Gimkit transitions the standard classroom review from a passive quiz into a live economy. Unlike traditional platforms that focus solely on accuracy, Gimkit rewards speed, strategy, and resource management. For a teacher, the "Host" function is the command center that determines whether a session is a quick five-minute retrieval practice or a high-stakes, 20-minute competitive simulation. Understanding the specific mechanics of hosting—from game mode selection to the balance of the in-game shop—is the difference between a chaotic room and a focused learning environment.
The Mechanics of Starting a Live Session
To host a game, you must first select a "Kit," which is Gimkit’s term for a question set. You can create these from scratch, import them from Quizlet, or use a CSV file. Once a Kit is selected, clicking the "Play Live" button opens the mode selection screen. This is the most critical decision point for a host.
Best for: Real-time formative assessment and high-energy classroom engagement.
The hosting dashboard provides a join code and a QR code for students. As students join, their names appear on the screen. A key administrative feature here is the ability to remove inappropriate nicknames instantly by clicking on them. Once the majority of the class is in the lobby, the host selects the duration—either a time limit (e.g., 10 minutes) or a collective goal (e.g., the class earns $50,000 total). The time-based limit is generally more effective for lesson planning, as it ensures the game ends exactly when your transition period begins.
Differentiating Game Modes for Specific Learning Outcomes
Gimkit’s primary advantage over its competitors is its variety of game modes, which rotate seasonally. Each mode requires a different level of collaboration and strategy.
- Classic Mode: Every student works individually to earn "money" by answering questions correctly. They spend this currency in the shop on upgrades like "Multiplier" or "Insurance." This is best for initial content mastery.
- Team Mode: Students are grouped automatically. Their earnings are pooled, forcing them to communicate about when to buy upgrades for the team versus answering more questions.
- Trust No One: Inspired by social deduction games, this mode requires students to complete "tasks" (answering questions) to identify an impostor. It is highly effective for keeping students engaged during long review sessions, though it requires more time to complete.
- The Floor is Lava: A cooperative mode where the entire class must answer questions to build a tower. If the class stops answering correctly, the lava rises and the game ends. This shifts the focus from competition to collective success.
Managing the In-Game Economy and Power-Ups
The "Shop" is what separates Gimkit from other review tools. As students answer questions, they earn virtual currency. They can reinvest this currency into three categories: Earnings Per Question, Multiplier, and Streak Bonus. As a host, you can toggle "Power-Ups" on or off. Power-ups allow students to interact with each other, such as "Iced," which freezes a classmate's screen for 15 seconds, or "Shield," which protects them from attacks.
Warning: In highly competitive classes, the "Thief" power-up—which allows one student to steal a percentage of another's balance—can lead to frustration and off-task behavior. If your goal is a low-stress review, disable offensive power-ups in the game settings before launching the lobby.
Gimkit Pro vs. Free: The Constraints of Hosting
The "Gimkit Basic" tier is significantly limited compared to the "Pro" version. On the free plan, teachers are often restricted to specific "featured" game modes that rotate. If you want to host "Trust No One" or "Draw That" on demand, a Pro subscription is required.
Cost Structure: Gimkit Pro is priced at $59.88 per year (billed annually) or $9.99 per month. For most departments, the annual seat is the more logical choice, as it includes "Gimkit Ink" (a creative writing and publishing tool) and "Gimkit Assignments" (the ability to host games as homework).
The "Assignments" feature is the asynchronous version of hosting. Instead of a live lobby, you set a deadline and a target goal (e.g., "Earn $1,000"). Students can complete the review at their own pace. The host receives a detailed report showing which questions were missed most frequently, allowing for targeted re-teaching the following day.
Data Analytics and Post-Game Reporting
Once a hosted session ends, the platform generates a "Report" button. This is not just a leaderboard; it is a granular data set. The report breaks down performance by student and by question. You can see the "Accuracy" percentage for the whole class, which is a more reliable metric than the total money earned, as the latter is influenced by how wisely students spent their money in the shop.
For an SEO-minded educator or a department head, this data is exportable. You can track progress over time by hosting the same Kit at the beginning and end of a unit. If the data shows that 70% of the class missed a specific question, you can immediately address that concept before moving to the next module. The "Question Breakdown" view is the most useful tool here, as it highlights specific distractors that are tripping up students.
Deploying Gimkit in Your Curriculum
To maximize the utility of a hosted Gimkit session, do not treat it as a "set it and forget it" activity. The host should actively narrate the game, calling out shifts in the leaderboard and announcing when the shop has reached critical "inflation" levels. This keeps the energy high.
Start with a 5-minute Classic game to gauge baseline knowledge. Follow this with a brief direct instruction period to clarify the most-missed questions identified in the report. Finish with a 10-minute Team Mode game using the same Kit. This "sandwich" method uses the hosting features to drive measurable improvement in a single class period. Ensure you have checked your school's firewall settings for "Search Engine Position Tracker" and "Search Engine Position Tracker/play," as the live-update websocket connections can sometimes be flagged by restrictive filters.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many students can join a hosted Gimkit game?
On the Pro plan, you can host up to 60 students in a single live session, making it suitable for large lecture halls or combined classes. The Basic plan often has lower limits depending on the currently featured game mode.
Can I host a Gimkit session without being present?
Yes, by using the "Assignments" feature. You set a goal and a deadline, and students log in independently to complete the Kit. You will still receive the full data report once they finish.
Does Gimkit work on iPads and Chromebooks?
Gimkit is web-based and functions on any device with a modern browser. There is no dedicated app required for students; they simply go to the join URL and enter the host's code.
Can I edit questions while a game is being hosted?
No. Once a game has started, the Kit is locked for that session. Any edits made to the Kit will only apply to future games. If you spot an error mid-game, you must end the session, edit the Kit, and host a new lobby.
