Sony PSP to educate inner-city kids

Finally, a news outside gaming that does not include criminals blaming their video gaming addiction for their acts of violence. What we have here is a report about Sony launching an ambitious new project that aims to use the PlayStation Portable as a tool of education in inner-city schools.

The project was initiated by Lorna Diprose, a former Sony marketing employee who switched careers to teaching almost three years ago. She noticed that games sparked the interest of her students, and she contacted her friends over at Sony and made some arrangements.

The PSPs won’t see any gaming action in the Holyhead high school where Diprose teaches – at least not in the way that we’re all used to. The PSPs will be confined in the Birmingham, Alabama campus with special programs that will facilitate the learning of French, history and geography lessons.

“This is very exciting” says head teacher Martin Bayliss. “It’s not about using the console for games, but it does have a lot of exciting potential for learning opportunities.” Diprose agrees adding that “the console is just like a mini-computer, but fast, and you can use it to tailor-make lessons for pupils who need support or stretching.”

The pilot testing of the project is already underway and will be assessed in the summer. We wonder if they’re still accepting enrollees?

Via ICBirmingham

Finally, a news outside gaming that does not include criminals blaming their video gaming addiction for their acts of violence. What we have here is a report about Sony launching an ambitious new project that aims to use the PlayStation Portable as a tool of education in inner-city schools.

The project was initiated by Lorna Diprose, a former Sony marketing employee who switched careers to teaching almost three years ago. She noticed that games sparked the interest of her students, and she contacted her friends over at Sony and made some arrangements.

The PSPs won’t see any gaming action in the Holyhead high school where Diprose teaches – at least not in the way that we’re all used to. The PSPs will be confined in the Birmingham, Alabama campus with special programs that will facilitate the learning of French, history and geography lessons.

“This is very exciting” says head teacher Martin Bayliss. “It’s not about using the console for games, but it does have a lot of exciting potential for learning opportunities.” Diprose agrees adding that “the console is just like a mini-computer, but fast, and you can use it to tailor-make lessons for pupils who need support or stretching.”

The pilot testing of the project is already underway and will be assessed in the summer. We wonder if they’re still accepting enrollees?

Via ICBirmingham