When it comes to technology, Japan is usually the handsdown winner when it comes to using technology in very innovative ways.

According to a recent report from RegHardware.Co.Uk, the ‘traditional’ English teachers may just be replaced by a Nintendo DS console:

Japanese teachers might feel a little uneasy about their job security, as one of the country’s schools has begun trialling Nintendo’s DS console as a way of teaching kids to read and write English.

According to a report by Reuters, Japan’s education ministry allows schools to decide on which teaching tools to use, whether it’s pencils and textbooks, or interactive games consoles.

The Tokyo Joshi Gakuen all-girls school opted for the DS and has been using the console in classrooms since May, as part of a one-year trial. Students use the console primarily for English vocabulary, penmanship and audio comprehension.

Junko Tatsumi, Vice Principal at the school, said that students are “really concentrating and have fun in gaining skills such as spelling“.

Would you actually follow Japan’s lead and allow your kids to learn something educational from a game console?

Personally, I think that there’s nothing wrong with using the latest technology if it’s an effective way to attract children to learn something educational.

As long as it’s not subject to abuse and the content is strictly monitored, what’s wrong with using a game console or a media player as a fun way to learn?