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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:	Cathee Tankersley	college:	Phoenix College
Date:	May 17, 1995	Discipline(s) taught:	Health Professions/Orientation to EKE,EEG,PLB,PCT

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 was easy to follow directions on the screen. The program's screen design looks good - it helps to keep me involved in the game. The game was easy to navigate since I know how to use a Macintosh and I took tours. I referred to (instructional) help often. The content was from 1993 and that is almost too old - bills referred to are dead. The degree the program represented diversity has to do with the diverse knowledge and student population. On the whole, the game needs a lot of background material offered ahead of time.
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).

   I would divide the class into groups and have them work as teams and after preliminary introduction to terms and ideas - have them compete against each other - would cap a unit offered in orientation very nicely.

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

   I see it used in health care classes, especially orientation, management, etc. Even ethics classes, perhaps, but other disciplines ... I don't know.

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

   The simulations were a good addition to lecture and discussions currently used. Really liked seeing results of decisions reflected in polls and budgets

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

   The lack of general health care terms and understanding by students in their classes.

5. Would your recommend this program for teaching and learning? If yes, why would you recommend this program?

   Because it can be used to enhance students understanding of the 'impact of decisions.' Very good in teaching outcomes and results of process and thinking.

6. If no, why would you not recommend this program?

   I like this idea ... I especially like the values clarification although I don't see them as in as much conflict as depicted in the program. I like the idea of chips=power, because as I played I discovered my altruistic ideas do not buy chips and consequently, cannot be enacted in a lot of cases. Good lesson!! This program would teach my students several good lessons - but the stronger, more well-read students would have to lead and help the others.