Our Top Five EdTech Tools for Gamified Learning
Innovative EdTech Episode 18: Top Five EdTech Tools for Gamified Learning
In Episode 18 of Innovative EdTech, Future-Ready Teaching Specialist Tristan Heron explores the exciting world of gamification and how it can transform classroom learning.
Gamification takes the engaging elements of games—such as points, rewards, challenges, and storytelling—and applies them to teaching and learning. Rather than turning lessons into video games, the focus is on weaving these elements into learning activities that boost motivation, participation, and achievement.
Throughout the episode, Tristan unpacks:
What gamified learning means and why it is a growing part of today’s classrooms.
Key elements of gamification, including points and rewards, levels and challenges, collaboration, choice, instant feedback, and storytelling.
Why gamification works, from promoting student engagement and resilience, to encouraging differentiation and building real-world skills.
The highlight of the session is a deep dive into five powerful tools for gamified learning that Tristan has tested with his own students:
Kahoot – A classic quiz platform that is still engaging, especially when used strategically.
Wayground (formerly Quizizz) – A tool that allows self-paced or live games, with powerful reporting features.
Blooket – A highly engaging option with multiple game modes to keep students motivated.
Bamboozle – A simple, device-free team game that is perfect for revision, warm-ups, and whole-class collaboration.
Google Forms – A versatile tool that, with a bit of creativity, can be transformed into digital escape rooms or choose-your-own-adventure challenges.
Tristan also shares practical classroom examples across different subjects and year levels, demonstrating how gamification can be used in primary and secondary contexts alike.
The episode closes with four key takeaways for teachers considering gamified learning:
Know the purpose of the tool.
Balance competition with collaboration.
Start simple and build up.
Keep the focus student-centred.
Educators who want to re-watch the full session can find it in the Innovative EdTech playlist on the Evolve EdTech YouTube channel.
Or, alternatively, you can click on the video below:
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