Software for Learning | Games and Simulations | Introduction |
SimCity
review #4

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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: Donovan Lamar college: South Mountain Community College
Date: April 21, 1995 Discipline(s) taught: AAA 150 Success

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
It would be nice to move around by cursor. The program could be more exciting on a regular basis, not just during disasters, etc.

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).
    I would use it to help students understand the need for critical learning and evaluative thinking skills - employing successful thinkers!
  2. How could this program be used for teaching and learning in other disciplines?
    Same as above a heavy emphasis on internal and evaluative learning!
  3. How effective was the simulation environment in providing an enhanced learning experience?
    Very good and challenging.
  4. What factors might limit the use of this program by instructors?
    Hardware, space, time and locations of computer stations.
  5. Would your recommend this program for teaching and learning? If yes, why would you recommend this program?
    I would, but I'd recommend 'Civilization' over SimCity, because there's more constant interaction and learning in 'Civilization' than SimCity.
  6. If no, why would you not recommend this program?
    Very good, and I can't wait to use a simulation on career strategies and successful planning.
Additional Comments