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Myst
review #1

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The Software
Title: Myst Copyright date: 1994
Publisher: Cyan Cost $49.95
Computer: Windows Mac Requirements: Windows: IBM/Tandy Computer, 386 DX 33 Mhz or higher, 4 MB of RAM, Windows 3.1, Super VGA Graphics Card (640x480,256 Colors), MAC compliant sound card, mouse, 4 MB of free Hard Disk, CD-ROM drive

Mac: 256 Color Macintosh, 4 MB of RAM, System 7.0.1 or higher, QuickTime 1.6 & Sound Manager 3.0 + 3 MB of hard disk space

Distribution: CD-ROM (1)
The Reviewer
Name: David Gorman college: Phoenix College
Date: April 11, 1995 Discipline(s) taught: Mathematics

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

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).
    Having the students unravel clues and figure out combination locks would help with critical thinking skills, and of course problem-solving skills. Making connections between seemingly dissimilar things is an important skill that would be emphasized.
  2. How could this program be used for teaching and learning in other disciplines?
    It could be used to help provide a framework for creative thinking - perhaps students could conjecture what they think will happen and play the game to develop more ideas. A writing assignment could easily be attached to it.
  3. How effective was the simulation environment in providing an enhanced learning experience?
    Very effective - the graphics were excellent and the effects presented 'real time' reactions to things you do during the game.
  4. What factors might limit the use of this program by instructors?
    Myst is a cryptic and slow-moving game. It would take a great deal of time to get deeply into it - time is thus a limiting factor.
  5. Would your recommend this program for teaching and learning? If yes, why would you recommend this program?
    I would recommend this program for any person interested in improving their problem-solving skills. It would help develop logical thinking and making connections.
  6. If no, why would you not recommend this program?
Additional Comments
An excellent piece of software! I could think of some interesting ways to incorporate it into a learning environment. It might be difficult, however, to justify the time spent learning and playing the game as a trade off for more traditional activities in a math classroom.