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I have got a lot of reading to do on Games based learning, but here is quick insight into what I think of the Nintendo DS so far.

Santa Claus was very generous to me this year. Following a brief play around with Derek Robertson’s Nintendo DS,   I was convinced that I wanted one for Christmas. In the past I have probably been a little cynical towards games based learning- How can anyone learn anything productive from a game called ‘Street Fighter 2′ or ‘Grand Theft Auto’. However, my attitude has dramatically changed. Yes there are games out there that are of limited nonexistent educational value but what about the ones that enthuse, enhance and encourage learnering?

My Word Coach- This game is brilliant for learning spelling and developing vocabulary. It is very cleverly designed. It adapts to the individual learner therefore setting a learning pace. If you make lots of mistakes, it will challenge you with an easier level and vice-versa. Last night I showed this game to a very fluent colleague of mine. I imagine that tonight’s challenge will be quite hard! The only thing I dislike about it is the fact that each round of words is timed. Timing is fine in exam conditions, but in an exam you are not actively learning. The time/pressure factor is something that I think can stall learning- but I guess that is one of the basics of game playing.

I will have a lot more to say on this topic later in the session. However, here are a few of my thoughts on the Nintendo DS so far.

• Potential-First impression is that these machines will have more potential in the primary sector and probably more of an impact on boys than girls.
• Interactivity- You are actually writing. I found this similar to writing on an interactive white board. You are using hand/eye coordination, not just moving a joy-stick and clicking.
• Communication-They can connect to other DS machines allowing users to communicate and play each other’s games.
• Size-They are compact- anytime anywhere learning.

Twenty years ago I learned my times-tables using a game called Table worms. This was on a BBC computer, in a classroom and it would take about five minutes to warm up. Twenty years on I can individualise my practise of spelling and vocabulary anytime, anywhere and from a hand set!