Software for Learning | Games and Simulations | Introduction |
Gadget
review #3

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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: Kyle Rawlings college: Scottsdale Community College
Date: June 12, 1995 Discipline(s) taught: Physics

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
This game is intended to be a 'discovery' game, so there are only a few original directions.



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).
    This program could be used mainly in developing problem-solving skills.
  2. How could this program be used for teaching and learning in other disciplines?
    Memory is important for relating information, but I am not certain this applies to specific disciplines. Perhaps a more general learning process can be taught with this program.
  3. How effective was the simulation environment in providing an enhanced learning experience?
    Students need to relate devices observed to problem presented. Here the Earth is going to be destroyed by a comet unless, of course, you don't believe the scientists.
  4. What factors might limit the use of this program by instructors?
    The instructor needs to be aware of solutions to the problems so that the students can be guided.
  5. Would your recommend this program for teaching and learning? If yes, why would you recommend this program?
    There can be areas where this is useful. There doesn't seem to be many useful physics concepts, only the human dilemma of whom to believe.
  6. If no, why would you not recommend this program?
Additional Comments
Perhaps this game could be used to analyze the motives of the scientist and the police. Then when the final solution is known, compare expectations of game player to solution to look at how the person playing the game perceives the motives of the characters of the game.