The success of games such as Dr Kawashima's Brain Training and Big Brain Academy had led to a plethora of other bandwagon titles that have not quite hit the mark in terms of long term engagement with, and desire to succeed within the game . However, My Word Coach from Ubisoft is one that in my opinion has managed to do for language what Brain Training does for Maths. I have been playing it for a few weeks now and find that for the 20-25 minutes that I play this everyday not only am I challenged but I am also developing my vocabulary. Have a quick look at the game:
I hope to be sourcing quite a few copies of this title so that I can have a look at using it in a S2 or S3 class. It really is quite a challenge and one that really appeals to me. I am making quite good progress at the moment but I do wonder how a 14/15 year old boy or girl may react to some of the puzzles that you just can't help but get stuck with.
Ubisoft have also brought out two Moder Foreign Language titles: My French Coach and My Spanish Coach. There are also sister titles to these games that take you beyond the beginner level. DS Fan Boy had written a good review of My French Coach but here is a quick look at My Spanish Coach:
Again, I hope to be putting one or all, of these titles in schools to see how they can support the learning of a foreign langauage. I'll have more to say about these games once I've had a chance to play them. One last thing, all these games are available for DS or Wii.
In the meantime hasta la vista or even à bientôt!
That's really interesting - thanks! Since purchasing my Nintendo DS (for educational purposes, honest, after listening to Ewan McIntosh!!) I've been playing around with Brain Training in Spanish, but this looks like something else to investigate.
Posted by: Lisa | December 20, 2007 at 10:12 PM
HMV at Fort Kinnard have DS's in stock! Guess who will be playing My WOrd Coach on Christmas day!?!
8-)
Posted by: Tess Watson | December 21, 2007 at 06:28 PM
Derek,
My Word Coach is another great educational game for the DS. I look forward to comparing scores with you when we get back to work in January.
Laurie
Posted by: Laurie O'Donnell | December 23, 2007 at 09:35 PM
Derek,
My Word Coach is another great educational game for the DS. I look forward to comparing scores with you when we get back to work in January.
Laurie
Posted by: Laurie O'Donnell | December 23, 2007 at 09:36 PM
Derek/Laurie,
Make sure you bring your DS's to BETT!
I challenge you both!
:-)
Posted by: Tess Watson | December 24, 2007 at 12:52 AM
Bring it on Tess! What a game though eh?
Posted by: Derek Robertson | December 27, 2007 at 02:44 PM