Nintendo reveals specialized DS software for classrooms

by JC Fletcher { Jun 10th 2009 at 4:00PM }

Japanese schools have integrated the Nintendo DS into their curricula before, but now there is a program specifically designed for that use. Demonstrating its commitment to make the DS a multifunctional lifestyle device, Nintendo announced a new educational program being made in collaboration with Sharp System Products. The DS Kyoushitsu ("DS Classroom") program allows a teacher to use a PC to interface over local wireless with up to 50 DS systems in a classroom.

The system can be used for problem sets, with the answers checked automatically and sent to the teacher's PC, surveys, tests, and other multiple-choice activities. In addition, non-multiple-choice questions can be answered by writing or drawing on the DS's touch screen, with screen images sent to the teacher.

The program can be used with any DS, so presumably it's up to schools whether or not they need to provide hardware. We're pretty sure Japanese school kids have easy access to DS systems already.

[Via Andriasang]

Tags: ds-classroom, education, edugaming, japan, sharp-system-products

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Stix Remix @ Jun 10th 2009 4:16PM

I would totally go back to school for this.

Breloom @ Jun 10th 2009 7:02PM

yeah I know! The only problem would be more headaches... or at least for me...
the longer i stare at the screen the worse my head will start to hurt! And i'm sure parenst won't be to pleased when their kids come home whinning twice as much as normal.

RupeeClock @ Jun 10th 2009 7:26PM

If hackers obtain the software meant for Teachers, this means they may be able to transfer ANY data to a Nintendo DS system.
There's a lot of hacking potential here.

Besides, this idea is stupid to begin with, what's to stop a student from having their DS in clear view, and playing games rather than solving problems?
Well, solving problems in Zelda maybe.

Feba @ Jun 10th 2009 9:20PM

Yeah, and what about these calculators people can program games onto, or books they could hide comics in?

Really, people have been using school required things to screw around for as long as there's been schools.

The DS as a technology has some brilliant potential educational uses. It's relatively cheap, already mass produced and widely available, and provides capabilities that similarly priced purpose-made things can't really do.

chispito @ Jun 11th 2009 1:02AM

First of all, the article doesn't say whether the client the kids are running is pushed out wirelessly or if there is a dedicated cartridge for it. I would figure the latter, since that means they can charge more for it.

As to your other concern, I think the assumption is that the server program the instructor is running would indicate how many of the DSes were connected (and hence running the appropriate software).

Abbii @ Jun 10th 2009 7:57PM

This could be a great teaching tool. Teachers could ask the class a question, and instead of calling on one student to answer, every student would have to participate. Their answers could be tracked and a teacher could have a good idea of who is "getting" a particular concept in real time.

I started noticing little remotes similar to Buzz controllers assigned for certain classes in the college bookstore a few years ago for this purpose. I think the DS is a better way of handling it.

Tim @ Jun 10th 2009 9:27PM

This is a gold mine for Nintendo and GameStop, seeing how DS units (new and used combined) will sell.

Heck, Nintendo of America can check out a Washington State small town as its first American guinea pig.

S. Tiger @ Jun 11th 2009 9:12AM

I say they use Elgin, Texas as their guinea pig. Dr. Phil claimed it to be "Small Town USA", most intelligent people claim it to be "The Asshole of Education", and everyone else calls it the Sausage Capital of Texas.

Josh @ Jun 10th 2009 10:43PM

Awesome.

ese150 @ Jun 11th 2009 3:20PM

I agree!

chispito @ Jun 11th 2009 1:04AM

I assume this requires the instructor's PC to have the wireless USB dongle.

Backslash @ Jun 11th 2009 3:34PM

It only does multiple choice, but the ubiquitous college clicker's been in business for a while now. I guess it'll still be a nice aside for the NDS, though.

ehaleen @ Jun 13th 2009 1:53AM

As a teacher, I can see the uses in this. Still it is ONLY a tool not a substitute for actual teaching.

Also Americans seem to think that Japan is this highly technological country, not really true. Outside of the greater Tokyo area and perhaps Osaka also its resembles a third world nation. I taught English in a rural school and i was given access to a Apple Macintosh LCIII (go 33 Mhz, 512 MB Ram) and a Black and White TV with dials... It was easily from the early 80s and was probably older than I am.