Software for Learning | Games and Simulations | Introduction |
SimCity
review #1

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The Software
Title: SimCity Copyright date: 1993
Publisher: Maxis/Sim-Business Cost $49.95
Computer: DOS, Windows, Macintosh Requirements: DOS:IBM PC/XT & above; VGA monitor; 640K RAM and hard disk; MS-Dos 3.1 or above.

Windows:IBM 286 & above; 12 MHz; VGA, EGA; 2MB RAM and hard disk; Windows 3.1 or above.

Mac:Macintosh Plus, SE, Classic, LC, II series, Centris, Performa, or Quadra; 16-color monitor; 25MB RAM; System 6.0.2 or above
Distribution: Floppy Disks (2-3)
The Reviewer
Name: Kurt Hill college: Paradise Valley Community College
Date: April 3, 1995 Discipline(s) taught: Geography

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 icons were difficult to interpret (very complex). I saw no 'help' option within the program. Introduction text was minimal. I was no 'help' option within the program; Introduction text was minimal

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
The appropriateness of the lessons seemed simple - directed at younger than college-age students.

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).
    It could be used for explanation of various urban (theoretical) models. Also useful in demonstrating geographical changes across time.
  2. How could this program be used for teaching and learning in other disciplines?
    In political science it can be used to demonstrate the complexities of government operations.
  3. How effective was the simulation environment in providing an enhanced learning experience?
    It did demonstrate to me how complex governmental operations, primarily with reference to infrastructure, can be; these operations change rapidly.
  4. What factors might limit the use of this program by instructors?
    It is very complex! It would require at least 2 - 3 hours of 'playtime' for students to be able to focus on the learning concepts (that this game is supposed to assist me in teaching) as opposed to focusing on learning the nuances of the game/program.
  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?
Additional Comments
Although it would be wonderful to have in the student computer lab for them to play with (it does have some value), it is very complex. This would lead to a large amount of class time being used just explaining or demonstrating the game and more time than I am willing to sacrifice.