Title: The Yukon Trail
Overall Rating:
B+
Source: Diskovery Education Systems Corporation
Playing Time:30 minutes-1 hour
Date: 1994
Cost: $41.20 http://www.diskovery.com/EPG/products/software/3346.html
Number of Players: 1player(or team)
Special Equipment/Facilities Needed: CD-Rom
Subject Area: Social Studies and Geography
Objectives: Practice reading comprehension
skills. Practice problem solving skills. Learn about the Klondike
Gold Rush.
Brief Description: Transports students
to the Klondike Gold Rush. Students choose a partner, buy supplies
and make decisions based on conversations with historical figures.
Entry Capabilities Required: Grade 5 reading,
simple subtraction.
Rating: (1-5)
Relevance to objectives: 5 (Does what
it says it is going to do)
Provides practice of relevant skills:
4
Likely to arouse/maintain interest: 4
(Much of game is very entertaining, aa couple slow spots though)
Likely to be comprehended clearly: 5 (Easy
to understand)
Technical quality (durable, attractive): 4
(Graphics and skill practice are good)
Game: Winning dependent on player actions (rather
than chance): 5 (Very little chance involved
- winning depends on player choices.)
Simulation: Validity of game model (realistic,
accurate depiction): 4 (Probably an
acurate depiction of the Yukon)
Evidence of effectiveness (e.g. field-test results):
4 (Manufacturer's guarentee of satisfaction)
Clear directions for play:
5 (Very clear instructions)
Effectiveness of debriefing:4
(Let's you know how you did/what you learned and tells yoou why things
are happening)
Strong Points: Problem
Solving. Science/Social Studies Content. AAlso provides teacher
instruction and supplementary activities as well as references.
Weak Points: Certain
sections of programing seem to run slow, some animation could be better.
Reviewer: Aaron Buckley
Position:Student
Date:3/24/98
Computer System Reviewed on: Macintosh
PowerPC 6500/250, 32mb ram.
Another
Review
www2.potsdam.edu/educ/betrusak/softwarereviews.html