answer questions to earn in-game currency. This currency can be used to purchase power-ups, bonuses, and other in-game items that can help players climb the leaderboard. The platform is designed to be both fun and educational, making it an excellent tool for classroom learning, study groups, or even casual trivia games.
The Role of a Gimkit Host
The host is the person who creates and manages the game. This involves setting up the quiz, inviting players, monitoring the game, and ensuring that everything runs smoothly. The host has several responsibilities, including:
- Creating the Quiz: The host is responsible for creating the quiz that will be used in the game. This can be done by writing questions from scratch or importing them from a pre-existing quiz.
- Setting Up the Game: The host must configure the game settings, such as the game mode, time limits, and the types of power-ups available.
- Inviting Players: The host is responsible for inviting players to join the game. This can be done by sharing a game code or sending out invitations via email or a messaging platform.
- Monitoring the Game: During the game, the host should monitor the progress of the players, answer any questions, and ensure that the game is running smoothly.
- Facilitating Learning: While Gimkit is a game, it’s also a learning tool. The host should encourage players to engage with the material and use the game as an opportunity to reinforce learning.
Step-by-Step Guide to Hosting a Gimkit Game
Step 1: Create a Gimkit Account
Before you can host a game, you’ll need to create a Gimkit account. You can sign up for free on the Gimkit website. Once you’ve created an account, you’ll have access to the platform’s full range of features, including the ability to create and host games.
Step 2: Create a Quiz
The next step is to create the quiz that will be used in the game. You can do this by clicking on the “Create” button on the Gimkit dashboard. You’ll be prompted to enter a title for your quiz and then start adding questions.
Writing Questions
When writing questions, keep the following tips in mind:
- Clarity: Make sure your questions are clear and easy to understand. Avoid using jargon or overly complex language.
- Relevance: Ensure that your questions are relevant to the topic you’re covering. This will help keep players engaged and reinforce their learning.
- Variety: Use a mix of question types, including multiple-choice, true/false, and short answer. This will keep the game interesting and challenge players in different ways.
Importing Questions
If you don’t want to write questions from scratch, you can import them from a pre-existing quiz. Gimkit allows you to import questions from a CSV file or from other quiz platforms like Quizlet. This can save you a lot of time, especially if you’re hosting a game on a topic you’ve covered before.
Step 3: Configure Game Settings
Once you’ve created your quiz, it’s time to configure the game settings. This is where you’ll decide how the game will be played.
Game Modes
Gimkit offers several game modes, each with its own unique twist. Here are some of the most popular options:
- Classic: In this mode, players answer questions to earn in-game currency, which they can use to purchase power-ups. The goal is to earn as much money as possible before time runs out.
- Team Mode: In this mode, players are divided into teams, and they work together to earn money. The team with the most money at the end of the game wins.
- Race: In this mode, players compete to answer questions as quickly as possible. The faster they answer, the more money they earn.
- Infinite: In this mode, the game continues until the host decides to end it. Players can keep earning money and purchasing power-ups indefinitely.
Time Limits
You can set a time limit for your game, or you can let it run until all the questions have been answered. The time limit you choose will depend on the length of your quiz and the amount of time you have available.
Power-Ups
Power-ups are special abilities that players can purchase with their in-game currency. These can give players an advantage in the game, such as earning extra money for correct answers or stealing money from other players. You can choose which power-ups are available in your game, or you can let players choose their own.
Step 4: Invite Players
Once your game is set up, it’s time to invite players. You can do this by sharing a game code, which players can enter on the Gimkit website to join the game. You can also send out invitations via email or a messaging platform.
Sharing the Game Code
The game code is a unique identifier for your game. You can find it on the Gimkit dashboard once you’ve created your game. Share this code with your players, and they’ll be able to join the game by entering it on the Gimkit website.
Sending Invitations
If you’re hosting a game for a specific group of people, such as a class or a study group, you can send out invitations via email or a messaging platform. This can be a more convenient way to get everyone into the game, especially if you’re hosting a large group.
Step 5: Monitor the Game
Once the game has started, your role as the host is to monitor the progress of the players and ensure that everything is running smoothly. You can do this by keeping an eye on the leaderboard, which shows how much money each player has earned.
Answering Questions
During the game, players may have questions about the quiz or the game mechanics. As the host, it’s your job to answer these questions and provide any necessary guidance.
Encouraging Engagement
One of the key roles of the host is to encourage players to engage with the material. You can do this by offering incentives for correct answers, such as bonus points or extra time. You can also use the game as an opportunity to reinforce learning by discussing the correct answers after each question.
Step 6: End the Game and Review Results
Once the game is over, it’s time to review the results. Gimkit provides a detailed breakdown of how each player performed, including how many questions they answered correctly and how much money they earned.
Reviewing the Leaderboard
The leaderboard shows how each player performed in the game. You can use this information to identify areas where players may need additional help or to recognize top performers.
Discussing the Results
After the game, take some time to discuss the results with your players. This can be a great opportunity to reinforce learning and address any questions or misconceptions that may have come up during the game.
Tips and Best Practices for Gimkit Hosts
1. Know Your Audience
Before hosting a Gimkit game, it’s essential to know your audience. Are you hosting a game for a group of students, colleagues, or friends? Understanding your audience will help you tailor the game to their needs and interests.
2. Keep the Game Balanced
While it’s important to make the game challenging, you don’t want it to be so difficult that players become frustrated. Make sure the questions are appropriate for the skill level of your players, and consider offering hints or power-ups to help them along the way.
3. Encourage Collaboration
If you’re hosting a game in a team mode, encourage players to work together. This can help foster a sense of camaraderie and make the game more enjoyable for everyone involved.
4. Use Gimkit as a Learning Tool
While Gimkit is a game, it’s also a powerful learning tool. Use the game as an opportunity to reinforce key concepts and encourage players to engage with the material.
5. Be Prepared for Technical Issues
As with any online platform, technical issues can arise. Make sure you have a backup plan in case something goes wrong, such as a slow internet connection or a player being unable to join the game.
6. Have Fun!
Finally, remember that Gimkit is meant to be fun. As the host, your enthusiasm and energy can set the tone for the entire game. So relax, enjoy the experience, and have fun!
Conclusion
Hosting a Gimkit game can be a rewarding experience, whether you’re a teacher looking to engage your students or a student looking to host a fun study session. By following the steps outlined in this guide and keeping the tips and best practices in mind, you’ll be well on your way to becoming an effective Gimkit host. So go ahead, create your quiz, set up your game, and get ready to host an unforgettable Gimkit experience!
