Now onto our latest tech snack...
Today’s tech snack can be found at the following url: https://www.baamboozle.com/
What is it? How can I use it with my students?
Baamboozle is a web-based tool that allows you to create fun interactive review games. Baamboozle works on any Internet-enabled device including tablets and smart phones. Baamboozle was recently awarded an AASL Award for Teaching and Learning.
To begin using Baamboozle, you must first create a free account. A free account requires that you have an active e-mail address. You will also have to create a username and password to use this site.
Once you create your username and password, you can start creating your game. You click on the create a game button. The you are asked to input your questions and answers to your questions. You can add text and images for your questions. When you are done entering your questions and answers, you can share your game by copying and pasting the game link and sharing it with your students. Your students do not need a username or password to access your game. The games can be plays as a whole class or individually as a review. . Game questions show up on a game board and student are awarded points if they get the answers correct.
Baamboozle will work on any Internet enabled device and does not require any install. There are no flashy animation and the color contrast is good. There is no VPAT on record on the site as this is an international product. International companies do not have to abide by the same laws and regulations for disability access as the US does. There is no alt-text option for pictures. This means that someone who is visually impaired want to use this site, there no way for them to know what the image being displayed, as visually impaired people use screen readers to describe and understand images. Also, this tool can be used using a stylus, or a mouse but only certain aspects work with keyboard/joystick controls. There is also no audio component to read the content on the page. So in terms of accessibility this product gets a C+.
Classroom implications
This tool can be used as a whole class review game with the aid of an LCD projector or individually by students for review. They can play the games in game mode or in study mode which is similar to digital flashcards. Students can create their own review games as well. Beats a boring paper and pencil study guide.