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Gadget
review #2

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The Software
Title: Gadget Copyright date: 1994
Publisher: Synergy, Inc. Cost $62.99
Computer: Mac Requirements: QuickTime 1.6.1, Virtual memory, 256-color monitor, 4 + MB memory
Distribution: CD-Rom (1)
The Reviewer
Name: Lisa K. Miller college: Paradise Valley Community College
Date: June 8, 1995 Discipline(s) taught: Library; Integrated Studies

Evaluating the Computer Game
STATEMENT RATING
Excellent Good Fair Poor N/A
1. The directions for the program are: X
2. The program's screen design was: X
3. The ease of use of this program was: X
4. Help provided within this program was: X
5. The degree to which the content was up to date was: X
6. The degree to which the program represented the diversity of our student population was: X
7. On the whole, the program was: X

COMMENTS
The directions were minimal, as it is an exploration game. The graphics were great. The ease of the program was fair; hard to get used to navigating. As far as the diversity, where are the women?



Evaluating the Instructor Materials

Instructor materials not available with this game.

Evaluating the Program as a Tool for Teaching and Learning

  1. How would you use this program in your class? Identify a specific application for part of your curriculum (if possible).
    Critical thinking and critical evaluation of sources are taught in Capstone. This sort of a game, which introduces bits of information from various sources, could be used to illustrate the 'consider the source' concept, as well as problem-solving in a research project.
  2. How could this program be used for teaching and learning in other disciplines?
  3. How effective was the simulation environment in providing an enhanced learning experience?
    The simulation was somewhat realistic - great graphics, but not a reflection of real problems/lives. As a fantasy vehicle, however, it does a nice job of integrating intellectual skills with fun.
  4. What factors might limit the use of this program by instructors?
    Course content was very limited. Amount of time it would take to actually finish the game, then to process what was learned in class.
  5. Would your recommend this program for teaching and learning? If yes, why would you recommend this program?
    Yes - it has potential for applications in critical reading and logic exercises. A lot of time would need to be spent by the professor beforehand to design a very structured task using the game.
  6. If no, why would you not recommend this program?
Additional Comments
Parts of it where very frustrating for the Mac-literate evaluator. I'm not sure if a student could master this without a great investment of time and patience. Although it does have educational applications, it may not be suited to all students. It's best use may be as a supplementary project for interested students, or used as a demonstration by the teacher. Not everyone will have the patience and/or basic logic skills necessary to enjoy this game.