Teachers First - Thinking Teachers Teaching Thinkers

Create learning games with the AI-based Learning Game Generator for any topic or grade level. Begin by adding vital information, including grade level, learning outcome or objective, and the game's length. The Game Generator provides a document with instructions for playing the game, any required materials, and setup instructions. Use the provided tools to request changes to create a game that works for your classroom. Copy or download the document using the Manage Content Dropbox options when satisfied.
This site includes advertising.

tag(s): artificial intelligence (177), assessment (147), Formative Assessment (74), game based learning (205), gamification (83), Teacher Utilities (198)

Connections lets players create personalized "custom" versions of the New York Times' Connections game. The game's goal is to identify the four words in four categories with connections shared in a 16-word grid. Create your custom activity using the tools to add a title for each category and four clues in each category. If desired, drag and drop categories to order them by difficulty level. When complete, click submit and share the game using the provided URL.
This site includes advertising.

tag(s): gamification (83), vocabulary (238), word study (59)

Transform over a thousand classic books into choose-your-own-adventure games using Playbrary and artificial intelligence (AI). Playbrary works with the free version of ChatGPT, reviewed here to generate interactive game choices using over one thousand books. Create games in one of two ways: use the "Play With Our Prompt Generator" link to select one of the books in the dropdown list, such as Jane Eyre and The Jungle Book, and choose "Generate." Follow the prompts in ChatGPT to play the interactive game. Use the "Play Now" link to select from a more extensive library of books on Playbrary and begin the choose-your-own-adventure game. After playing the game, players can borrow a digital version of their book. Always verify the accuracy of information shared when using AI tools.

tag(s): artificial intelligence (177), digital storytelling (154), game based learning (205), gamification (83), literacy (122), literature (221)

Teachable Machine is a Google AI experimental project that allows you to create learning machine models without coding knowledge. Use images, sounds, and poses to build models that classify and sort information. Explore the tutorials to learn how to create a learning machine and view examples of use, such as making a model to determine the ripeness of a banana, detect different sounds you create, and recognize the tilt of a head. Also included are lessons for K-12 classrooms that use Teaching Machines as part of lessons in AI and ethics and Dancing with AI. Start your project by choosing the type of project to create, then follow the steps to add samples to use in training your model. Complete and save your project, then share it with a link or other options available through Teachable Machine.

tag(s): artificial intelligence (177), game based learning (205), gamification (83)

Create games and animations with Wick Editor's open-source tools, available as beta downloads or browser editors. Visit the example page for tutorials, examples, and program references. Use filters on this page to find examples by difficulty level or type of animation project. The tutorial videos reside on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, then they may not be viewable.

tag(s): animation (64), gamification (83), STEM (297)

Turn lessons into a game show with TriviaMaker. Create an account to create trivia games or select games from the included library. Visit the Teacher's Channel to search and explore available games by subject, grade level, and type of game. Game options include grids (similar to Jeopardy), lists (similar to Family Feud), and Trivia. Choose from several play options including student devices, basic screen presentation, and solo trivia. The basic free plan allows members to participate with two teams and crowd options of up to twenty players.

tag(s): assessment (147), Formative Assessment (74), gamification (83), quiz (67), trivia (19)

Generate quizzes, lessons, and gamified assignments using Gibbly and the power of AI. After creating an account, visit Gibbly's library to browse and search for lessons and quizzes. Open any item to view and edit questions, print a PDF, or share the link by social media or email. Assign activities for solo play or host a live, synchronous activity. Create quizzes and lessons using the create button; options include manual and AI quiz generators and AI-generated lessons. Build lessons by adding the topic and grade level for the lesson; Gibbly then generates a lesson plan and several options for slides, including background information, discussion questions, and Did You Know information. Free accounts include 10,000 tokens monthly, unlimited hosting of review games, the creation of unlimited quizzes and lessons, unlimited classes, unlimited access to disover content, and Google exports and Google SSO.

tag(s): artificial intelligence (177), gamification (83), preK (270), quizzes (90), Teacher Utilities (198)

Customize and share personalized Wordles based upon the popular word game, Wordle, reviewed here using Make a Custom Wordle. Enter a word of any length (unlike the original word for five-letter words only) to generate a shareable link for your word. Make a Custom Wordle also offers the option to create words in several languages, including Spanish, French, Hindi, and German. Share the link with students using email, classroom management system, or class website. When complete, copy the URL to share by pasting it into an email or your blog or classroom website.

tag(s): game based learning (205), sight words (23), spelling (98), vocabulary (238)

Bee-Bot Online is an engaging way for young students to explore and learn basic coding skills. First, use Bee-Bot Online to program a virtual Bee-Bot by choosing from several included virtual mats. Then, move the virtual robot through directional arrows one square at a time. Finally, use blue X to clear a path and start over. Mat options include CVC word choices, a community map, alphabets, and more.

tag(s): coding (85), computational thinking (40), critical thinking (127), problem solving (233), STEM (297)

Create and share personalized learning activities using tools found at Learning Apps. Use the templates to create tools in various formats, including games, matching exercises, puzzles, and cloze reading texts. Begin by selecting a template and choosing an option from the examples provided. Next, add information to fill in each of the parts of the template, such as title, description, image, and links or content. When finished, view the preview, then save the app to your account. Editor's note: this site includes apps that are ready to use; however, many are not in English. In addition, a small portion of instructions for building an app may be in a different language, use a translating tool such as the one found at Linguee, reviewed here, to see the directions in English.

tag(s): flash cards (44), game based learning (205), vocabulary (238)

Blooket is a digital review game built for classroom use. Educators create game sets, and students join on their device to play a variety of game options using the provided code. Games include options for solo or group play. Build sets using your own questions or search Blooket's library to find games created by other educators. Save favorite sets to your account for later use, then duplicate sets and edit to fit your needs when ready to play. Blooket also offers the option to import quizzes directly from Quizlet, reviewed here. As students join a game, they choose a Blook, a character that serves as an avatar. When ready, choose the "host" option to begin play by selecting a game mode and following prompts. Some games offer the ability to assign homework, allowing students to complete the game within the selected time frame.

tag(s): assessment (147), Formative Assessment (74), game based learning (205), gamification (83), quizzes (90), vocabulary (238), vocabulary development (94), worksheets (69)

Quickly create and share interactive learning games created from your vocabulary terms using Educandy. Activities include match-up games, memory matches, crossword puzzles, and more. Go to the top right of your screen and click download the free app. After creating your account, follow the prompts to create a list of words, matching pairs, or quiz questions. When finished, edit or play the game using links found under your activities. Share using the link provided or copy the embed code to embed your game into a website.

tag(s): assessment (147), DAT device agnostic tool (147), game based learning (205), preK (270), quizzes (90), vocabulary (238)

ziplet is a free student response system that works on all devices. Use ziplet to send questions to students instantly or schedule them in advance. After registration, follow the steps to create a group, invite students, and ask questions. Choose from different options for student responses, including multiple-choice, short answer, emoji reactions, or a scaled score from 1-7. Invite students into your group using the provided code. Students use their Google account to login and access questions. Upon receiving responses, Loop provides options for responding to students. Free accounts allow two teachers to use the application with three groups and 50 students per group.

tag(s): assessment (147), game based learning (205), gamification (83), polls and surveys (49), quizzes (90)

Create and customize interactive games and activities with Wordwall's easy to use tools. Choose from many different options, including quizzes, matching games, drag and drop activities, and more. After creating an account, choose from shared activities, modify them to fit your needs, and then share them with your students as an assignment or link. Create a new activity by selecting a template and following the directions to add information and images if desired. At the time of this review, free plans offer access to 18 interactives, 15 printables, and the ability to create five resources.

tag(s): assessment (147), game based learning (205), quiz (67), quizzes (90)

Modify or create your retro games with MakeCode Arcade. Scroll the page to find resources on the site include coding tutorials, game design concepts, learning outcomes, and courses in coding. Follow the prompts within the tutorials to create unique games using drag and drop code blocks. As you become familiar with coding, expand knowledge with Javascript or Python. Share using the links or download onto Microsoft game devices if available.

tag(s): coding (85), computers (109), game based learning (205), Microsoft (80), STEM (297)

Design and create games with Construct3. Choose from many different formats including puzzles, role-play, and storybooks along with a choice of beginner and intermediate level coding ability options. Take advantage of the beginner's guide and tutorials to learn and practice the available features. All of the game options include drag and drop coding features. As a guest (no registration) you can get 25 events. Register for a free account and you get up to 50 events per game, two layers per layout, two effects per game, and one font choice. To share, publish your finished game to the site's arcade or download to your server.

tag(s): coding (85), game based learning (205), gamification (83), STEM (297)

Blockly is an open source library of drag and drop blocks to use for generating computer codes. Use each block to stack and add information to create code in an infinite number of ways. After creating your work using Blockly, use the drop-down box to view and copy the code in JavaScript, Python, and other coding formats. For full instructions on using Blockly, be sure to follow the link for Guides at the top of the Blockly home page.

tag(s): coding (85), computers (109), game based learning (205), STEM (297)

Test students' knowledge of related items using this unique quiz creator. Create a quiz using a set of common terms or elements (presidents, types of animals, incorrect use of a comma, etc.). Build your game by adding additional sets of items to add rounds. To play, divide students into teams and start the game. The alphabet appears beginning with Z and going backward, and letters begin to disappear. If the letter is in your set of terms it pops up into the appropriate place - think of Wheel of Fortune. When a player guesses why items are related, pause the game to hear their response. Continue playing if incorrect or move to the next round if correct.
This site includes advertising.

tag(s): assessment (147), game based learning (205), quiz (67), quizzes (90)

Game Builder offers ready-to-go games and templates for building digital games in a variety of formats. Choose from classic games like Bingo and Jeopardy or try different forms such as Squid Hunter or Chakalaka. Select a game option to begin making games, then follow prompts to add questions and responses. When finished, be sure to choose the option to make your game public making it available to share. Registration is required to create and share games.
This site includes advertising.

tag(s): assessment (147), game based learning (205), gamification (83), quizzes (90)

Choice of Games includes tools for creating and playing text-based games (think of it as similar to a choose your own adventure story). Try making games by following the directions to download the script source. Include simple commands using text options for players. This site includes tutorials to get started and add more complex commands. Explore the games archive to play games created by other users and to get inspiration for your creations. Note: you will need to download and install Node.js (free), then download and install the ChoiceScript source from GitHub (free).

tag(s): coding (85), creative writing (124), DAT device agnostic tool (147), gamification (83), interactive stories (22), STEM (297), writing (325)