Tech and Education

One of the favorite topics I’ve explored while getting my Masters in Education, has been the use of technology.  Most parents and schools have computers and various educational games. 

However, I’ve found my favorite “tech ed” resources are made by Nintendo.  First, we have a Wii with the fit board.  Will also has a Wii in the after school program he works for at our local elementary school.  Sometimes he borrows our games to bring down.

Wii is a great system for physical fitness, learning sports and music.  All those Wii sports games including golfing, Frisbee, even archery; teach adults and children alike some of the rules and motions behind sports.  I also like that they’re more interactive then say, Madden on your PS3 (though Will does own that too).  There’s something about getting up and doing something that goes beyond normal video games when it comes to education.

Wii also has a lot of the music related games, such as Rock Band.  I learned to play the drums (to a small degree) playing Rock Band.  The older versions aren’t 100% accurate to real instruments, but they teach rhythm.  A friend of mine owns a guitar lesson business and can instantly tell which kids have played Guitar Hero and which ones haven’t.  Now they even have new games with real guitars, which teach chords as well.  It’s just amazing.

I’m also desperately in love with my DS.  The DS has even more great educationally oriented games.  When I bought it, I started with My French Coach and some of the cooking games.  Of course I bought Super Mario Bros, but the fact that I have logged just as many hours learning French as I have jumping on turtles says something.

The thing that makes these games so playable is they’re fun.  I’ve learned more French playing the game that I ever did in college language classes.  I’ve also remembered more of it.  The games are interesting and they keep you playing.  For kids or adults, the ability for an educational tool to hold attention is crucial.

You can see here (please excuse all the dog hair, I’m dying from shame), we have great cooking games, Brain Age and the Walking game - which included 2 pedometers and will meter your daily activity, store it in the game and set activity goals.  I was surprised how much walking you’ll do with a day at the mall, or just around the house.  It even has a feature for using the pedometer on your dog.

Finally, one of my favorite games lately, which I’m really impressed with has been Art Academy.  While I consider myself a talented photographer, I have zero ability when it comes to drawing, painting, sculpting, etc.  This game starts you off easy, introducing different pencils, paints, brushes and techniques until you build up a decent understanding of art.

You see that wave below?  I painted it!  Me.  You have no idea how shocking and amazing that is.

I also drew this pepper using my fancy little stylus.  I could have never done this without a little on screen guy explaining the process and showing examples.

This program also has a free paint feature where you can use photos taken with a DSi as reference.  I only have a DS Lite, but it makes me want to upgrade.

I’m so impressed with what I’ve learned, I feel so confident I even went out and bought real canvases and paint.

If you have kids, teach, learn, I suggest spending the time to invest in either a DS or a Wii or both.  They are just amazing, and at $10 and $20, a lot of the educational games are fairly inexpensive.

Shasta Betty

I don’t work for Nintendo.  They don’t give me anything for writing about this.  Other than my Club Nintendo membership, they don’t know who I am or that I’m writing this blog.  I just really like their stuff and I think it was worth talking about.