Title:Major League Reading
Overall Rating:
A
Source: Sanctuary Woods Multimedia
Playing Time: Within the Coach's Corner
students could spend an hour doing each subject. The time of the
game depends on how many innings are chosen.
Date: 1997
Cost: $ 29.99 http://www.zdnet.com
/pcmag/features/100cds/cd054.htm
Number of Players: One or two players
Special Equipment/Facilities Needed: MacIntosh
with 5 MB of Ram, 12 MB Hard drive, and a CD-Rom drive.
Subject Area: Reading (Grades 3-6) Ages
8-11
Objectives: The students will read and
comprehend informational materials to develop understanding and make
connections
to related topics or information. Students will work toward correctly
spelling words and defining vocabulary words.
Brief Description: The students may go
into the Coach's Corner to practice spelling, vocabulary, or reading.
Once they feel successful they may play a game against an opponent.
The game encourages all of the subjects listed above.
Entry Capabilities Required:The student
must be a fluent reader.
Rating: (1-5)
Relevance to objectives: (5)The objectives
are clearly relevant. The students are able to excel in the area
of reading.
Provides practice of relevant skills:
(5) Students are able to go into the Coach's Corner to practice all
skills needed for the actual game.
Likely to arouse/maintain interest:(4)
Great animation, the announcer catches your attention.
Likely to be comprehended clearly: (5)
Students will not have difficulty accessing the program.
Technical quality (durable, attractive):
(5) Very attractive, quality.
Game: Winning dependent on player actions (rather
than chance): (4) The student
needs to answer each correctly or he/she will strike-out or get a ball
when pitching.
Simulation: Validity of game model (realistic,
accurate depiction): (4)
The animations and the announcers voice make you feel like your at a real
baseball game.
Evidence of effectiveness (e.g. field-test
results):
(5) Many tests have been done by listed reviewers.
Clear directions for play: (4) The
menu is very easy to manipulate. The announcer gives clear directions
to what has to be done. Although, while playing the game they do
not say how to pitch or bat. You do not need a manual to run this
program.
Effectiveness of debriefing:
(4) The student can see at all times how they are doing in the Coach's
Corner. Although, they do not get much feedback while playing the
game. It would be much more effective if they showed the students
what they needed to work on.
Strong Points:
This program is easily accessible to students. The animations and
sound effects allow the students to stay involved with the program.
The practice sessions allow the students to succeed at the game.
Weak Points:
The program should have a more effective debriefing section.
Reviewer: Danielle Shadle
Position: Student
Date: 3/24/99
Computer System Reviewed on: Macintosh
PowerPC 6500/250, 32mb ram.