Wii Music shows students how to play the dog
by David Hinkle 
{ Jan 13th 2009 at 3:29PM }
Nintendo and MENC are working together with teachers in 51 cities across the United States to implement Wii Music into their lesson plans. "By partnering with educators and bringing Wii Music into their classrooms, we hope to give students a memorable, hands-on experience that helps them discover their own creative voice," said Cammie Dunaway. Executive director of MENC, John J. Mahlmann, agrees, stating "At any grade level, it's essential to provide students with the tools and encouragement they need to be creative."
It's pretty cool, me must admit. Video games never were welcome in the classroom when we were younger, so we're glad that educators are seeing their potential. What's next? Physics professors mapping out the force of Mario stomping on a goomba's head?
Gallery: Wii Music
Looking for more on Wii Music? You can catch an E3 trailer here, read about our time with the game here, and learn how to play the Famicom, banjo, steel drum, handbell, trumpet, timpani, acoustic bass, shamisen, harmonica, cello, harpsichord, cheerleader, saxophone, sitar, cowbell, electric bass, drums, dog, accordion, taiko, clarinet, conga, electric guitar, harp, flute, marching drum, violin, piano, guitar, and marimba.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
meist3r @ Jan 13th 2009 3:37PM
Memorable experience indeed.
"Remember how this weird teacher who didn't even knew how an iPod works made us play this silly Nintendo Music game in school"
-Yeah, but I owned his ass on Expert ...
PyrosNine @ Jan 13th 2009 4:16PM
I actually would like to take a class that covers the physics of Mario, like maybe covering the programmed math that dictates how fast he moves, the force of gravity, and how much upward force should be given by "rebounding" on the goomba's head.
dirt @ Jan 13th 2009 4:27PM
How does National Association for Music Education = MENC? Are you sure you have the right name/acronym?
ROb @ Jan 13th 2009 4:54PM
heck yes! Wii Music is one of the more innovative, challenging, masterpieces of a game to come along in a long time; I'm so glad to see that even though it turned out to be a bit too challenging for the masses, it's still being pushed to shine elsewhere.
Wii Music FTFW!
Justin @ Jan 16th 2009 11:53AM
I've thought for a while now that Wii Sports Golf would be a great tool to teach vector math in a math or physics course. Essentially if you add the wind to the direction and strength (magnitude) of your swing then you get where the ball will hit.
As an English teacher, I'm still at a loss for a good appliction for my Wii in school.
Justin @ Jan 16th 2009 11:57AM
I think I'd like to rephrase that.... as is it sounds obscene...