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Myst
review #2

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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 Raffaelle college: Glendale Community College
Date: April 4, 1995 Discipline(s) taught: Physics, Physical 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 The directions were minimal but good. Again, the content was minimal but that's the point. Re: (#6) very hard to judge, probably poor.



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).
    I did not have enough time to get into details of the program. I had no immediate applications that I can think of in college physics.
  2. How could this program be used for teaching and learning in other disciplines?
    To develop overall logic and reasoning skills. Practice information gathering - note taking from a source other than a lecturer, where information is sometimes 'spoon-fed' to students.
  3. How effective was the simulation environment in providing an enhanced learning experience?
    Very enjoyable environment, but learning was minimal.
  4. What factors might limit the use of this program by instructors?
    The time I spent - 3 hours - merely exploring the island. I could easily see students requiring 10 - 20 hours to solve some of the island's puzzles.
  5. Would your recommend this program for teaching and learning? If yes, why would you recommend this program?
  6. If no, why would you not recommend this program?
    Probably not, because of the time factor. Giving students clues to lessen time required would ruin the purpose of the game.
Additional Comments