Software for Learning | Games and Simulations | Introduction |
SimCity
review #3

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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: David Rodriquez college: Glendale Community College
Date: April 28, 1995 Discipline(s) taught: Library

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).
  2. How could this program be used for teaching and learning in other disciplines?
    Aside from the disciplines (and suggested topics) that are listed in the instructor's guide, I feel that ESL classes could benefit from the simulations.
  3. How effective was the simulation environment in providing an enhanced learning experience?
  4. What factors might limit the use of this program by instructors?
    It seems that an instructor would have to dedicate a large block of time in order to really get the most from this software.
  5. Would your recommend this program for teaching and learning? If yes, why would you recommend this program?
    Yes, on the condition that the instructor has sufficient time to prepare.
  6. If no, why would you not recommend this program?
Additional Comments