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Games are naturally engaging — so why not use this to your advantage in the classroom? Watch students master concepts quickly and retain content longer with these six online gamification tools that are guaranteed to inject play into the everyday!
By Melissa Campeau
Memorizing a map of the world? Daunting. Picturing Italy and its neighbours? Doable! Brainscape’s online flashcard system helps your class master big topics by breaking them down into bite-sized pieces. Students rate how confident they are in their answers and then an algorithm adjusts the quiz card patterns according to what they are struggling with. Use existing content or customize your own study decks.
Instruction Level: Grades 9–12
Platform: Apple; Desktop
Price: Free (basic version)
Visit: brainscape.com
This role-playing model is designed to motivate and boost co-operation, all while complementing your existing lesson plans. Once students personalize their avatars, you can group them into teams and track how well they play and perform together. Are teammates helping each other with assignments? Are they acing their tests? If so, they’ll earn experience points toward unlocking teacher-determined privileges.
Instruction Level: K–Grade 12
Platform: Apple & Android; Desktop
Price: Free (basic version)
Visit: classcraft.com
Classdojo
Are your students arriving to class on time? How about staying focused? Are they completing their assignments? With ClassDojo, you determine which actions are valued and award points to those who follow through. There are a variety of badges to earn, levels to unlock and leaderboards to conquer. Share individual data with parents to keep them up to date on their children’s accomplishments and challenges.
Instruction Level: K–Grade 9
Platform: Apple & Android; Desktop
Price: Free
Visit: classdojo.com
Goalbook
Imagine a motivational coach for students, with access to child-friendly social media. That’s Goalbook! Help set curriculum-based targets from a deep databank of learning goals — a book chapter completed today, an art project finished by Friday. Messaging, profiles, and other bells and whistles keep things organized, while instant tracking means you can share progress reports with students and parents.
Instruction Level: K–Grade 12
Platform: Desktop
Price: Free trial period
Visit: goalbookapp.com
Picture a dashboard display of your class seating plan that zeroes in on who needs help — and with what exactly. That’s the idea behind this online math tool. While students pop in earbuds and watch a KnowRe algebra or geometry video (there are over a thousand!), you’re free to offer one-on-one support. Quest-like assignments are engaging, while a real-time reporting panel offers a snapshot of both overall and individual progress in the room.
Instruction Level: Grades 7–12
Platform: Desktop; iOS (coming soon)
Price: Free trial period
Visit: knowre.com
Create interactive quizzes and polls quickly with Socrative, then share the results instantly and visually with your students. Jazz them up with photos, maps and other graphics. Responses can either be identified (for tests) or left anonymous (for class polls and reluctant joiners). Foster a more collaborative classroom culture when you set up competitive team quizzes that will prove fun for everyone.
Instruction Level: K–Grade 12
Platform: Apple & Android; Desktop
Price: Free
Visit: socrative.com