Project Natal Thinking Inside the XBox
Think Facebook offers students endless way to connect with each other? Just wait until you see Project Natal, which Microsoft unveiled at the E3 Expo recently. The brainiacs at Microsoft appear to be swinging for the fences (and are apparently huge fans of Minority Report) with this new technology that essentially is hands-free and voice activated. Project Natal, which will be compatible with the XBox 360 gaming system, allows users to play video games without controllers, connect with friends on live video feeds on the internet, and, well, the possibilities aren't even fully realized yet. Plus, if Steven Spielberg is excited, then you know it is something big.
Already there has been buzz on blogs about the possibilities for medical students using it to simulate surgeries. If the technology can be used by doctors, then why not educators? First up, it is an excellent way for students to network with each other in this already social network-driven society. For students who cannot make it into the classroom or for long-distance learning, educators can connect and give lessons via the video feed.
Professional development webinars and conferences can be conducted from the comfort of an educator's living room. And for those who support integrating video games and simulations into the classroom, it appears your argument just got stronger. With the limited amount of information Microsoft has released about Project Natal, it is hard to even fathom what can be done using the technology, but it may be wonderful for students and educators alike. Plus, when you're done with the education part, you don't even have to move to jump into a game of Halo.
What ways do you think Project Natal can be used for educational purposes?
This will certainly change revolutionalise the entire teaching and learning experience. As educators, we must seriously re-think of the way we teach using these new technologies
Posted by: Vee Chan | June 13, 2009 at 11:29 AM
This is great.... I'm in
Posted by: Patricia Mckenzie | June 16, 2009 at 12:40 PM
This is something every gamer would be looking forward to. I have always been loyal to playing world of warcraft but once Microsoft launches Project Natal, my Death Knight would definitely take a break. ^^
Posted by: warcraft gold | June 18, 2009 at 03:34 AM
Wow! This sounds amazing! The kids will really get a kick out of using their imagination to come up with ways in which to use this new technology.
Posted by: Erin | July 03, 2009 at 12:51 AM
This will certainly change revolutionalise the entire teaching and learning experience. As educators, we must seriously re-think of the way we teach using these new technologies
Posted by: darkfallonline gold | July 07, 2009 at 02:52 AM