Title: Storybook Waver Deluxe
Overall Rating:
C
Source: MECC
Playing Time: Approximately
1 1/2 hrs. Time varies depending on the depth of the story
Date: 2/9/99
Cost: $ 14.95
http://cd-rom-guide.com/cdprod1/cdhrec/004/271.shtml
Number of Players: 1
Special Equipment/Facilities Needed:
CD Rom
Subject Area: English - Language
Arts
Objectives: The objectives
for this software: To help students with reading and writing
skills
&nbs p; My objectives for
this software for a junior high class: Partners will compose a children's
story for the
&nbs p; first grade
in the school.
Brief Description: Creating
a storybook choosing backgraounds, music, and text.
Entry Capabilities Required:
The junior high class would need instruction of the children's literature
genre
&nbs p; for this particular
assignment.
Rating: (1-5)
Relevance to objectives: 4
This software would be very relevant for the objectives stated above.
Provides practice of relevant skills:
4 It would provide practice for the children creating the story to
use their knowledge about children's literature.
Likely to arouse/maintain interest:
3 It would amuse and interest the younger students. It would maintain
the interest of the older children only in the relevance to the assignment.
Likely to be comprehended clearly:
5 It would be very comprehendable to the age level I would be using
it with as well as the children that would be receiving the story .
Technical quality (durable, attractive):
4 I thought the pictures and songs were very good. There was
good quality sound and tone to the music and the pictures were clear and
concise.
Game: Winning dependent on player actions (rather
than chance): 3 It is really
not a game of winning or losing, however, the completion of the story is
dependent on the person using this software.
Simulation: Validity of game model (realistic,
accurate depiction): 4
The pictures and music used to create a story as well as the fictional
characters were all pretty realistic especially when taking into consideration
the age group it is intended for.
Evidence of effectiveness (e.g. field-test results):
3 The effectiveness of the software was good. I had fun "creating,"
and I think there would be a sense of accomplishment when the book was
completed.
Clear directions for play: 3
The directions were clear and concise. I think younger children (ages
6 and 7) might get a little confused over the amount of choices and how
to go about deciding which ones they want to use. I do not think
the junior high level would have any problems.
Effectiveness of debriefing:
3 The debriefing was adequate. It was clear what needed to
be done when you were finished with your story.
Strong Points:
You could make the story in a variety of ways. The sound affects
and the technical quality were good points with this software.
Weak Points:
I have seen Hyperstudio software which is much more interactive and would
be better suited for the type of assignment I would be considering.
Reviewer: Judith Valade
Position: Student - Media and Technology
Date: 2/15/99
Computer System Reviewed on: Macintosh
PowerPC 6500/250, 32mb ram.