Title: Oregon Trail ll
Overall Rating:
C
Source: MECC
Playing Time: 2 hours
Date: 1995-1996
Cost: $19.96 (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ISBN%3D089997113X/lightweighhikingA/001-3957132-6350509)
Number of Players: 1
Special Equipment/Facilities Needed:Must
install on computer.
Subject Area: History
Objectives: Assume the role of a westward
bound emigrant of the 1840's or 1850's.
Brief Description: This game allows the
student to become a person moving west with all the chioces they faced
and all the elements of nature and danger.
Entry Capabilities Required: Prior subject
matter knowledge, reading ability, mathematical ability.
Rating: (1-5)
Relevance to objectives: 4 (does allow
the student access to information and important historical data)
Provides practice of relevant skills:
2 (student does not practice history skills)
Likely to arouse/maintain interest:4 (fun
but a little glitzy)
Likely to be comprehended clearly: 2 (easy
to just allow the computer to make choices)
Technical quality (durable, attractive): 4
(Nice Grahpics and Music adds to the attraction)
Game: Winning dependent on player actions (rather
than chance): 2 (game will end if assumed
person dies, but the computer determines safe elements)
Simulation: Validity of game model (realistic,
accurate depiction): 4
Evidence of effectiveness (e.g. field-test results):NA
Clear directions for play:
2 (difficult to go from one area to another - no oral directions - assumed
player will figure it out)
Effectiveness of debriefing:2
Strong Points:Nice graphics
and music to help retain attention.
Weak Points: No
support material available as student may not understand all the terminology.
More expensive as need CD for each student. Not as educational -
just more glitz.
Reviewer: Susan Pray
Position:Student
Date:3/24/98
Computer System Reviewed on: Macintosh
PowerPC 6500/250, 32mb ram.
http://www2.potsdam.edu/educ/betrusak/softwarereviews.html