Nintendo DS in the Classroom
Can the Nintendo DS do no wrong?
In news from Japan, the Nintendo DS will be used as a teaching tool in classroms across Yawata City in Kyoto Prefecture. Starting last September, the first 10 minutes of English classes for junior and senior high school students will be spent learning new English vocabulary on the handheld consoles.
The specially developed program lets the touch screen be used by students to practice writing the words correctly and with the DS speakers, correct pronunciation for new words can be taught. There are 1800 words for junior high students and 1900 words for senior-high students.
One teacher from Sawata City was quoted as saying:
The students are getting accustomed to using the DS and are studying enthusiastically. Progress can be expected.
I’d say that the kids love this. If I were a student there it would be my favourite part of the lesson and that 10 minutes would go all too quickly. Plans are afoot to expand this program to incorporate kanji lessons (there’s almost 3000 that need to be learnt for everyday use). Oh yes, please have kanji programs on the DS! Just make sure you sell them outside Japan.
Link:
Kotaku
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