Title: Super Solvers: Spell Bound
Overall Rating:
A
Source: Saterlee Hall, Room 300
Playing Time: Unlimited. However,
it only takes about 10 minutes to get through one of eight levels.
Date: 1988
Cost: $20.52 http://206.239.8.214
/cdshop/desc/p.034353640910.html
Number of Players: 1
Special Equipment/Facilities Needed:
Windows 3.1, Windows 95/98 or a Mac (Both need CD-ROM)
Subject Area: Spelling
Objectives: To help a child learn
to spell.
Brief Description: This program
involves an animated spelling bee to help children tone their spelling
skills. They do this through a series of 4 word games. They
use games with word recall, recognition and differentation techniques.
Games such as criss cross puzzles,word searches, using flash cards and
finally a simulated spelling bee. If they succeed, the move on to
a more complicated level.
Entry Capabilities Required: Child
should be able to read.
Rating: (4)
Relevance to objectives: I found
this game to be very relevant to the stated objectives. It teaches
one to spell through fun and easy to use games. They can do this
through memory and word recognition.
Provides practice of relevant skills:
They do in fact practice relevant skills. They learn to spell through
memory for one. A flash card is shown and the child must type in
what he or she saw. There is a use of a word search and a cross word
quzzle which acquaints them with familiar words as well. Then at
the end, the child can apply these words into the spelling bee for further
practice.
Likely to arouse/maintain interest:
The game is not overly flashy and amusing for myself, but I think a 7-12
year old might find it pretty stimulating. However, they could use
a little for movement and colour to keep our attention.
Likely to be comprehended clearly:
I think this game is very clear and commprehendable. The set up is
very clear and basic. The child has enough choice to stay interested,
but not enough to overwhelm him/her.
Technical quality (durable, attractive):
As I stated before, this is not the flashiest software. Yet it is
colourful enough to do the job. There are also a few cute little
characters for the kids.
Game: Winning dependent on player actions (rather
than chance): Winning is
totally based on the players actions. They actually have to spell
words with the key board or expose them like in the word puzzle.
Simulation: Validity of game model (realistic,
accurate depiction): I think
this is a fairly good simulation of numerous word games children can
play.
However, it is not too complex to set up a crossword puzzle. This
is valid of the game model itself.
Evidence of effectiveness (e.g. field-test
results):
N/A
Clear directions for play: The
directions
for play are very clear and easy to follow. I would think very few
children would take too long to figure it out if they actually do follow
the instrucitons.
Effectiveness of debriefing:
There is not much of any debriefing at the end of the level. If you
lose the spelling bee, you have to start over again. If you when,
you simply move onto the next level.
Strong Points:
The strong points of this software lay in the fact that it was easy to
use, easy to follow and actually fun to play.
Weak Points:
This is not the most high tech program I have ever seen. It lacked
a little colour and movement in my opinion,
Reviewer: Jamie Dowd
Position: Elementary Education Graduate
Student
Date: June 8, 1999
Computer System Reviewed on: Macintosh
PowerPC 6500/250, 32mb ram.