Title: Arthur's
Teacher Trouble
Overall Rating:
A
Source: Brockton Publishers
Playing Time: 30 min
Date: 1992
Cost: $ 16.99
Number of Players: 1
Special Equipment/Facilities Needed: CD
ROM, sound option, mouse.
Subject Area: Reading/Language Arts
Objectives: To encourage reading at an
independent to instructional level, to promote independence in reading
comprehension and exploration.
Brief Description: The book, "Arthur's
Teacher Trouble" is shown and read in either English or Spanish. The story
can be read page by page at the child's will, either in order or chosen
randomly. Each element on the descriptive picture pages could be animated
by clicking on it with the mouse.
Entry Capabilities Required: A child must
be able to use a mouse.
Rating: (1-5)
Relevance to objectives: 5 The objectives
were to create a interest in the child to read and broaden vocabulary with
word recognition. This game succeeds in this by displaying colorful fast
moving animation, lively music and an array of surprises within the story.
The child can easily move at his or her own pace in reading and re-reading
the story.
Provides practice of relevant skills:
4 Children are encouraged to read and re-read the story through the animation
of the objects seen in the pictures. By re-reading the story the vocabulary
is further promoted as the word is read allowed to the child while being
highlighted on the screen.
Likely to arouse/maintain interest: 5
The ability to click on any object on the page and see it 'come to life'
maintains the child's interest. New things are always happening, there
is constantly something new to discover.
Likely to be comprehended clearly: 5 The
game proves simple directions which are explained to the player in the
beginning of the game and continues throughout the game. A child can easily
play this alone or within the structure of a classroom.
Technical quality (durable, attractive): 4 The
game is attractive at first glance and is not disappointing as you begin
to play. It is lively and colorful. The durability is good but one must
be careful as the CD ROM's can easily be damaged. A prior lesson to the
the importance of being careful and cautious with the games would be a
must before allowing the child to handle the CDs.
Game: Winning dependent on player actions (rather
than chance): NA This game is
does not involve a winner or loser. The fact the child comes away from
this game with a sparked interest to read independently will prove if they
have "won". Hopefully the child will come away with the concept the game
was intended for.
Simulation: Validity of game model (realistic,
accurate depiction): 5 This game
gives an accurate depiction of the book, "Arthur's Teacher Trouble". It
is an animation therefore, realism is not involved.
Evidence of effectiveness (e.g. field-test results):
NA
Clear directions for play: 5 The directions
are explained clearly. They are also simple and few in number, they are
easily remembered and repeated throughout the game.
Effectiveness of debriefing:
4 The follow up activities given with the manual are helpful for preceding
lessons involving the story.
Strong Points:
"Arthur's Teacher Trouble" is a great way to encourage children to read
independently. The children are told to read in class and often it is at
an instructional or frustration level. If the children are also told it
is okay to have fun while you read and that ultimately all reading should
and will be fun more children will be interested. The correlation between
the sight and sound of a word is also valuable. The child learns the spelling
and the correct pronunciation of the words. As this happens the child's
confidence is reading allowed is also promoted. Finally, as with any educational
software it has "patience" the child can repeat a particular page over
and over while having the chance for it to be read allowed each time. Something
that few adults would have the patience to do.
Weak Points:
This software, "Arthur's Teacher Trouble" could be stronger if another
book at a higher reading level was offered in continuation of the game.
Also is vocabulary, spelling, and word recognition could be incorporated
within the context of the game, it could be stronger. For example, if after
each page a review of the meaning of more difficult words were explained,
and if a spelling game were available the software would become a more
useful tool within the classroom.
Reviewer: Erika Vesterby
Position: under grad
Date: 9/26/98
Computer System Reviewed on: Macintosh
PowerPC 6500/250, 32mb ram.