Title: Encarta Encyclopedia
Overall Rating:
A
Source: Microsoft Corporation
Playing Time: not applicable
Date: 1997
Cost: $ 79.95 for the 1998 updated
version
Microwarehouse
section
Number of Players: 1+
Special Equipment/Facilities Needed: CD-ROM
Subject Area: All subjects
Objectives: To help in help in research
and learning through a multimedia encyclopedia
Brief Description: An encyclopedia complete
with articles, media including sounds, movies, and interactive charts,
links to the WWW, timelines, an atlas, and even a mind maze game.
Entry Capabilities Required: Reading ability
and computer literacy (use of mouse primarily)
Rating: (1-5)
Relevance to objectives: 5 Helpful
in finding information very easily and gives a numerous amount of other
types of resources for research or for one’s own interests.
Provides practice of relevant skills:
3 No interaction with the encyclopedia itself, but does test
the user’s knowledge through several games included with Encarta.
Likely to arouse/maintain interest:
5
Encarta keeps you interested in finding materials. Many colors, pictures,
and other multimedia programs keep you interested.
Likely to be comprehended clearly:
3
Very easy to understand for older students and adults. Younger students
might find the readings to be slightly difficult.
Technical quality (durable, attractive):
5 Extremely colorful, picturesque, and entertaining to use.
Game: Winning dependent on player actions (rather
than chance): This is not applicable
to the Encarta Encyclopedia.
Simulation: Validity of game model (realistic,
accurate depiction): 4
Encarta gives several different realistic examples that accompany information
(such as moonwalk videos, star constellations, and animal movies).
Evidence of effectiveness (e.g. field-test
results):
4 Great reviews from several magazines and websites, including
overall score of 90 after being family tested by PC Magazine
Clear directions for play: 4
Directions are included as a handbook, but are easy to decipher.
Effectiveness of debriefing:
4 (After using the Encarta Encyclopedia, you have gained new
information)
Strong Points:
Encarta has incredible materials for learning or just plain browsing.
It is full of articles, media including sounds, movies, and interactive
charts, links to the WWW, timelines, an atlas, and even a mind maze game.
It is very easy to use.
Weak Points:
The information given in Encarta might be at a sightly higher level of
reading for the younger students. The younger students might need
help from the older students or adults in understanding some of the information
contained in Encarta.
Reviewer: Jennifer V. D. Kopek
Position: Undergraduate student
Date: 9/22/98
Computer System Reviewed on: Macintosh
PowerPC 6500/250, 32mb ram.