Title: Compton's Interactive
World Atlas - Version 1.0
Overall Rating:
A
Source: Softkey Multimedia, Inc.
(Home computer)
Playing Time: As long as needed.
Date: 1997
Cost: This software was provided
upon the purchase of computer.
Number of Players: 1
Special Equipment/Facilities Needed:
CD-ROM
Subject Area: Geography/Reference
Objectives: To get a better understanding
of the world in which we live, both geographically and historically.
Brief Description: The atlas is
very user friendly, and goes beyond basic atlas functions, including maps
as well is background information on areas selected.
Entry Capabilities Required: The
atlas is very simple to use. Instructions are not necessary as the
software is self-explanatory.
Rating: (1-5)
Relevance to objectives: 5
(Extremely relevant, all relevant information and data was present and
readily available.)
Provides practice of relevant skills:
N/A - No skills are necessary. Because it is a reference material,
it is intended to give information.
Likely to arouse/maintain interest:
4 (I would remain interested for as long as it took for me to find
out the information that I was looking for.)
Likely to be comprehended clearly:
5 (Everything is very clear, including the menus, which are symbolized
by pictures, but also include labels.)
Technical quality (durable, attractive):
4 (The film clips that were shown had excellent graphics. However,
the map graphics left a little to be desired.)
Game: Winning dependent on player actions (rather
than chance): N/A
Simulation: Validity of game model (realistic,
accurate depiction): N/A
Evidence of effectiveness (e.g. field-test results):
N/A
Clear directions for play: N/A
Effectiveness of debriefing:
5 (All information was given in an attractive and interesting manner
via maps, graphs, statistics, and films. This was helpful in retaining
information.)
Strong Points:
The atlas was very organized and extremely easy to use. All functions,
such as zooming in and out as well as statistical information and background
are represented by icons. Extremely user friendly, suitable for practically
any age level.
Weak Points:
The only type of map that was offered was a basic map. I thought
that it would have been useful to have contour maps as well. Also,
as stated earlier, map graphics could have been improved.
Reviewer: Cristina DeGennaro
Position: Student
Date: February
1999
Computer System Reviewed on: Quantex