Title: Reader Rabbit's Math "3rd Grade Adventures
Overall Rating:
A
Source: Saterlee 300 software cabinet
Playing Time: it depends on the number
of games played (1game=30+ minutes)
Date: 3/17/99
Cost: $29.95 Reader's
Rabbit's Math (3rd Grade)
Number of Players: 1 player
Special Equipment/Facilities Needed: Macintosh
with HFS-standard CD-Rom drive and appropriate driver
Subject Area: Third Grade Mathematics
Objectives: To improve mathematical
skills and to increase the students mathematical rate and precision.
It also enhances the childrens ability to solve puzzles, problem solving
skills, geography skills, and to solve problems in science and language
arts.
Brief Description: The student is able
to play different games by visiting the four sites at the circus.
Level 1: material appropriate for most children in the first
month of third grade
Level 2: material appropriate for most children in the middle
of third grade
Level 3: material appropriate for most children at the end of third
grade.
Challenge: material appropriate for most children in the first
three months of fourth grade
*Tickets are awarded at each of the tents and can be used to buy gifts
at the prize tent.
Entry Capabilities Required: basic mouse
using skills, math skills (4-7)
Rating: (1-5)
Relevance to objectives: 5 (The objectives
are clearly relevant.)
Provides practice of relevant skills:There
are different levels to play which is appropriate to the grade level.)
Example: Level 1,2,3, and Challenge.
Likely to arouse/maintain interest:
5
(The game is very educational, the circus characters are fun, great setting
Likely to be comprehended clearly: 5
(Easily to understand by selectiing appropriate level of play)
Technical quality (durable, attractive):
5 (Excellent graphics and music, the students will really like this game,
very amusing
Game: Winning dependent on player actions (rather
than chance): 5 (The students
must answer the questions correctly to win tickets)
Simulation: Validity of game model (realistic,
accurate depiction): 4 (The students
will feel like they are in the setting of circus characters, but
unrealistic.
It did a good job doing what it wanted to do.
Evidence of effectiveness (e.g. field-test
results):
5 (After using the program, I can see how it helped me remember the
several areas of mathematics and I found it a good review)
Clear directions for play: 4
(The rabbit is available for any questions that the students might have)
Effectiveness of debriefing:
4 (The players are informed on how they did and are able to select
a prize at the end of the game)
Strong Points:
I think the "Circus theme" is very amusing with bright colors, the students
will enjoy the music that is played during the four different games to
choose from. The student will want to do really well to gain
tickets
which will help them at the end of the game. The activities they
do in this game reflects their knowledge of the objectives should be met.
Weak Points:
I found it to be difficult to figure out to purpose of this game at first,
but once I mastered it a few times, then it was quite easy to see the
intent.
I also think if there was a larger variety of places to go to then it would
spark my interest even more.
Reviewer: Michael 0'Neil
Position: Student (GRED 518)
Date: 3/17/99
Computer System Reviewed on: Macintosh
PowerPC 6500/250, 32mb ram.