What is the VTech VSmile?     

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This technology resource information was created by:Emillee Lemmon, Matt Tafe and Jaclyn Boccuti

What is your technology?  Vtech V.Smile

What does it do? The Vtech V.Smile TV Learning System is an interactive, educational TV gaming system developed especially for children between 3-7 years of age. The package includes the console game system, one joystick, and the Alphabet Park game.

How does it work? It is plugged into a T.V. and different games are selected to play. Most of the games are educational and children can use the buttons to select different things and use the joystick to move.

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Additional Materials: There are many different materials that can be used for the Vsmile. One controller comes with the gaming system but if there is a need for more they must be purchased. There are also many different games that can be purchased for the V.Smile. 

How much does it cost? The game system comes with a controller and one game and it costs $59.99. The games range from $19.99-$24.99, and an extra controller is $19.99. 

Where can you obtain one?A V.Smile can be bought online on Vtechkids.com, and it can also be bought at various stores such as Target or Walmart. 

What do reviews about this product say? Most reviews are positive, most children love the product, the games are educational, its entertaining, and very durable. Some of the cons are the games are too expensive, the graphics could be better, and the wireless controller goes through batteries quickly.

How is it used for teaching learning? The V.Smile is used for teaching learning by having children play the different games it has to offer. Many of the games help children learn their numbers, abc's and many more things.  

Are there any grants or educator discounts? There are currently no grants or educator discounts available for the V. Smile but if you buy it from http://www.vtechkids.com/shop.cfm/V.Smile/?gclid=CIbs8ZPb9qcCFYS8KgodXV2caA you will save $10.

Articles on applications in education: http://www.fun-educational-toys.com/editorial_reviews/vtech_vsmile_rv1.php, http://www.ehow.com/info_7955543_vtech-preschool-learning-products.html.

List of best practices for use of this technology in education: The V.Smile is used for learning the alphabet, Learning numbers and how to count, learning how to spell, and learning about science.  

Lesson Plan: Teachers can incorporate the V.Smile in a lesson when they are teaching children about the alphabet, numbers, how to spell different words, and different things about science. 

Cautions/Dangers in using the product?:There are currently no cautions or dangers using the V.Smile.

How does/ Will this technology impact education?:The V.Smile impacts education because it helps students learn in a fun way. Children tend to not even know they are learning when they are playing with the V.Smile. If teachers use this technology in their classroom, children will want to use it and learn more.