Sony Hopes LittleBigPlanet Will Help Kids Do Homework

[Tom Goldman]

Sony Hopes LittleBigPlanet Will Help Kids Do Homework

Media Molecule is releasing a pack of LittleBigPlanet 2 levels that are focused on educating children.

Sony evidently has a new initiative in the works that will hopefully see the PlayStation 3 used as a learning tool in schools. The first step in the initiative is Media Molecule's LittleBigPlanet 2 [http://www.amazon.com/LittleBigPlanet-2-Playstation-3/dp/B002I0K780/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1300292340&sr=8-1] "Teacher Pack," a set of levels designed for educational purposes.

MCV reports that the levels in the pack will feature "instructions for teachers and demonstrations of National Curriculum-based in-game levels that other teachers have made." They'll use the PlayStation Move [http://www.amazon.com/PlayStation-Move-Starter-Bundle-3/dp/B002I0J4NE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1300292347&sr=8-1] motion controller to help give a visual representation of subjects within topics such as mathematics.

PlayStation Move can reportedly track distances, calculate speeds, and perform other useful actions. Sony feels these abilities in a physics-based game like LittleBigPlanet can be a boon within the educational world.

SCEE senior VP Ray Maguire called devices like the PS3 and PSP "sophisticated media players" that have the capability to display "video, audio and web-based lessons," and doesn't think they should only be considered videogame consoles. "I think there is a great case for a national Digital Curriculum to complement the existing Curriculum," he added. The "Teacher Pack" is planned for release in May 2011.

Source: MCV [http://www.mcvuk.com/news/43510/Sony-gives-schools-homework]

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[Onyx Oblivion]

National Curriculum based levels?

Shit, if this is based off the US educational system's standards, these levels would be lucky to teach a kid "1 + 2 = 4"

 

[Roboto]

Because American public schools can afford PS3s.

 

[nebtheslayer95]

I would love this, but I doubt it would help anybody past grade 2 or 3. my calc class really wont benefit from this I'm guessing

 

[alrekr]

Well I think Media Molecule is British so it will be the British National Curriculum: but I doubt any schools in Blighty; except the posh toffs in private school can afford books let alone ps3's

 

[Trogdor1138]

This is a cool idea, I hope it makes a profit for them and get's used by some teachers though, which I'm not really sure about realistically :/

 

[megs1120]

Woah, so, Little Big Planet could be their generation's Oregon Trail?

 

[hansari]

Quick Sackboy!! We need to figure out which of the following molecules has an sp3 hybridized carbon before the evil Czar escapes!!!

 

[Jumplion]

National Curriculum based levels?

Shit, if this is based off the US educational system's standards, these levels would be lucky to teach a kid "1 + 2 = 4"

Zing!

OT: Looks cool, though I'd think the cost of getting a PS3 in the first place would make it rather difficult to get this thing in the curriculum.

 

[danhere]

Is releasing this at the end of the school year really a wise marketing move?

 

[InfiniteJacuzzi]

I'd rather not have one of my favorite games turned into Leap Frog.

 

[Theesacpee90]

I don't know about advancing your education, but you know...this game is dope on the move!

 

[Swifteye]

Because American public schools can afford PS3s.

My school in south carolina can afford touch screen marker boards. They still didn't pay teachers well though...