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The Software
Title:	SimEarth	Copyright date:	1993
Publisher:	Maxis	Cost	$59.95
Computer:	DOS, Windows, Macintosh	Requirements:	DOS:IBM 286 & above; 12 MHz, VGA 640K RAM and hard disk required; MS-Dos 3.1 or above. Windows:IBM 386 and above; VGA 2 MB RAM and hard disk required; Windows 3.0 & 3.1. Mac:Macintosh Plus, SE, Classic, LC, Color Classic, II series, Centris, Performa, or Quadra; 2.5 MB RAM System 6.0.2 or above
		Distribution:	Floppy Disks (2)
The Reviewer
Name:	Steve Bass	college:	Mesa Community College
Date:	April 13, 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 directions are easy to follow, but not always clear what's being done. The screen was too small to see the numerous buttons. Although, I'm not certain I'm seeing the big picture, it is just pointing and clicking and watching. The degree that was emphasized was science, so cultural diversity is neither apparent or absent. On the whole, I am not convinced that this game could be used as a meaningful learning tool in college settings.
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 Following the step by step directions did not lead me to see the significance of this software. The objectives were good, but the questions were sometimes simplistic. A bit too much of a point and click game. The assessment/discussion questions lacked a scientific format, too much emphasis on the students feelings. Even with the teaching materials, I still don't know how to 'play the game'. On the whole, you had good step-by-step instructions, but poor preparation for operation of the software.

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).

   This software could be used to demonstrate plate tectonics or the impact of volcanoes upon land formation. However, plate tectonics can be effectively presented through video as well. This software does allow the user to control variables, which is not possible through video.

2. How could this program be used for teaching and learning in other disciplines?

   It definitely applies to the field of biology, perhaps to explain the evolution of species. Also sociology (or anthropology) to explain the advance of civilization.

3. How effective was the simulation environment in providing an enhanced learning experience?

   Not terribly effective. In concept, I liked it. But the screen is cluttered, making it only average as a learning tool.

4. What factors might limit the use of this program by instructors?

   The lack of hardware to operate on (or access to it in a classroom setting). Also, the crowded screen makes it difficult for more than one student to work together.

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?