Does the Nintendo DS have a role as a learning platform? For over twenty years computers have been used for drill-and-review of math and spelling. Disney, Learning Company, Knowledge Adventure and others have transitioned from computer to dedicated portable systems like Leapfrog, and onto the internet. What about the Nintendo DS? Perhaps, but Crave’s $19.99 spelling program doesn’t make the case very well.
First, there is no option for a parent to enter or select words that a child needs practice on for school. When playing, the child must “read” a word which flashes on the screen and then, after it has vanished, spell it back. The program would be more valuable if the word was spoken. The game also gives a sense of needing better localization. For example, “footballer” is not a word many nine year olds are likely to know. The biggest problem, however, is the game’s reliance on a child’s ability to “read” under pressure. Since there is no way to pre-select what words are going to appear, the game makes assumptions about the child’s reading level as well as their spelling ability. This is a good idea for a program, but one that seems to have gotten to market without sufficient educational guidance at the design level.
