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Hidden Agenda
review #4

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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: Jesse Chanley, Jr. college: Mesa Community College
Date: June 13, 1995 Discipline(s) taught: Political Science

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
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

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 is an excellent program for several areas within political science -- national governance, political economy, party systems, international relations, the role of the media, etc.
  2. How could this program be used for teaching and learning in other disciplines?
    Aside from political science, history teachers should find the program useful.
  3. How effective was the simulation environment in providing an enhanced learning experience?
    I am very impressed by the complexity and realism of the simulation. I became very engrossed with the characters and with my predicament of surviving while remaining true to my values.
  4. What factors might limit the use of this program by instructors?
    The Cold War context is dated. However, the program still reflects existing social/political tensions in Central America and can be played largely within the domestic context.
  5. Would your recommend this program for teaching and learning? If yes, why would you recommend this program?
    The program is an excellent simulation of Central America, particularly Nicaragua, in the 1980s.
  6. If no, why would you not recommend this program?
Additional Comments