Title: Jumpstart Kindergarten Reading
Overall Rating:
A
Source: Knowledge Adventure
Playing Time: 90 minutes
Date: 1996
Cost: $ 30.00
Number of Players: 1
Special Equipment/Facilities Needed: CD
rom
Subject Area: Reading
Objectives:presenting and practicing basic
skills involved in reading
Brief Description: Hopsalot the bunny
leads the player on a treasure hunt. The player visits Hopsalot's
friends and family to get clues. The player must complete a learning
activity before getting the clue
Entry Capabilities Required: Reading,
and some computer literacy
Rating: (1-5)
Relevance to objectives: 5 (the
player is learning and practicing basic letter recognition and phonics)
Provides practice of relevant skills:
5 (the games provide practice for many relevant skills)
Likely to arouse/maintain interest: 5
(Hopsalot is an engaging guide, and there are three levels of difficulty
to keep younger and older players interested)
Likely to be comprehended clearly:
4 (there is some ambiguity in navaigation out of the carrot patc)
Technical quality (durable, attractive):
5 ( the animation is well done, and the graphics are very clear)
Game: Winning dependent on player actions (rather
than chance): 4 (the player must
complete each activity before moving on to the next, but the game continues
after the treasure is found as if it were still burried)
Simulation: Validity of game model (realistic,
accurate depiction): N/A
Evidence of effectiveness (e.g. field-test
results):
N/A
Clear directions for play: 4 (there was
some difficulty in navigation of the carrot patch)
Effectiveness of debriefing:
N/A
Strong Points:
the game was fun and engaging. It also taught many relevant skills for
reading
Weak Points:
the game continued even after the treasure was found. There was also
no real end to the game, only exit when you are through
Reviewer: Sonya Johnson
Position: student - GRED 518
Date: June 1998
Computer System Reviewed on: Macintosh
PowerPC 6500/250, 32mb ram.