Ba Ba Dum is a language-learning site that uses games to teach 1,500 vocabulary words in more than 20 world languages, including Chinese, Spanish, German, Portuguese, and Arabic. There are five games, each with a different question type: matching images to a spoken word, filling in the blanks, multiple-choice response, unscrambling words, and matching images to a written word. Players can pick which game to play as they practice vocabulary words. Each question includes audio, a helpful feature for language learners and non-readers. The site doesn’t require registration, but creating a free account allows you to view your progress and statistics. This site is 100% free and has no advertisements.
Applying the Triple E Framework
The Triple E Framework, created by Dr. Liz Kolb, states that “effective technology integration begins with good instructional strategies and not fancy tools” (tripleeframework.com). Dr. Kolb wrote a book, Learning First, Technology Second (ISTE, 2017), that lays out the three main uses of technology in education: to Engage, Enhance, or Extend learning goals. We can use this framework to decipher why we use specific classroom tools. Here is a rubric based on the Triple E Framework you can use to evaluate whether Ba Ba Dum (or any other technology) is a good fit with your learning goals and whether you should use it in your lesson.
- Engage in learning goals: This tool allows students to focus on the vocabulary questions, as there are no advertisements or other distractions. Students become active rather than passive learners by answering questions, choosing the language, and picking the type of questions they want in the game.
- Enhance learning goals: Ba Ba Dum creates pathways for students to demonstrate their understanding of the learning goals that would not be possible without technology. For example, students can view and listen to the interactive questions in multiple languages, which would not be possible without technology. The tool also offers scaffolding, as students are repeatedly presented with the exact same vocabulary words until they master them.
- Extend learning goals: Dr. Kolb describes extended learning as an opportunity for students to learn, connect, and collaborate outside the regular school day and as a way to create a bridge between school learning and everyday life experiences. Ba Ba Dum can easily be used during a remote learning day. Using Ba Ba Dum also empowers students to build language skills they can use in their future and everyday lives, as learning a new language can increase their future opportunities in classes and careers.
SAMR Connection
The SAMR Model, by Dr. Ruben Puentedura, suggests that technology implementation has four levels. Therefore, we can use this model as a guideline to analyze how we use technology tools in the classroom. For example, Ba Ba Dum could be used at the Substitution or Augmentation levels.
- Substitution: The substitution level is the most basic level of SAMR and refers to when technology acts as a direct substitute without any functional improvements. An easy example is if students use this site to learn vocabulary words rather than flashcards or reading a book.
- Augmentation: At the augmentation level, the technology acts as a direct substitute and includes some functional improvements. Ba Ba Dum allows students to choose the type of question they want in the game; this personalizes learning to students’ learning styles as questions can be written or asked audibly.
Take advantage of Part 2 of the Tech Tool of the Month: Ba Ba Dum, where we’ll discuss using the tool and classroom ideas. In the meantime, let us know how you have used Ba Ba Dum in your education setting in the comment section below.