Hey there, fellow educators and tech enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into the exciting world of educational gaming with a face-off between two heavyweights: Blooket and Gimkit. If you’ve been searching for engaging ways to make learning fun for your students, you’ve likely come across these platforms. But which one should you choose? Let’s break it down.
What Are Blooket and Gimkit?
Blooket and Gimkit are both online platforms designed to make learning interactive and enjoyable through game-based quizzes. Think of them as the cool, modern-day replacements for those old-school flashcards.
Blooket allows teachers to create or use pre-made question sets to turn their classrooms into a game show. The platform offers various game modes that students can Blooket play individually or in teams. From racing games to survival modes, Blooket turns learning into an adventure.
Gimkit, on the other hand, is the brainchild of a high school student who saw the potential for more engaging review sessions. Like Blooket, Gimkit turns quizzes into games, but it adds a layer of strategy by allowing students to earn in-game money to buy power-ups and bonuses. It’s like combining a quiz with a strategy game!
User Experience: Blooket vs Gimkit
When it comes to user experience, both platforms shine but in slightly different ways.
Blooket has a bright, cartoonish interface that appeals to younger students. The game modes are diverse and often updated, keeping the experience fresh. Teachers can easily track student progress and performance, making it a breeze to see who’s acing the material and who might need a bit more help.
Gimkit offers a more streamlined, sleek design. It’s perfect for older students who might find Blooket’s interface a bit too childish. Gimkit’s unique twist of earning and spending virtual money adds a strategic element that can make learning more engaging for students who enjoy a bit of competition and strategy in their games.
Game Modes: Blooket vs Gimkit
Here’s where the real fun begins!
Blooket features a variety of game modes like:
- Tower Defense: Students answer questions to defend their tower from invaders.
- Gold Quest: A treasure-hunting game where correct answers lead to gold.
- Battle Royale: A competitive mode where students face off against each other.
These modes ensure there’s something for every type of learner, whether they prefer cooperative play or head-to-head competition.
Gimkit also offers several engaging game modes, including:
- Classic: Straightforward quiz game with strategic elements.
- Humans vs Zombies: A team-based mode where students either survive as humans or convert others as zombies.
- Infinity Mode: Endless questions and infinite strategy.
Gimkit’s modes often focus on strategy and teamwork, making it a hit with students who enjoy planning and competition.
Customization and Flexibility: Blooket and Gimkit
Customization is key in educational tools, and both platforms deliver.
Blooket allows teachers to create custom question sets or use those made by others. The flexibility to mix and match questions from different sets means you can tailor games to fit your specific curriculum.
Gimkit also lets teachers create custom kits or import questions from Quizlet. One standout feature is the ability to adjust game settings to fit different learning objectives, such as controlling how quickly students earn money or how difficult the questions are.
Engagement and Motivation: Blooket vs Gimkit
Both platforms excel at keeping students engaged, but they do it in different ways.
Blooket uses its variety of game modes and the fun, colorful interface to keep students coming back. The competitive elements and team-based options mean there’s always something to look forward to.
Gimkit‘s use of in-game currency and power-ups adds a layer of motivation that can be incredibly effective. Students aren’t just answering questions—they’re strategizing, planning their moves, and trying to outsmart their classmates. This added layer of gameplay can be a huge motivator, especially for older students.
Pricing: Gimkit and Blooket
Ah, the big question: how much is this going to cost?
Blooket offers a free tier that’s quite generous, allowing teachers to access many game modes and features. There’s also a paid tier (Blooket Plus) that unlocks additional game modes and customization options.
Gimkit operates on a subscription model, with a free basic version and a more robust paid version (Gimkit Pro) that includes features like data tracking, assignment mode, and unlimited kits. The cost is reasonable, considering the level of engagement and learning it brings to the table.
Final Verdict
So, which one should you choose? It really depends on your needs and the age group of your students.
- If you’re teaching younger students or want a platform with a variety of whimsical game modes, Blooket is a fantastic choice. Its playful interface and diverse game options make it a hit in elementary classrooms.
- If you’re working with older students or want to incorporate strategic elements into your lessons, Gimkit might be the way to go. Its sleek design and in-game currency system add a unique twist that can be incredibly engaging for middle and high school students.
In the end, both Blooket and Gimkit are excellent tools that bring learning to life. Why not try both and see which one resonates best with your students? After all, the best educational tool is the one that keeps students excited about learning. Happy gaming!