Handheld Games consoles
Sony Playstation Portable
So a games device can be used for learning? Of course - especially if the games device is the Sony Playstation Portable (PSP) as it has a superb selection of tools to use for learning and the management of learning.
A Sony PSP has many features: the Photo Gallery contains jpg images that can be viewed very well on the 4.3 inch size screen with 16:9 widescreen display. The Video Player shows MP4 videos and they too look impressive on the wide screen. But most of all the device's capability is dramatically improved with the addition of the Go!Cam – the USB camera turns the passive holder of images into a device that allows capture. The Go!Cam is a 1.3 megapixel device that simply screws into the USB slot on the top of the device.
Not only does a Sony PSP hold images but also sound files in MP3 format can be transferred onto the device. When attached to a computer the Sony PSP is regarded as a separate memory drive and therefore MP3 files can be transferred easily from your favorite store of music or voice recordings in MP3 format. Of course the Go!Cam camera device could be turned downwards – and be used as a voice recorder, albeit in mp4 format. Why not watch the YouTube video that shows you how to use the Go!Cam on your Sony PSP. (you might want to turn the sound off or down initially)
Did you know that the software, Sony Talkman, allows you to plug in a USB microphone and talk into the interactive language translator? It acts as a basic phrase book, has various currency converters, world clocks and alarms as well as voice memo facility.
The Sony PSP device can be connected to the Internet using 802.11b wireless LAN (WiFi) connectivity allowing you to surf, check web-based emails, pick up RSS feeds and podcasts. In order to find a website you will find the text entry input method a little tricky or disappointing and as yet Sony has not developed a specific Sony PSP keyboard. One should be announced in early 2009. However, many enthusiasts do not see this as a barrier and connect a PDA USB keyboard successfully.
Navigation around a website or document also requires you to develop the skill in using the joystick and keystrokes but with the advantage of the wide 4.3 inch inch screen the Sony PSP makes for a better experience than using a small screen on a mobile phone.
So what else can you do with a Sony PSP? E-Books saved as jpg images, Flash based games, Hot Potatoes quizzes saved as html pages. Try the How To section to see how to create these types of activities.
Nintendo DS - DSLite and DSi
The Nintendo DS devices have been used widely in mobile learning projects. With over 1500 games available for the DS devices, many of which can be used to engage, motivate and teach learners new skills, Brain Training is by far the most popular but other games can be used to develop different skills. The Nintendo DSi now offers players a great number of activities including the opportunity to play games. New DSi games can be purchased or some downloaded and even games on other people’s devices can be shared.
The Nintendo DSi has 2 cameras with 0.3 megapixel resolution, simple sound recording, mp3 playback, image manipulation, games and Internet Connectivity. It does not support video playback. In order to connect to the Internet the free Nintendo browser must be downloaded initially then access to the web is via its built-in 802.11b/g Wi-Fi. On both DS devices the PictoChat software allows up to 16 devices in a local area network to be connected so you can draw, write and send messages wirelessly to each other.
Nintendo Wii
The Nintendo Wii is primarily a games console with handsets to allow the user to engage in games such as sporting, racing or fighting games. You do this by waving or moving the handheld controllers – the same action as throwing a bowling ball, fighting another boxer, or driving. But how is it being used for learning?
Lilian Soon's blog gives you ideas how to use the Wii with learners but also talks about the practical issues getting the Wii connected to the Internet using a USB dongle.
WiiFit – is the latest game or interactive experience that allows the player to engage in activities by standing on a surface and moving the body according to instructions on the screen. It works well for able-bodied players; to help maintain an element of fitness and at the same time incorporate numeracy using calculations of weights and scores.
Less able or wheelchair-bound players can still engage in a fitness routine, suitable for their ability, using the standard Wii and the game called Wii Sports that includes boxing, tennis, golf and bowling. So learners can have fun at the same time!