Title: 3D Atlas
98
Overall Rating:
A+
Source: http://www.cwonders.com/cwonders/abc/3dademo/download/Atlas.sea.hqx
Playing Time: 1-2 Hours
Date: Sept 1997
Cost: $24.00 http://www.shopper.com/cgi-bin/nph-find?a0=3d+atlas+98&search=%07Go%21%07
Number of Players: 1-4
Special Equipment/Facilities Needed: CD-Rom
Subject Area: Social Studies
Objectives: To teach & present Geography
and related information in a colourful and interesting manner. Portrays
countries and images of foreign lands in an interesting and easy to understand
manner.This is simply an excellent program. It strikes an interest immediately
and with pictures, coloured tables and very useful browse menus this program
get's high marks in bringing about a better understanding of other nations.
Brief Description: Exceptional multimedia
program with 3D capabilities. Presents globes, maps, tables and countless
information in a attractive manner. Also has descriptive pictures that
depict actual landscapes and scenes from countries all over the world.
Gives students an excellent, interactive medium to gain an understanding
of the world and with it's attractiveness will keep their interest at a
optimal level. It even tests your knowledge.
Entry Capabilities Required: Reading Ability
& Computer Literacy
Rating: (1-5)
Relevance to objectives: 5 (Achieves everything
a Geography teacher would want to present. With it's helpful timeline,
this program would also be invaluable as a history aid. Very complete and
interactive)
Provides practice of relevant skills:
5 (Makes it very easy to research information about regions, countries
and cultures. Presents the tables in a good, easy to read format with added
texture & colour to spice it up)
Likely to arouse/maintain interest: 5
(Dealing with this subject, I feel this is almost as optimal a level you
can obtain in creating interest & arousing the students curiousity)
Likely to be comprehended clearly: 5 (Very
Easy to Understand)
Technical quality (durable, attractive):
5 (Excellent Graphics and Presentation Layout)
Game: Winning dependent on player actions (rather
than chance): 4 ( To succeed at trivia challenge
you need a good knowledge of World facts, but many questions are answerable
by a novice)
Simulation: Validity of game model (realistic,
accurate depiction): 4 (Seems pretty accurate)
Evidence of effectiveness (e.g. field-test results):
4
Clear directions for play: 4 (It's pretty
straight forward even without instructions)
Effectiveness of debriefing:
4 (Let's you know what you have learned)
Strong Points:
Incredible layout and attractiveness of program, Loads of Stats presented
in appealing tables with flags. Trivia game at the end is also very interesting
and inreactive with a running score indicator. the coloured pictures used
throughout the program add so much to the over-all presentation.
Weak Points:
I feel none.If you had to pick anything it would be an endless amount of
information, but when we are dealing with geography, the statistical aspect
is neccessary to gain a proper understanding of the subject & theme.
Reviewer: Randy Givogue
Position: Student
Date: 6/7/1999
Computer System Reviewed on: (G3 233,
64 MB Ram)