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Hidden Agenda
review #1

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The Software
Title: Hidden Agenda Copyright date: 1990
Publisher: Jim Gasperini/Springboard Software Cost $41.45
Computer: Mac Requirements: Macintosh 512 KE, Plus, SE, or II computer; one 800K drive and hard disk; 16- color Monitor
Distribution: Floppy Disks (1)
The Reviewer
Name: Stan Murray college: Phoenix College
Date: April 5, 1995 Discipline(s) taught: Legal Presentation Writing

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
It needs more instructions on purpose and the goal of the game. There were no graphics of merit ... boring. It needed a couple of tools to get used to options. Re: (#5) the USSR out, USA as good guy ... this is not necessarily true any longer. It needs more instructions on purposes and the goal of the game No graphics of any merit ... boring It needed a couple of tools to get used to options. USSR out, USA as good guy ... this is not neccessarily true.

Evaluating the Instructor Materials
STATEMENT RATING
Excellent Good Fair Poor N/A
1. The directions in the instructor guide was: X
2. Learning objectives of the lessons were: X
3. The organization of the lesson was: X
4. The appropriateness of lessons for college level student was: X
5. The assessment/discussion questions at the end of the lessons were: X
6. The completeness of the teaching materials was: X
7. On the whole, the instructor guide was: X

COMMENTS
Manuals good for discussion of topics and issues. Four manuals good for ?? discussion topics/issues.

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).
    The program is not very useful.
  2. How could this program be used for teaching and learning in other disciplines?
    The program would be very beneficial for political science, management, history or a current events class.
  3. How effective was the simulation environment in providing an enhanced learning experience?
    It was fair. It could use more graphics and an improved screen content.
  4. What factors might limit the use of this program by instructors?
    The theme is outdated, it should stress management skills over politics.
  5. Would your recommend this program for teaching and learning? If yes, why would you recommend this program?
    Yes, it would be a good teaching aid for political science instruction.
  6. If no, why would you not recommend this program?
    The program is dated, the theme is no longer relevant; more emphasis should be placed on management skills than political whims.
Additional Comments
The program would not be useful for my discipline (legal research and writing), but I could see similar program theme/content used in legal strategy to deploy in certain case situations then research the viability of those options. This program would be very useful for political science classes as far as an overall evaluations are concerned.