PlayStation potential to learning

The head teacher of a Northumberland school is examining ways of using the PlayStation games console as a learning tool for teenagers.

Ged Lee, from Hirst High School, in Ashington, has been in talks with manufacturer Sony, as well as education experts at Liverpool University.

Mr Lee hopes to develop programs which will stimulate learning.

The project began after he found most students had access to a PlayStation but few had a computer at home.

'Very motivational'

In September, pupils will test a new game called Astroversity in which they have to negotiate a space station which has been hit by a disaster.

Players will need to develop some knowledge of science, as well as teamwork, to succeed.

Mr Lee said: "We did a survey in the school catchment area and found that, where computer ownership was normally around 70%, in our area it was as low as 20%. But virtually everyone had a PlayStation.

"It occurred to us that using the PlayStations would be very motivational to young people, particularly disaffected youngsters who might not go to school or learn well while they were there."

The consoles can be fitted with keyboards and can be linked to the internet, and Mr Lee hopes pupils will do their homework on their consoles.