If you have a Nintendo DS then you may have access to a game called Big Brain Academy. If you do and you have a circle of friends or family who own DSs then you are in for a treat. Have a look...
In case you didn't know you can share a demo of this game with other DS users and once this is done you can go into 'versus' mode. This allows you yo play in a group with up to 8 players where you are all wirelessly connected and competing to reach the agreed brain weight before everyone the other players. Each player gets to choose a game from one of the 5 areas and there battle commences. We were playing it today and it was fantastic. It's superb playing on your own and wanting to beat the game but the added competitive element really added spice and an extra degree of focus to the game play.
I have recently began a small scale research project that is looking at Doctor Kawashima's Brain Training in a P6 class in Dundee (more of this to follow). I was always taken with this game because of its content but the game design offers a degree of structure that I believe could work with teachers in Scottish classrooms. I was torn between choosing Big Brain Academy and Kawashima but chose the latter because of the structure issue.
I am still happy with this decision, however, the group competition aspect of Big Brain Academy is opening up my eyes to new possibilities about how this game can be applied in schools. The school who are working with the Kawashima project also have 4 copies of Big Brain Academy and they are thinking about using this with their learning support teachers and children. Cognitive development, self-esteem raising and group affirming, some ways in which this game appears to be able to make an impact. This is yet another 'commercial off the shelf' game that has real scope for use in our classrooms...and, they are bringing out a version for the Wii. Can't wait to see that.
Hi Derek,
If there are any dates in particular where you're heading to the school - and there aren't too many adults hanging around already - I would love to come along. This is the kind of social interaction I enjoy through the web but with a group of people you can actually see and hear. Beats webcams, for sure!
Posted by: Ewan McIntosh | February 01, 2007 at 07:18 PM
We had quite a few youngsters with DSs on our recent 24 coach journey to ski in Italy. I think The Big Brain Academy was one of their favorites for wireless fun.
Posted by: Robert Jones | February 01, 2007 at 07:41 PM
Robert,
Did you have a go? Great way to challenge the kids and beat them at 'their' game...that is if you can.
Posted by: hotmilkydrink | February 01, 2007 at 09:00 PM
I've just been out to buy a DS. Your blog is costing me a fortune! :-)
Posted by: OllieBray | February 03, 2007 at 04:00 PM