by Maddie McInnes
Gimkit - Gimkit has many game settings, which gives a lot more options than one basic game. Arguably the favorite mode is their version of Among Us. Whatever game you choose, you earn coins and can spend them throughout to get special effects. You can spend coins to get money insurance, bonus money streaks, etc. This is fun because it adds a layer of strategy to the game. You can even use your coins to blast music at all of your classmates! Hopefully Gimkit will create even more game modes to keep students entertained!
Quizlet Live - This is a team game where it is a race to answer all your questions. Quizlet Live is really helpful because you can create quizlets, which are great for studying, into a class game. This game is just answering questions, nothing else, but it is very quick and exciting. Every member of the team gets a few answers on their screen, so everyone has to work together to choose who has the right answer. Getting to play with your teammates is fun because everyone can work with others, so it gives all the teams a chance to win.
Kahoot - Kahoot is used the most often, probably because it creates an easy way to teach while playing the game, but because it’s slow moving and simple, it’s not a student favorite. After everyone answers the question, the teacher has time to explain the correct answer. This makes Kahoot good to play before tests because the teacher has time to review with everyone. You can come in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, but even if you win you get no reward, like Quizlet Live. I think the ability to be able to spend your rewards would make it more fun. If they added the ability to customize the game it would also probably become more fun. Kahoot is great for teaching, but maybe not as a fun game.
Blooket - Blooket is probably the fan favorite of the group. Like Gimkit it has many different mini games. You also earn tokens from playing the game and spend them to get characters. You can even make your own blookets. This makes you want to win more, and it lets you customize your game, which makes it more fun. Blooket also has a mode that allows you to play on your own for “homework,” which makes studying a lot more fun. I think that this game is definitely a lot more interesting than the other games. It has lots of game modes, characters, prizes, and customization opportunities, which most other games don’t have. In a classroom I definitely think that most kids would ask for Blooket!