Title: My ABCD
Overall Rating: B+
Source: http://www.paxtoncat.com.au
Playing Time: 15-30 minutes depending on how many
activities the child plays.
Software Release Date: 1998
Cost: $9.95 http://www.paxtoncat.com.au/index.php?page=buy
Operating System:
PC/MAC
Number of Players: 1
Special Equipment/Facilities Needed: Speakers
Subject Area: Counting, letters, animals, instruments.
Objectives: Teach the child letters while putting
an animal that begins with the letter, teach the child how to count again using
animals. Sounds of musical instruments
Brief Description: This game allows the child to
go through and learn their alphabet, counting, and play games which are geared
to learning these skills.
Entry Capabilities Required: The child would need
to know how to use a mouse.
Rating: (1-5)
Relevance to objectives: 5 It fulfilled the
objectives listed in the introduction, naming the lettters, goes through and
counts different objects/animals.
Provides practice of relevant skills: 5 Knowing
the alphabet and counting is a very relevant skill for a child to know before
moving into the 2nd grade
Likely to arouse/maintain interest: 5 There is
lots of color and music
Likely to be comprehended clearly: 4 This software
seemed easy to understand, much of it is self explainatory.
Technical quality (durable, attractive): 4 The
color and animations are good, along with the music played. Helps to keep
the child focused.
Game: Winning dependent on player actions (rather than
chance): 3 Winning is dependent on the
amount of education a child has received. I feel the games could have been
a little harder, this in turn would make the child work for achievement.
Simulation: Validity of game model (realistic, accurate
depiction): NA
Evidence of effectiveness (e.g. field-test results):
3 I didn't find any evidence of effectivness other than my own experience
and I feel this would achieve the goal in teaching children their alphabet
and counting.
Clear directions for play: 3 There are not really
any clear directions, it is mostly self explainatory.
Effectiveness of debriefing:
1 There is no debreifing.