Title:
Road Adventures U.S.A.
Overall Rating:
B
Source: The Learning Company
Playing Time: n/a
Software Release Date: 1998
Cost: $ 27.99
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000JLPX/103-7768496-1920624
Operating System:
Mac or Windows 95-98
Number of Players: n/a
Special Equipment/Facilities Needed: Pentium
166 MHz or faster (Win compatible sound devise)
Subject Area: All Subjects
Objectives: This software enables children
to use problem solving skills, critical thinking skills, math skills, and
adds in social studies, and geography skills as well.
Brief Description: Road adventures is
more than just a virtual atlas. It lets you plan a trip, see landmarks
and destinations along the way. You have to plan out a budget, map your
own route of travel, and it asks you questions about your destination like
capitals, and states.
Entry Capabilities Required: Basic computer
skills, and reading skills
Rating: (1-5)
Relevance to objectives: 5 This software
is great for learning geographic locations around the country, it challenges
students to think about planning a trip, planning a budget, and visiting
historic and famous landmarks.
Provides practice of relevant skills:
4 The software tries to have students use critical thinking skills, reading
skills, budgeting, and learning about directions
Likely to .arouse/maintain interest: 3
This game is highly interesting, but after 1 trip, I lost interest and
decided to move on.
Likely to be comprehended clearly: 4 The
directions are posted on the page as to what is expected, also there is
a handbook with fairly clear directions that compliments the software.
Technical quality (durable, attractive):
3 This software is attractive to students in the elementary grades, I wouldn't
recommend it past the 7th grade level.
Game: Winning dependent on player actions (rather
than chance): 3 This game isn't so much about
winning in the end, its the way you get to the end that is where the action
happens.
Simulation: Validity of game model (realistic,
accurate depiction): 3 The software tries
to virtually simulate a trip, but it does lack a bit of reality.
Evidence of effectiveness (e.g. field-test results):
4 This product did exactly what the manufacturer said it did, I thought
the graphic would be a little bit better, but it performed like expected.
Clear directions for play: 4 Directions
are included with the software, it's very simple to load and play.
Effectiveness of debriefing:
4 Students will have a fun time mapping out routes across the USA and seeing
landmarks that they might not be able to see. It is a great way to have
fun with geography.
Strong Points: Students
will learn about the US and it's road system, and they will be able to
set up a budget and manage it themselves.
Weak Points: Graphics
were a little disappointing, but that's just in my opinion.
Reviewer: Jon Veley
Position: C.E.O. of nothing, just student
in EDUC 410
Date Reviewed: 2/14/00
Computer System Reviewed on: Macintosh
G3 233, 64mb ram.