Introduction
Virtual classrooms can be amazing, right? But let’s be real – keeping those awesome students of yours truly hooked online can feel like a juggling act sometimes! Are you scratching your head for a way to pump some serious fun and interaction into your Zoom or Google Meet sessions? Want to make your online teaching feel less like a lecture and more like a blast?
Gimkit is a fantastic tool. It turns learning into a game that kids actually want to play. And Zoom and Google Meet? They’re pretty much our virtual classroom lifelines these days for remote learning. Imagine the power of bringing those super engaging Gimkit games right into your live video chats! Guess what? It’s totally doable, and honestly, it’s easier than you might think. This guide is here to walk you through the simple steps to host Gimkit games on Zoom and host Gimkit games on Google Meet, turning your virtual classroom into a buzzing hub of interactive online lessons. If you’re new to Gimkit and want to get a feel for how the game works from a student’s perspective, you might find our article on how to play Gimkit yourself helpful.
Why Host Gimkit Games Live on Zoom or Google Meet?
Boost Student Engagement in Virtual Lessons
Let’s be honest, staring at a screen for ages can make anyone’s eyes glaze over, right? Live Gimkit games on Zoom and live Gimkit games on Google Meet are like a shot of espresso for your virtual lessons. They’re awesome for kicking that virtual learning fatigue to the curb and getting everyone properly involved. Gimkit’s just plain fun and interactive, and that can really re-energize your online sessions. Say goodbye to those quiet, unenthusiastic classes, and hello to students who are actually excited to participate!
This aligns with best practices for using educational games to boost student motivation, as highlighted by resources like Edutopia. We even have some great tips for using engagement strategies at school that can be applied to your virtual sessions.
Enhance Synchronous Learning & Real-time Interaction
Remote Gimkit games played live are all about active learning. Your students get instant feedback as they tackle questions and get a little friendly competition going! This real-time back-and-forth during your live class time makes learning feel way more dynamic and less like a one-way street. It’s a super way to quickly see if they’re getting the hang of things and sort out any confusion right then and there.
Facilitate Community & Connection in Remote Classrooms
Playing virtual Gimkit games together, even when everyone’s in their own homes, can really help build that classroom community vibe. It gives your students something fun and common to do together online. This can be a real game-changer in distance education where they might not see each other in person. It’s a chance for them to connect, maybe even team up (if you play those modes), and just have some good old-fashioned fun together in your digital classroom.
Step-by-Step Guide: Hosting Live Gimkit Games on Zoom
Alright, ready to bring the fun of Gimkit to your Zoom sessions? Here’s your friendly Gimkit Zoom tutorial:
Before the Zoom Session: Preparation is Key
Teacher Prep:
- Create or Select Your Gimkit Game: First things first, make sure your Kit is ready to rock and totally fits what you’re teaching. You can whip up your own or grab one from the huge library of ready-made Kits – whatever works best for you!
- Prepare Your Zoom Meeting: Get your meeting scheduled and double-check that screen sharing is enabled (Zoom help center). You’ll need to show your screen so your students can see all the Gimkit action.
- (Optional) Pre-Share Gimkit Join Link: If you want to save a few seconds when you’re ready to play, you could pop the direct Gimkit Join link (gimkit.com/join) into the Zoom chat before you even start the game.
Student Prep (Briefly):
- Ideally, your students will have their own Gimkit accounts (though you can often let them play as guests in your game settings). If they need to create an account, you can point them to our guide on how to sign up for a Gimkit account.
- It’s a good idea to tell them to have another device (like their phone or a tablet) or just another browser tab open for Gimkit. That way, they can see you on Zoom and play the game at the same time. Split-screen can be a real lifesaver here too!
During the Zoom Session: Game Time!
Start Your Zoom Meeting & Share Your Screen
Get your Zoom session going and then share the browser window where you’ve got the Gimkit game host view open. Make sure you’re on the right screen to launch the game.
Launch the Gimkit Game & Provide the Join Code
Okay, it’s time for the fun part! Start the Gimkit game mode you’ve chosen. The game will give you a special join code. Make sure you show this code clearly on your shared screen in Zoom. You can also type it into the Zoom chat so everyone can easily copy and paste it. This is exactly how to host live Gimkit games on Zoom with students!
Students Join Gimkit on Their Devices
Your students will head over to gimkit.com/join on their other device or browser tab. They’ll punch in that game join code. They even get to pick cool nicknames! Just make sure they are appropriate, as we discussed in our article about funny Gimkit names.
Start the Game & Narrate/Guide Gameplay
Once you see most of your crew has joined (Gimkit shows you who’s in), hit that start button! As the host on Zoom, jump in and narrate what’s happening. Read the questions out loud if it helps your younger students or anyone who might need that extra support. Give them some encouragement and point out any awesome moments in the game.
Use Zoom Chat Strategically
The Zoom chat can be super handy for quick questions, for you to send some encouraging messages, or if students are having a little tech hiccup (though hopefully not!). Just remember to keep an eye on the chat and keep it focused.
Monitor Progress & Engagement
Keep an eye on your Zoom participants (are they looking engaged?) and the Gimkit host screen (are they making progress?). This will give you a good feel for how the game is going.
After the Zoom Session: Review & Reflection
Discuss Game Results & Key Concepts
Take a few minutes to chat about how the game went. Highlight any important learning points that popped up. If you notice any common mistakes, this is a great time to quickly address them. Remember you can dig into Gimkit’s detailed reports later for a more in-depth look.
Gather Student Feedback (Optional)
You could even ask for a quick thumbs up or verbal comment on what they thought of playing interactive Gimkit games for remote learning Zoom. What did they enjoy? What could make it even better next time?
Step-by-Step Guide: Hosting Live Gimkit Games on Google Meet
Hosting Gimkit games on Google Meet is super similar to using Zoom! Here’s your friendly Gimkit Google Meet tutorial:
Before the Google Meet Session: Preparation is Key
Teacher Prep:
- Create or Select Your Gimkit Game: Yep, just like with Zoom, make sure your Kit is ready to go and fits your lesson perfectly.
- Prepare Your Google Meet: Start up your Google Meet and make sure you’re all set to present your screen (Google Meet Help Center).
Student Prep (Briefly):
- Your students should have their Gimkit accounts ready (or know they can join as guests).
- Tell them to have another device or browser tab handy for the best playing experience.
During the Google Meet Session: Game Time!
Start Google Meet & Share Your Screen
Get your Google Meet session going. Click on “Present now” and choose how you want to share – “Your entire screen,” “A window,” or “A tab.” Pick the one that shows your Gimkit game host view. This is your step-by-step guide to Gimkit on Google Meet for teachers.
Launch the Gimkit Game & Provide the Join Code
Start the Gimkit game mode you’ve picked. The game will give you that all-important join code. Show it clearly on your shared screen. You can also paste it into the Google Meet chat so everyone can easily click on it or type it in.
Students Join Gimkit on Their Devices
Your students will go to gimkit.com/join and type in the code on their own devices while still watching your shared screen for instructions.
Start the Game & Narrate/Guide Gameplay
Once you see your students joining in, hit start! Just like with Zoom, narrate the game, read questions if needed, and keep the energy positive! The Google Meet chat is also there for quick chats and questions.
Monitor Progress & Engagement
Keep an eye on your Google Meet participants and the Gimkit host view to see how the game’s going and if everyone’s still engaged.
After the Google Meet Session: Review & Reflection
Discuss Game Results & Key Concepts
Just like with Zoom, take a moment to chat about the game and go over the key learning points.
Gather Student Feedback (Optional)
Ask your students what they thought about playing Gimkit games for online classes, Zoom, or Google Meet live during your Google Meet session.
Tips for Super Engaging Live Gimkit Games in Video Conferences
Want to make your Gimkit games for online classes, Zoom, and Google Meet even more of a hit? Here are some tips for hosting engaging Gimkit games on Google Meet virtually (and guess what? They work just as well on Zoom!):
Choose the Right Gimkit Game Mode for Live Play
Think about which Gimkit modes shine in a live setting. Classic mode, Team Mode (for some friendly competition!), and maybe even Trust No One can be super engaging because they get everyone actively involved in real time. Modes like Assignments, on the other hand, are usually better for when students are working independently. You can explore the different options in our guide to exploring Gimkit’s game modes.
Keep it Fast-Paced & Dynamic
When you’re online, sometimes attention spans can be a little shorter. Try to keep the game moving at a good clip. You might want to consider using shorter game durations for your Gimkit games for online classes, Zoom, or Google Meet sessions, to keep everyone focused and energized.
Verbalize and Narrate During Gameplay
Don’t be a silent host! Talk about what’s happening in the game on your shared screen. Read those questions out loud (especially helpful for younger students or those who might need a little extra support with reading). Give shout-outs for correct answers and build up the excitement! This really helps everyone feel connected and in the loop.
Use Video Conference Chat Strategically (But Don’t Overdo It)
The chat feature in Zoom or Google Meet can be your friend. Use it for quick announcements, sending encouraging messages, or helping with any tech hiccups. But try not to let it become a distraction during the game. You could even ask a co-teacher or another helpful adult in the virtual room to keep an eye on the chat if you can.
This is all part of effective classroom management. Remember to also promote online safety and digital citizenship when using chat features. You can find valuable resources on this topic in Common Sense Education’s Digital Citizenship section.
Incorporate Breaks & Transitions (If Playing Multiple Games)
If you’re thinking of running a few interactive Gimkit games for remote learning Zoom within a longer video session, it’s a good idea to throw in some short breaks or a quick transition activity between games. This can help prevent that dreaded screen fatigue and keep your students feeling fresh and ready for the next round of fun. You could even use some of the engaging strategies discussed in how to engage students at the first minutes of a lesson to transition smoothly.
Troubleshooting Common Issues When Hosting Live Gimkit Games Online
Even with the best plans, sometimes tech throws us a curveball! Here are a few common issues you might run into and some quick ways to troubleshoot them:
Student Technical Difficulties Joining Gimkit
- Quick Fixes: Ask students to double-check that game code. Make sure they’re on the right website (gimkit.com/join). Tell them to try refreshing their browser. Have them quickly check their internet connection.
- Your Backup Plan: If a student is still having trouble, maybe pair them up with a classmate who’s already in the game. They can work together on the questions. If it’s a persistent issue, you might need to have an alternative activity ready for those who just can’t connect due to tech problems. You might also want to check our article on Gimkit Not Loading: Common Solutions for further troubleshooting tips.
Screen Sharing Lag or Freezing
- Minimize the Frustration: Close down any extra browser tabs or programs you’re not using on your computer. Make sure your internet connection is stable. You could also suggest that students minimize their video feeds in Zoom or Google Meet if their internet might be a bit slow. If you’re still experiencing issues, our guide on fixing lag issues in Gimkit might offer some helpful advice.
- Your Backup Plan: If your screen sharing decides to take a break, try verbally guiding your students through the game. Read the questions aloud and have them tell you their answers. You might even need to switch to a different Gimkit game mode that’s less reliant on seeing the screen.
Managing Student Questions & Engagement in Chat
- Set the Ground Rules: At the start of your session, let your students know how you’d like them to use the chat. Tell them when it’s okay to ask questions and how you’ll be checking the chat.
- Get a Helper: If you can, ask a co-teacher or another adult in the virtual classroom to help you keep an eye on the chat.
- Take Chat Breaks: Every now and then during the game, take a quick peek at the chat to answer any important questions that have popped up.
Conclusion
Hosting live Gimkit games on Zoom and Google Meet is a truly awesome way to inject some serious fun and engagement into your virtual classroom. It’s a pretty straightforward strategy that can really boost how your students participate, make synchronous learning more effective, and help build that sense of community in your online classes. By following this step-by-step guide to Gimkit on Google Meet for teachers (and the Zoom one too!) and using those handy tips, you’ll be all set to create more interactive online lessons that your students will absolutely love.
Ready to make your next remote learning session one to remember? Go ahead and give hosting a live Gimkit game on Zoom or Google Meet a shot! If you haven’t already, sign up for Gimkit, get a fun Kit ready, and follow these simple steps. We’d love to hear how it goes! Share your own favorite tips for hosting engaging Gimkit games on Google Meet virtually (or on Zoom!) in the comments below. Let’s work together to make distance education engaging and effective for everyone!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I host a Gimkit game live on Zoom or Google Meet?
Hosting a live Gimkit game involves preparing your Kit, starting your Zoom or Google Meet session, sharing your screen to show the Gimkit host view, launching the game, and providing the unique join code to your students so they can play on their own devices. We’ve outlined the detailed steps for both platforms earlier in this guide!
Can students play Gimkit on their own devices while I’m hosting a meeting on Zoom or Google Meet?
Yes, absolutely! This is the beauty of the setup. Students will join your Zoom or Google Meet session to see your screen and hear your instructions. Simultaneously, they will go to gimkit.com/join on their own devices (like a laptop, tablet, or phone) and enter the game code you provide to play the Gimkit game.
What are some tips for making live Gimkit games more engaging for students online?
To make your live Gimkit games super engaging, try choosing game modes that are well-suited for live play (like Classic or Team Mode), keep the pace of the game dynamic, actively narrate what’s happening on your screen, use the video conference chat strategically for quick communication, and consider incorporating short breaks if you’re playing multiple games. You might even find some inspiration in our article Competitive vs. cooperative learning with Gimkit when choosing your game mode.
What do students need to join a live Gimkit game during a Zoom or Google Meet session?
Students will need a device (computer, tablet, or smartphone) with internet access to go to the Gimkit website and enter the unique game join code that you, as the host, will provide. It’s also helpful if they have their Zoom or Google Meet window open on another part of their screen or on a separate device so they can see your shared screen and hear your instructions.
What if some students have trouble joining the Gimkit game?
If students have trouble joining, first double-check that they have entered the correct game code. Ask them to refresh their browser or check their internet connection. If the issue persists, you could try pairing them with a student who has successfully joined or have a backup activity ready if technical difficulties prevent them from participating in the game.
