Nintendo DS as a Learning Tool in Schools

The Nintendo DS has proven itself as an incredibly popular game system. Now, as more and more educational software is being developed for the Nintendo DS, it may begin to expand its popularity into the classroom as a exciting learning tool.

One of the first educational software releases was Brain Age. Brain Age 2 is now out and promises to give your brain a workout by making questioning fun and competitive. This software encourages building your ‘brain power’ during your spare time, just minutes a day,  in check out lines, or waiting for a ride.

Recently, a girl’s junior high school in Tokyo, Japan adopted the Nintendo DS as a means of assisting the teaching of the English Language to their students. Students used the plastic stylus to spell words correctly and were awarded once they completed five levels. The English Language for Japanese program also included video of a teen ordering food in English and dialogue for the students to repeat.

The program is on a trial basis in just a few schools. Students reported the exercise as fun while they learned and an instructor said the students were inspired to achieve on the game systems. Overall, however, the reaction from educators, staff, and parents is mixed. The school is getting 40 of the systems and the software for free for being part of a test group.

There are many other educational software titles for the DS.  Kaplan is now making SAT review programs for the DS, and Electronic Arts has adapted its popular Brain Quest game to name just a few. Crossword puzzles, Suduko, and mental puzzles have also been around for quite awhile.

The verdict is indeed still out on the value of the Nintendo DS as an educational tool. I really enjoy seeing educational software and uses created and adopted for already successful systems.  A big part of education is being able to bring information to the learners’ interest and life. What better way than to use technology they are already familar with and using.

What is truly needed is Software Developers Kit for Educators that is incredibly simple to use and would allow teachers to add terms and questions to the Nintendo DS and choose outcomes for correct and incorrect responses. If anyone knows a way to do this please contact the staff here at Wired Educator. One major aspect of the DS which has not even been mentioned in the eduational setting is it’s ability to chat and share with other users. This could be very helpful in research, discussions, group work, and collaborative learning groups.  Lots of possibilities. It is too early to recommend but I like this direction on and educational focus.