Nintendo Unveils Nintendo DS Classroom

Image showing a teacher interacting with a student using the new system.

Nintendo and Sharp System Products announced today Nintendo DS Classroom, a new educational system targeting elementary, junior high and high school students.

Known as "Nintendo DS Kyoushitsu" in its native Japanese, the new system pairs up the DS with a PC. Teachers make use of software on the PC to interact via Wi-Fi with students through their individual DS, DS Lite or DSi units that have been equipped with a Nintendo DS Classroom cartridge. The system allows a single PC to interact with up to 50 DS units. Everything is handled locally, so no internet connection is required.

Nintendo detailed a few sample uses. The system can be used for interactive tests, where student responses are reflected in real time on the teacher's computer. Teachers can also send students multiple sample problem sets, with the software automatically checking answers. Teachers can conduct surveys of students, with responses tabulated and charted in real time on the teacher's computer.

Outside of multiple choice, the stylus can be put to use for free response questions. Images of student responses are sent back to the teacher's computer.

Nintendo says that it developed the Nintendo DS Classroom program as part of its continued efforts to expand the DS beyond just a game device. The company notes that the pairing of PC and DS differentiates the new system from previous school-oriented educational software.

Sharp System Products is developing educational content using the Nintendo-developed system, and will handle sales, set-up and support. A press release from the two firms noted that Sharp has experience in student educational systems,

First products for the service will be available in February 2010. Sharp plans on offering around 60 applications covering kanji, math, civics, physics, and history.

Outside of the pre-made content, teachers will be able to create their own educational materials using a simple spreadsheet interface.

The press release does not specify this, but it appears that this system is one facet of the new program reported on in the Nihon Keizai Shumbun in late April. The Nikkei article also detailed non-school uses, including a museum guide that's already on test in Kyoto.

Education professionals will be able to get a glimpse at the system in advance at the New Education Expo 2009 event in Osaka on June 17 and June 18 and at e-Learning World in Tokyo from August 5 through August 7.