Title: Small Blue Planet
Overall Rating:
B-
Source: Now What Software
Playing Time: Varies. Not a game.
Date: 1993
Cost: $ 32.00 http://205.158.5.148/new_p
lanet_pro_intro.html
Number of Players: One
Special Equipment/Facilities Needed: CD-ROM
Drive, 256 color monitor
Subject Area: Geography
Objectives: Learn about the earth
Brief Description: This CD-ROM is a graphical
atlas and reference. The student can examine various aspects of world
geography, including relief maps, political maps, and the chronosphere.
Entry Capabilities Required: Mouse skills
Rating: (1-5)
Relevance to objectives: 4
This software is very informative, but it does not go into great detail
on any certain subject.
Provides practice of relevant skills:
3 There isn't much to practice. The student merely points
and clicks their way through the atlas.
Likely to arouse/maintain interest:
3
There isn't much chance that a student will want to spend much time viewing
this software unless assigned to do so. After a few minutes, they
will have seen all the neat pictures and will become bored.
Likely to be comprehended clearly:
5
The narratives and information boxes are very straight forward.
Technical quality (durable, attractive):
5 There are some very attractive images and the CD-ROM format
ensures durability.
Game: Winning dependent on player actions (rather
than chance): Not applicable
- not a game
Simulation: Validity of game model (realistic,
accurate depiction): Not applicable
- not a game
Evidence of effectiveness (e.g. field-test
results):
3 There is no evidence given. I suspect that this would
only have average effectiveness in the classroom. It is beautiful
but boring.
Clear directions for play: 4
It was not difficult to figure out how to navigate. The icons were
logical.
Effectiveness of debriefing:
Not applicable - there was no debriefing.
Strong Points:
This software is visually attractive and it seems to be very accurate.
It is easy to use and would make an excellent reference if a student merely
wanted to look something up.
Weak Points:
There is not much to hold a students interest. There is not much
detail given, either.
Reviewer: Eric Sandvig
Position: Student
Date: 9 Feb 1999
Computer System Reviewed on: Macintosh
PowerPC 6500/250, 32mb ram.