It's actually probably a good thing classes where you can use a Nintendo DS weren't around when I was still in school. Because knowing me, I'd probably be popping out the classwork and shoving in a copy of Ouendan 2 or a Puzzle Quest or something. I definitely wouldn't be doing the work probably. However, the Japanese apparently do actually do the work, and are thus seeing increases in vocabulary.

From the article:

According to Japanese news site Sankei Web, English vocabulary classes using the Nintendo DS have started this Monday throughout public high schools in the city of Yawata in Kyoto prefecture. This is the latest effort in an attempt to use a gaming handheld device to improve studying through repetitive learning.

In last year's experimental class, the student's vocabulary increased by 40% within 5 month. One group consisting of 24 students have increased their vocabulary from an average of 1025 words to 1386 words (361 words, 35.2% increase), another group consisting of 25 students also increased from an average of 1013 words to 1436 words (423 words, 41.8% increase).

Read the full article over at 1up.com