Nintendo is working to use its popular DS series of handheld gaming devices as interactive classroom response units. Think of these as the “clickers” many schools now have to solicit real-time response from students, with additional functionality to also receive direct feedback and visual aids from the teacher. The devices may also be used for testing, with immediate scoring and feedback to the student possible. Each device communicates with the teacher’s PC using WiFi. This product will debut next year in Japan and will include 60 programs covering a variety of subjects across elementary, middle school, and high school.
Concerns about cost, cheating, and staying on-task aside, I think this is a compelling idea. Using consumer-oriented devices like the Nintendo DS, iPod, and others in classrooms allow kids to use devices they likely already have used in the past (many will already own a device) and are generally capable of much more than devices strictly geared for the classroom.
DS in the Classroom (via Fast Company; illustration via Fast Company)
