Using the Nintendo Wii to increase
attainment and engagement
in GCSE coursework
Debbie Leyland
Assistant Director
Science Learning Centre North West
Using Gaming Technologies
in Teaching & Learning
Game play can support valuable skill development
•Strategic thinking
•Planning
•Communication
•Application of numbers
•Negotiating Skills
•Group decision making
•Data handling
Teaching with Games
Futurelab 2007
Teachers…generally reported that using (off the
shelf) games in lessons was motivating…..when
students were using games from their home
environment and when students have some
degree of autonomy in playing the game.
Background and Context of the
Action Research Project
•Low ability year 11 GCSE Applied Science group (sports science)
•Were not expected to perform well in coursework
•12 boys and 3 girls
•Exclusions an issue for the group
•Not usually involved in ‘special projects’
Do not sit down or write!!
Background and Context of the
Action Research Project
The use of video
• Record what was happening in the activities
• Video diary of the research
Can Games
Consoles
Be Good For Your
Health?
Activities/resource pack
developed as a result of the
research
Can Games Consoles
Be Good For Your Health?
It has been reported that playing on the Nintendo
Wii is better for your health than using other
games consoles. Gareth Stratton, Lee Graves and
a team of scientists in Liverpool have actually
conducted an investigation to see if you do use
more energy when playing on a Wii compared to
an XBOX 360. In the box below is what they
concluded.
Conclusion
Playing active computer games (like the Wii) used up
more energy compared with sedentary games (like
the XBOX 360), but not to the same extent as the
really doing the sports. Further research is needed to
find out how much energy is used when playing
active computer games to compare the different
sexes, different age ranges ages, and different
consoles.
This team of scientists decided further work
would be needed to investigate gaming and
energy expenditure, so it is over to you….
Watch the video clip of Lee talking about his work
http://faraday09.theiet.org/wii/leegraves.cfm
You are going to investigate if the Wii increases the
mean heart rate of your class (as an indication of how
much energy you are using) more than other types of
games consoles.
Scientists often look at work done by others to help
them carry out their research. Look at the version of
the Liverpool scientist’s work, which has been adapted
from their original scientific paper, to help you plan
your work. You can use the worksheet to help you.
You may also want to explore the IET Faraday website
for more information.
You have 10 minutes to plan
your investigation in pairs
OR
Shall assume that we have conducted our
preliminary work and planning?
•Get into pairs and pick a number 1 or 2
•Number 1s collect a DS/mobile phone/computer game
e.g.http://www.freearcade.com/TennisChampions.flash/Ten
nisChampions.html
•Number 2s to the front to be in the Wii team
•All take pulse for 15 seconds and record
•Number 1s turn on DS and load a game and sit down when
ready
•When counted in all start gaming
•All take pulse for 15 seconds as soon as Wii game has
stopped and record
•Pool results
•Process and then display data
•What are your conclusions
•Any discussion points ?
Can Games Consoles
Be Good For Your Health?
Results of Action Research
• Hard to use as a full class/time consuming
•Only 8 Miis can be registered on Wii Fit
Can Games Consoles
Be Good For Your Health?
Wii Fit Plus
• Calorie counter
•METs
•Food equivalent
•Memory tasks
Can Games Consoles
Be Good For Your Health?
Results of Action Research
• 8/16 gained a grade C for coursework prior to
external moderation
•Motivation of pupils was increased
•Increase in self esteem, particularly the boys
•Wii trialled in other classes
•Use of video was extended to other contexts
•School will be purchasing own equipment
•Project was positively alluded to in OFSTED
inspection
STEM Careers
(linked to IET Faraday website)
A further section of the resource has
been developed (but not trialled) to
highlight STEM careers, in relation to
the development and uses of Wii
technologies.
Can Games Consoles
Be Good For Your Health?
Please look at the resource
•First draft
•Hints and tips
•Mapping
•Feedback/other suggestions for
activities welcome!
[email protected]