Keeping students engaged in the classroom, especially during online or hybrid learning, can be challenging. Fortunately, there are a variety of interactive online games that can help students stay focused while having fun. Below, we’ve compiled a list of 16 online games teachers can use to make their lessons more interactive and engaging. You can also use YouTube as a great resource. Find ESL quizzes and a load of interactive videos on youTube that can be gamified or are already in a game format.
1. Baamboozle
Baamboozle is an easy-to-use platform that offers a variety of pre-made quiz games covering a wide range of subjects. Teachers can choose from thousands of games or create their own. The platform is perfect for team-based activities, where students can answer questions in a competitive yet fun environment.
2. Jeopardy Labs
If you’re a fan of the classic TV game show, Jeopardy Labs is the perfect tool to bring that excitement to your classroom. Teachers can either create custom Jeopardy-style quizzes or use ready-made templates. It’s a great way to review concepts and foster friendly competition among students.
3. Kahoot!
Kahoot! is one of the most popular classroom game platforms. It allows teachers to create engaging quizzes on any topic, and students can answer in real-time using their devices. Kahoot’s vibrant interface and time-based scoring system keep students motivated and focused.
4. Mad Libs
Mad Libs is a creative and humorous way to reinforce grammar skills. By having students fill in blanks with different types of words (nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc.), you can teach sentence structure in a fun, relaxed way. The absurd stories that result are a bonus that your students will love.
5. Quizizz
Quizizz is a student-paced game where learners answer quiz questions on their devices while racing against the clock. It’s highly customizable, and teachers can use pre-made quizzes or design their own. Quizizz also offers reports, allowing teachers to track student performance.
6. Gimkit
Gimkit combines gaming with quiz-based learning. What makes Gimkit unique is its in-game currency system, where students earn points (or virtual money) for correct answers. They can then use that currency to purchase power-ups or invest in upgrades, which makes learning competitive and rewarding.
7. Classcraft
Classcraft turns the classroom into an interactive role-playing game. Students create avatars and complete academic challenges to earn points and unlock rewards. Teachers can also assign quests or missions related to lessons, making learning feel like a true adventure.
8. Socrative
Socrative is a real-time classroom game where teachers can ask multiple-choice, true/false, or short-answer questions. It features engaging space-race competitions where students work in teams to answer questions correctly and race to the finish line.
9. Nearpod
Nearpod allows teachers to create interactive presentations where quizzes and games can be integrated into the lesson plan. Students can engage in polls, quizzes, and matching games to solidify their understanding of the content. Nearpod is perfect for blending learning and review.
10. Breakout EDU
Breakout EDU transforms the concept of an escape room into a learning activity. Teachers create a series of puzzles that students must solve to “break out” of the room. It’s an excellent tool for team-building exercises and problem-solving tasks that can be used in any subject.
11. Wordwall
Wordwall offers a variety of game templates that teachers can customize to suit any lesson. From word searches to match-up games, Wordwall makes vocabulary and grammar exercises engaging and fun for students of all ages.
12. Plickers
Plickers offers a unique way to gather formative assessment data without requiring students to have devices. Teachers display a question, and students hold up cards with a specific orientation to indicate their answers. Teachers can then scan the cards to see instant results, making it a great option for classrooms with limited tech.
13. Quia
Quia is a versatile platform offering templates for quizzes, games, and activities across different subjects. Teachers can easily create flashcards, matching games, and word jumbles, allowing students to practice their skills in an interactive format.
14. Factile (Formerly Known as Jeopardy Rocks)
Factile offers a Jeopardy-style quiz platform similar to Jeopardy Labs but with additional features such as math and vocabulary game templates. You can set up your own custom games or choose from pre-made ones, making Factile a fun way to review lessons.
15. Flippity
Flippity provides a variety of game-show-like activities. By using Google Sheets, teachers can easily create flashcards, quizzes, scavenger hunts, and even board games. It’s a versatile tool that works for different subjects and learning styles.
16. Blooket
Blooket is a trivia and review game platform where students can answer questions to earn points. Teachers can either create their own games or use existing ones. The platform features different game modes, which help to keep the quizzes fresh and exciting.