Title: Word City CD
Overall Rating:
A-
Source: Sanctuary Woods, Inc.
Playing Time: 30 minutes
Date: 1994
Cost: $39.99 (http://turboguide.com/cdprod1/cdhrec/008/867.shtml)
Number of Players: 1
Special Equipment/Facilities Needed: CD-Rom
; 8Mb free RAM; 10Mb free disk space to install
Subject Area: Reading
Objectives: To improve skills in reading:
vocabulary, spelling, comprehension, and reading speed.
Brief Description: Surround the Snorkeler
before it can get to the edge of Word City. Correct answers help
you build a shield that blocks paths to the edge.
Entry Capabilities Required: Reading Ability
- Grade 3 and up
Rating: (1-5)
Relevance to objectives: 5
Provides practice of relevant skills:
5
Likely to arouse/maintain interest: 4
Likely to be comprehended clearly: 3 (Help
button is very useful)
Technical quality (durable, attractive): 4
Game: Winning dependent on player actions (rather
than chance): 3 (No points deducted for incorrect
answers)
Simulation: Validity of game model (realistic,
accurate depiction): 4
Evidence of effectiveness (e.g. field-test results):
NA
Clear directions for play:
4 (Help button gives clear directions)
Effectiveness of debriefing:1
(Can compare your scores, if saved, with others saved; incorrect answers
are not explained)
Strong Points: Lab sections
give mini spelling, vocabulary, comprehension, and speed reading lessons;
maintains interest; many levels of ability are available to user; easy
to move between programs; can customize spelling and vocabulary lists
Weak Points: Sound
for spoken words is not very clear; very little debriefing done.
Reviewer: Nora Crowe
Position:Student
Date:3/24/98
Computer System Reviewed on: Macintosh
PowerPC 6500/250, 32mb ram.
http://www2.potsdam.edu/educ/betrusak/softwarereviews.html