Here is a list of 15 key functions that highlight these attributes.

1. There is no discernible ‘lag’ between a teacher and multiple students talking to each other
2. The ‘Collect work’ function should be simple and easy to implement.
3. The software should have a file association functionality
4. New student pairing can be added without having to restart the lesson
5. There should be an ‘Automatic Comparative Recording’ (ACR) facility on the student player
6. Students should be able to ‘text chat’ in pairs
7. The software should enable ‘real time’ recording between teacher and student
8. The teacher console should be able to send multiple files to a student desktop
9. The teacher should be able to disable windows from the teacher console to any designated student desktop
10. The student software should have an extensive bookmarking functionality
11. On the student client software extra audio can be added by ‘right click, insert, record’
12. Audio can be easily extracted from video files
13. The teacher interface is simple and easy to use
14. The teacher can control audio files after they have been sent to students
15. The teacher can open and close files for individual students

For more information on the functionality to look for when considering upgrading your language lab technology- download our brochure and benchmarking chart here.

From an education perspective the new handheld device is very different from its predecessor the PlayStation Portable (PSP). The VITA is first and foremost a sophisticated and powerful games console with some very commercial and engaging next generation games content. The PSP was a great and robust media player that played games. That said there will be some great ways that education can use a VITA.

First and foremost, the VITA’s new controls really enhance in the creation and editing of ‘user generated content’ by creating levels in games like LittleBigPlanet2. The front touch screen and rear touch sensitivity, combined with the standard PS3 gaming control buttons makes editing and level creation even more dynamic and engaging. We can see that using the VITA will increase the ability to tailor and edit user generated content in LBP2 with an educational focus. (Please join us on Tuesday 20th March at our Technology Enhanced Learning Conference at Didcot Girls’ School where use of LBP2 and language learning will be presented. You’ll find more information about the event on our website here.) The PS Vita also has a built in augmented reality feature, which although at the moment plays just games will become more adaptive in time.

Secondly there is the inherent range and quality of the device, with its access to playing videos, taking photos, remote play, group messaging, browser, touch screen, PSN, access with PS3, motion sensors, microphone and either wi-fi or 3G connectivity. As more and more practitioners start to use the huge feature set, new ways of collaboration, exchange and accessing media will act as a catalyst to how education can adapt the content and deliver real learning outcomes. Please see the PS Vita in action in the launch video below.

We are pleased to offer the PS Vita to education for £231 +Vat and delivery for wi-fi and 3G mobile version and £189.99 + Vat and delivery for wifi only.

Download the vita training manual here.

Full event details can be found here.

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Teachers and senior managers can evaluate how to use the latest ‘next generation’ Sony technology to improve language learning. Classroom teachers will get a hands-on training session on how our Sony Virtuoso language lab works with rich multimedia content to engage students and enhance language learning. The day long session will showcase the rich features of Sony Virtuoso including reliability, audio quality and accessibility. The training will also show how to take the media created and used in the lab onto student devices like iPads, mobile phones and games consoles.

Our training team will come to your school, college or university and set up a demo suite of laptops. Once set up we will conduct training and deliver a mini language lesson both before and after lunch for students, teachers and senior managers to asess and evaluate.

For more information and to discuss arranging a date please contact info@connectededucation.com   +44(0) 844 800 9375.

To help and support instituitions in evaluating the latest language lab software we have produced a benchmarking chart highlighting technical features and functionality.

Download the brochure and benchmarking chart here.

Please see the full agenda here. Places costs £50 + Vat / delegate.
We are now taking bookings online, please visit our online booking form here.

PlayStation Brings Portable Gaming to Your Doorstep

PlayStation Vita is back on the road and this time we’re hitting Glasgow!
PS Vita Rooms will be arriving in Glasgow on Tuesday 24th January at 211 Sauchiehall Street. The space will be open to the public for one week until Sunday 29th January before touring to London prior to the product’s official launch on the 22nd February 2012.

The PS Vita Rooms comes to Glasgow from Manchester, where a host of celebrities came to check out the new gadget including Tim Westwood who inspired Manchester City’s Mario Balotelli’s to DJ at the space. Other celebs that popped in included Amir Khan, the Happy Monday’s Bez and Manchester United’s Tom Cleverly, Danny Welbeck and Phil Jones.

Visitors to the space in Glasgow will be able to engage with a full program of events, including a live PA by superstar Grime MC, Lethal Bizzle, on Wednesday 25th January. Full details and further announcements will be made on the PlayStation Access Facebook page.

You’ll also be one of the first in the UK to get hands on with this eagerly anticipated console, set to redefine portable gaming. Visitors get the chance to preview some of the PlayStation Vita’s innovative features, including its OLED screen, Dual Analog Sticks, Front and Rear Touchpads and Front and Rear Cameras.

On show will be a full range of titles, including Uncharted: Golden Abyss, Reality Fighters, FIFA Football, Gravity Rush, Little Deviants, ModNation Racers and Wipeout 2048.

Staff will be on hand at the PS Vita Rooms to answer any burning questions you have about the console, and you may even get the chance to meet some of the developers behind these great games!

Want in? Visit Facebook.com/PlayStationAccess for full details. Or if you’re the tweeting type; twitter.com/PSAccess

Community Contact:
@PSAccess
Facebook.com/PlayStationAccess
YouTube.com/PlayStationAccess
accesslive@scee.net

Retailing at £279 incl VAT for the wi-fi and 3G mobile version and £229 incl Vat for wifi only.

Download the vita training manual here.

PlayStation are running hands-on workshop sessions on PS Vita open to anyone to attend. The next sessions run in Manchester 63 Deansgate, dates below. See the PlayStation blog here for more.

PS Vita rooms.

Friday 13th January: 12PM – 8PM
Saturday 14th January: 10AM – 8PM
Sunday 15th January: 10AM – 8PM
Monday 16th January: 12PM – 4PM
Tuesday 17th January: 12PM – 6PM
Wednesday 18th January: 12PM – 8PM

This year we will be joined on stand by our educational partners, delivering exclusive live on stand presentations on Game Based Learning throughout BETT. Find out the most effective game based learning resources available to teach languages, how 3D animation and augmented reality can bring lessons across the curriculum to life, how innovative game based learning strategies and multimedia teacher training can deliver results in your institution.

Game based learning works in education – join us on stand N54 and find out more!

Download our workshops schedule here