Title: Reader Rabbit's Kindergarden
Overall Rating:
A
Source: Tony Betrus
Playing Time: it depends on the number
of games played (1game=30+ minutes)
Date: 3/23/99
Cost: $17.99
Number of Players: 1 player
Special Equipment/Facilities Needed: Macintosh
with HFS-standard CD-Rom drive and appropriate driver
Subject Area: Kindergarden Mathematics
Objectives: To improve on their
early reading, math, and thinking skills. It also reinforces fundamental
concepts that build school-relevant skills.
Brief Description: The student is able
to play different games by visiting several sites. To reinforce the
understanding and application of new concepts, there are five major activities
which increase in difficulty on skill levels.
Entry Capabilities Required: basic mouse
using skills, basic understanding of the main menu
Rating: (1-5)
Relevance to objectives: 5 (The objectives
are clearly relevant.)
Provides practice of relevant skills:There
are different levels to play which is appropriate to the grade level.)
Example: Level 1,2,3,4, and 5.
Likely to arouse/maintain interest:
5
(The game is very educational, the students will really be interested in
the Camp setting especially the Reader Rabbit and Friends
Likely to be comprehended clearly: 5
(Easily to understand by selectiing appropriate level of play, the
main menu explains everything
Technical quality (durable, attractive):
5 (Excellent graphics and music, the students will really like this game,
very amusing, especially the decorations for the Campfire Party.
Game: Winning dependent on player actions (rather
than chance): 5 (The students
must answer the questions correctly to win the decorations necessary
for the party)
Simulation: Validity of game model (realistic,
accurate depiction): 5 (The students
will feel like they are in the setting of the Camp. It seems to be
very entertaining but it is somewhat unrealistic, but educational
Evidence of effectiveness (e.g. field-test
results):
5 (After using the program, I can see how it helped me remember the
several areas of early reading, simple arithmetic, problem solving, critical
thinking, memory skills, social skills, and measurement.
Clear directions for play: 5 Mat
the Mouse finds herself at the main menu where clicking on different items
will explain clearly what to look for
Effectiveness of debriefing:
4 (The players are informed on how they did, they can check on the
progress chart to see just how well they are progressing.
Strong Points:
I think the Camp Game is very amusing with bright colors, the students
will enjoy the music that is played during the five different games to
choose from. The student will want to do really well in each
setting which will help them at the end of the game. The activities
they do in this game reflects their knowledge of the objectives should
be met.
Weak Points:
I found it to be speelled out what the intent of each setting which
inforces a particular skill which allows for easy masetry. But I
think if there was a larger variety of places to go to then it would spark
my interest even more.
Reviewer: Michael 0'Neil
Position: Student (GRED 518)
Date: 3/17/99
Computer System Reviewed on: Macintosh
PowerPC 6500/250, 32mb ram.