I know what I want for Christmas!
Over the last couple of days, we have been looking at how LTScotland can promote the use of present and future technologies in the classroom. On Monday evening, we had the opportunity to have a go at using some of the latest gaming technology, which was a bit of revelation for me.
I’ve always been slightly suspicious for no apparent reason about using consoles or gaming technology in the classroom, but now I’m completely convinced!
We had the opportunity courtesy of Derek Robertson to look at a few different games and devices, but a couple of games stood out for me.
Todays picture shows Derek and Andrew battling it out in ‘Guitar Hero’ – using a controller shaped like a guitar, you have to hit the right notes and strum at the same time to score points. Not only are you having the most fun possible standing up, but you are improving your rhythm at the same time, using the skills you already may have by playing other games.
The other game that stood out for me again involves music – ‘SingStar’ allowed you to improve your singing ability in a ‘karaoke’esque environment. Singing into a microphone, you sing along while the screen displays how accurate your pitch is in real time, and how accurate your sustaining of notes is in relation to the original track. Not only is this brilliant fun, but you are subconsciously encouraged to try harder to improve your performance.
Why is this important? Well, this brings the playstation into the classroom. A playstation and ‘Guitar Hero’ or ‘SingStar’ is significantly cheaper than a computer. Your kids will love it, and they will be learning too. Now that’s cool.
Want to know more about using gaming technology in the classroom? Check out Dereks blog.
NOTE: I’m posting this from the office – for the last five minutes I have been trying to add in the links to both of these games, but am being denied access to do so, even though I have unfiltered access – go figure… I will now be requesting that these site be granted access!
