Nintendo DS

The Nintendo DS is the game changer with regard to student technology use. Laptops, notebooks and yes, even tablets (sorry iPad) are not the devices of choice for young learners. Check out any event with large groups of young adolescents (a long bus ride to a field trip). How do students communicate/collaborate?

The stigma associated with the word "Nintendo" may not permit any serious consideration in a school environment, but in a private setting, moms and dads readily stuff stockings with any sort of "brain" changing app that may somehow rearrange their neural pathways.

Also, no "3G" dataplans that may challenge the resources of even the wealthiest schools. WiFi seems to be the most cost effective way for students to share their digital creations. iPod Touch doesn't carry the stigma of Super Mario Karts and is WiFi enabled and is also "pocket based (again - sorry iPad, it's a seventh grade thing...you wouldn't understand)."

...So my question - anyone shown any success with the DS in the classroom? Hello? Anyone? Is this thing on?

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Permalink Reply by Jeremy Kaiser on June 9, 2010 at 12:01pm

I have never heard of them being used, but I think that it is an interesting idea. I have never really used one though, so I am not sure how they would work for education. Do they have a means of typing or messaging on them?

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Permalink Reply by Jonathan Wylie on June 10, 2010 at 6:11pm

The messaging could be a problem. They can IM each other without WiFi, and may waste time doing this, but I can see a DS being used if more educational games are developed. There is a brain age game, (cant remember the name, but maybe it is brain age) where students need to answer basic fact questions as quickly as possible. You can link multiple DS on the one game and have several racing against each other. That kind of practice may work, but there are not enough educational games in my opinion to justify it to the people paying money for these devices.

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Permalink Reply by Bob Pritchard on June 12, 2010 at 5:52pm

Jonathan...I'm going to have to agree with you here. The thread on the iPod Touch got me thinking about this device. Apple is presenting this iPod as a handheld computer, which is a step up from music player. I will reconsider the iPod Touch - it also has a "game cool" appeal for students as well. Thanks!