It was only
a matter of time – and I honestly thought it would be Sony who would be first
off the mark. According to a recent press
release (you will need to run it through a translator!) Nintendo and Sharp
System Products have announced the Nintendo DS Classroom, a new educational
system targeting elementary, junior high and high school students.
‘Nintendo
and Sharp System Products announced today Nintendo DS Classroom, a new
educational system targeting elementary, junior high and high school students.
Known as "Nintendo DS Kyoushitsu" in
its native Japanese, the new system pairs up the DS with a PC. Teachers make
use of software on the PC to interact via Wi-Fi with students through their
individual DS, DS Lite or DSi units that have been equipped with a Nintendo DS
Classroom cartridge. The system allows a single PC to interact with up to 50 DS
units. Everything is handled locally, so no internet connection is required.
Nintendo
detailed a few sample uses. The system can be used for interactive tests, where
student responses are reflected in real time on the teacher's computer.
Teachers can also send students multiple sample problem sets, with the software
automatically checking answers. Teachers can conduct surveys of students, with
responses tabulated and charted in real time on the teacher's computer.
Outside of
multiple choice, the stylus can be put to use for free response questions.
Images of student responses are sent back to the teacher's computer.
Nintendo
says that it developed the Nintendo DS Classroom program as part of its
continued efforts to expand the DS beyond just a game device. The company notes
that the pairing of PC and DS differentiates the new system from previous
school-oriented educational software.
Sharp
System Products is developing educational content using the Nintendo-developed
system, and will handle sales, set-up and support. A press release from the two
firms noted that Sharp has experience in student educational systems,
Outside of
the pre-made content, teachers will be able to create their own educational
materials using a simple spreadsheet interface.’
Thanks to Doug Dickinson for flagging
this up.
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