The Nintendo DSis were initially requested by our school ICT Committee, which is a group of about 50 pupils from P1 to P7 which meets once a month. One of the aims of the ICT Committee is to increase the use and variety of ICT to support learning and pupils felt that using the equipment could help them to improve their learning, particularly their mental maths agility. The ICT committee trained each other and staff on how to use the nintendo DSis and discussed ways that they could be used in class. The equipment was then timetabled for each class in the school. These are just a couple of examples of how the DSis were used to engage learners and enhance the teaching and learning experience.

Primary 1 used the DSis to practise their addition facts to 10.

Primary 6 and 7 worked collaboratively and used the DSis to improve their spelling skills.

‘We scrambled words and wrote a message to our partner on pictochat. Our partner unscrambled the word and sent it back.’ P6/7 pupil

To gauge the response of staff and pupils to the use of the Nintendo DSis and their  impact on teaching and learning the staff responsible for the ICT Committee issued evaluations. All evaluations were very positive and all staff commented on the positive impact using the equipment had on the learning experience and stated that it was a powerful tool in engaging all pupils actively in their learning. For example, “I used it during maths. It was good for quick practice addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. My support group enjoyed it and they were able to answer questions mentally which they wouldn’t normally answer orally.”P5 teacher.

“I liked braintraining because it is a fun way to learn lots of different things in different ways.” P4 pupil

As a staff, we felt it would be beneficial to widen the learning experiences offered to our children through the use of ICT, particularly in the area of maths.  As a result, we decided to ‘trial’ the use of DS consoles, during mental maths time, with some of our P4-7s.

All children responded very positively to the use of these in class. The children were very excited at the prospect of using the DSis. Since only a few children in each class had never used a DSi, initial instruction in their use was straightforward and the more experienced users were able to support the others.

The equipment was used to motivate learners and to develop skills in maths through the Brain Training activities. The main purpose of using the DSis with our children was to support them in developing mental agility in order to assist and improve their work in numeracy. The nature of the games in the Brain Training programme helped the children to do this. This was particularly evident during quick fire multiplication, addition and subtraction games used in whole class or group situations.  In some classes, the children recorded their scores and set themselves personal targets to meet. They were also used at other times of the school day/week and had a positive impact on behaviour for many children.

I would recommend the use of DSis in order to support and develop mental agility. The children enjoyed trying to improve their brain ages and responded positively to the challenge that the game presented.

Overall, the DSis were a powerful motivational tool for nearly all children and a positive experience for all staff who used them.

Mrs McLaughlin

During this term we have been using the Nintendo DSi as part of our active maths. Primary 4 children have particularly enjoyed having them as part of the lesson and are finding ways to challenge themselves.  Other classes have borrowed the equipment and children are making very positive comments.  It is encouraging to witness children actively engaged in their learning.  Many thanks

Primary 6/7 pupils made some comments:-

” The DS has great games to help you learn better” Saffa

“The DS is a fun and enjoyable way to learn” Ciaran

“The DS helps you learn in a fun way, it is better”  Martin

“They help with maths and because of the technology you want to use it more”

Rachael

“The DS was great, helped speed up my maths”  James

Thank you for allowing us to make maths fun, Ann Le Blond P6/7 teacher.

As part of a whole school topic on animals our Primary 2/3 class wanted to use the Nintendogs game on the Nintendo DS. The class used the game mainly at Golden Time. This was good as the smaller number meant that the teacher could circulate and help where necessary. The children needed little help and were very good at using the technology. The games were very motivational and helped initiate discussions based on animals and their care.

The Primary 6 class also used Nintendo Brain Training as an activity in Maths. The children really enjoyed using the game and again the biggest benefit that it had was in motivating the children. The children wanted to improve their brain ages and liked the challenge that the game presented. They were completing mental maths challenges in a fun and interactive way that really gripped their attention and didn’t make them feel like they were really working!