Software for Learning | Games and Simulations | Introduction |

/ About SimHealth / Learning Activities /
/ previous review / next review /

The Software
Title:	SimHealth	Copyright date:	1993
Publisher:	Maxis	Cost	$89.95
Computer:	DOS	Requirements:	IBM 386 & above; 100% compatibles; MS-Dos 3.1 or above; 4 MB RAM; hard disk; Mouse; VGA Monitor
		Distribution:	Floppy Disks (2)
The Reviewer
Name:	Meta Seltzer	college:	Gateway Community College
Date:	April 12, 1995	Discipline(s) taught:	Nursing

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 game became easier once I got used to it.
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).

   To help understand health care reform on a national level and how it affects employment of our graduates of NA, LPN and RN. It ties the DRG categories into the health care reform. Cost containment is taught as part of the course.

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

   Math , business, small businesses, medial ethics, economics, philosophy, english, nursing, writing across the curriculum

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

   Good. The charts, graphs, etc. were very definitive and colorful. 'Main Street' got to be hard on my eyes for some reason. The icons were self- explanatory.

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

   The time it takes to run through the entire program. The 'policies' (GRAMM RUDMAN) will be outdated and new ones will be written - how can the system stay current?

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?

   I think this may suffice for a 'project'. Students would decide on a specific program, i.e. Managed Care, HMO, Canadian Health Systems, Acute Care, Nursing Homes, Governments, etc., and then report to the class and hand in a written report (writing across the curriculum).