Pioneering Computer Games in School Project to be Extended

A GROUNDBREAKING study looking at the impact of a brain training computer game on learning is to be extended across Scotland.

Learning and Teaching Scotland, the body responsible for the development of the curriculum and for exploring the use of ICT in education, is to widen its research project looking at the effect of Nintendo's More Brain Training from Dr Kawashima on pupils' maths ability.

More than 900 pupils and 32 schools across the country will be involved in the project, which will begin in April.

A small-scale study carried out with P5-P6 pupils in Dundee's St Columba's Primary School by LTS last year found a daily dose of the computer game helped improve pupils' attainment in maths and their concentration and behaviour levels.

The pupils were given a maths test at the beginning and then they used More Brain Training from Dr Kawashima on the Nintendo DS for 20 minutes at the start of each day for 10 weeks. It featured challenges including reading tests, problem-solving exercises and memory puzzles designed to exercise the brain.

They were then tested again and the results showed a 10% average increase compared to before the experiment. The average time taken to complete the tests also dropped from 17 minutes to 13 minutes and 19 seconds. Some children halved the time it took to complete the test while maintaining or improving their score. There was also a notable improvement in the pupils' behaviour and concentration during the study.

LTS is now working with Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education and the University of Dundee to carry out a larger pilot of the scheme.

Sixteen schools will use the game every morning while another 16 will act as the control group.

Derek Robertson, LTS Development Officer for games-based learning, said: 'LTS is committed to exploring and developing new technology to support learning and teaching in the 21st century.

'Game-based learning can provide dynamic and culturally relevant contexts that engage, motivate and challenge today's young learner.

'The initial pilot project that used the Nintendo DS and Dr Kawashima produced fascinating results. Not only was there a marked and significant improvement in attainment in mental maths but there was also an improvement in concentration levels, behaviour and self-regulation in the learning process. It will be interesting to see how this applies on a larger scale.

'LTS and Scotland are at the cutting edge of games-based learning in education, with educationalists in Italy, USA, Singapore and Germany interested in the findings of the project.'

The study will start in April and run to June. Authorities taking part in the pilot are Dundee, East Ayrshire, Aberdeenshire and the Western Isles.

LTS's Scottish Centre for Games and Learning explores the range of games technologies available, looking at how they can have a positive influence on education. It offers teachers and others involved in education the opportunity to get hands-on access to resources and to discuss the place of games in their class, school or local authority.

ENDS

Contact:
Lee-Ann Fullerton, Press Officer,
T: 0141 282 5036
M: 07973512453
Learning and Teaching Scotland
The Optima, 58 Robertson Street, Glasgow, G2 8DU
www.LTScotland.org.uk

Notes to Editors

>1. LTS is the body responsible for the development and support of the curriculum in Scotland including exploring, promoting and developing new technology in education.

2. More information on games-based learning and interviews with the pupils and teachers involved in the initial project can be found at www.LTScotland.org.uk/ictineducation/gamesbasedlearning

3. Images are available on request.

4. Schools taking part are:

Western Isles - Stornoway Primary School, Laxdale Primary School, Tong Primary School, Back Primary School

Dundee - Charleston Primary School, St Clement's Primary School, Fintry Primary School, Lochee Primary School

East Ayrshire - Hillhead Primary School, Patna Primary School, Bellefield Primary School, New Farm Primary School

Aberdeenshire - Tarves Primary School, Strichen Primary School, Monquhitter Primary School, Kinellar Primary School, Kellands Primary School, Hill of Banchory Primary School, Drumoak Primary School, Central Primary School, Banff Primary School, Aberchirder Primary School

Stuartfield Primary School, Strathburn Primary School, St Combs Primary School, South Park Primary School, Markethill Primary School, Longside Primary School, Fyvie Primary School, Fraserburgh North Primary School, Bervie Primary School, Alehousewells Primary School and Nursery