The traditional education methods are evolving to meet the demands of tech-savvy students. Gamified learning platforms have emerged as a popular way to engage students and make learning more interactive. Two prominent contenders in this arena are Blooket and Kahoot. Both offer gamified experiences, but which one reigns supreme in popularity and effectiveness? In this article, we’ll compare Blooket and Kahoot to determine which is the most popular gamified learning platform.
Kahoot: The Pioneer of Gamified Learning
Kahoot, founded in 2013 by Johan Brand, Jamie Brooker, and Morten Versvik, is often considered the pioneer of gamified learning platforms. The platform gained widespread recognition for its unique approach to learning through games. Kahoot allows educators to create quizzes, surveys, and discussions that are presented in a fun and engaging format.
One of Kahoot’s standout features is its simplicity. Teachers can quickly create games and quizzes, and students can join using a game PIN. The competitive nature of Kahoot, where students strive to answer questions correctly in the shortest time, encourages active participation. It’s a formula that has been successful in classrooms worldwide.
Kahoot’s user-friendly interface and versatility have contributed to its immense popularity. It has been adopted by educators from elementary schools to universities, making it one of the most recognized names in the gamified learning space. Additionally, Kahoot offers a vast library of pre-made quizzes and games, further simplifying the teaching process.
Blooket: The Up-and-Coming Challenger
Blooket is a relative newcomer to the gamified learning scene. Founded in 2020 by Ben Pasternak and Tom Smith, Blooket has quickly gained traction, thanks in part to its unique approach to gamification.
Blooket focuses on creating a highly customizable experience for both educators and students. It allows teachers to craft their own games or choose from a variety of game modes, such as “Tower of Doom” or “Gold Quest.” This flexibility allows for a more tailored learning experience that can cater to different age groups and subjects.
One of Blooket’s standout features is its virtual economy, where students earn and spend in-game currency. This element adds a layer of engagement and motivation, as students work to accumulate wealth and customize their in-game avatars. This dynamic sets Blooket apart from Kahoot in terms of the depth of its gamification elements.
Popularity Contest: Kahoot vs. Blooket
When it comes to popularity, Kahoot has a significant head start. Its pioneering status, ease of use, and extensive library of content have made it a household name in the education sector. Millions of educators and students around the world have used Kahoot, and it has established a strong brand presence.
Blooket, while growing rapidly, is still playing catch-up in terms of popularity. Its unique features and customizability have garnered a dedicated user base, particularly among those looking for a more immersive gamified learning experience. However, it has yet to reach the same level of widespread recognition as Kahoot.
Effectiveness in the Classroom
Ultimately, the popularity of a platform is only one part of the equation. The effectiveness of these gamified learning platforms in the classroom is of paramount importance. Both Kahoot and Blooket have their strengths in this regard.
Kahoot’s simplicity and accessibility make it an excellent choice for quick, engaging quizzes and reviews. It’s particularly effective for educators who want to assess student understanding in real-time and reinforce key concepts. Kahoot’s competitive nature fosters excitement in the classroom, making it an invaluable tool for energizing the learning process.
Blooket, on the other hand, shines when educators seek a more immersive and customizable gamified experience. Its virtual economy, customizable game modes, and the ability to create unique learning scenarios offer a broader range of possibilities for educators. Blooket can be particularly useful for project-based learning or courses that require ongoing engagement.
The Verdict: Choosing the Right Platform
In the battle of Blooket vs. Kahoot, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The choice between these two gamified learning platforms depends on the specific needs and preferences of educators and students.
Kahoot, with its user-friendly interface and competitive gameplay, is an excellent choice for quick assessments, reviews, and energizing classroom activities. It’s a reliable tool for educators who want to inject fun into their lessons without investing significant time in setup.
Blooket, on the other hand, is the go-to platform for educators seeking a deeper, more immersive gamified learning experience. Its virtual economy and customizable game modes open up a world of possibilities for creative educators who want to tailor the learning experience to their curriculum.