Title: Weathertracker 2.3.3
Overall Rating:
C
Source: http://www.download.com/mac/software/0,332,0-18602-g,1000.html?st.dl.mcat10.hl.
g1860
Playing Time: 0-2 hours
Date: May 20, 1999
Cost: $22.95 http://www.download.com/mac/software/0,332,0-18602-g,1000.html?st.dl.mcat10.hl.
g1860
Number of Players: 1
Special Equipment/Facilities Needed: System
7, Mac TCP
Subject Area: Social Studies
Objectives: Provides many meteorologic
tools that measure whether characteristics such as a barometer, wind gage
and of course thermometer. Idea is to teach the student how to gain information
about their environment. They achieve this, as students will find it both
valuable and user friendly. Menu is very interactive and allows user to
browse through different areas in a easy and non-threatening manner. Allows
students to learn how to gather information in a quick, efficient way.
Very interactive and a very good program for novice computer users.
Brief Description: Shows what weather
is like in 1500 cities around the world. It also provides forecasts and
other weather features at the click of a button. All of this information
is up to date and sometimes even to the minute. Interaction and ease to
use are main features.
Entry Capabilities Required: Entry
Capabilities
& Computer Literacy
Rating: (1-5)
Relevance to objectives: 4 (Is pretty
much what you would expect)
Provides practice of relevant skills:
5 ( It shows you everything that we need to know about weather and it's
very up to date showing all areas of interest, very useful tool in day
to day life and certain job fields i.e . Boating or Landscaping) )
Likely to arouse/maintain interest: 3
( it's very useful, but there is only so much you can do in this area to
cause excitement)
Likely to be comprehended clearly: 5 (Very
straight forward in achieving it's objective)
Technical quality (durable, attractive):
2 (Very plain graphics and not very catchy layout)
Game: Winning dependent on player actions (rather
than chance): 4 ( You must pick &
Choose the proper categories or the usefulness of the game will diminish,
yet every category does present some useful menus and info))
Simulation: Validity of game model (realistic,
accurate depiction): 4 (Very
accurate representation)
Evidence of effectiveness (e.g. field-test
results):
4 (Very easy to use, but not overly impressive)
Clear directions for play: 5 (Very easy
to understand and use)
Effectiveness of debriefing:
4 (Gives detailed information with little input, leaving few questions
you need to ask, especially with forecasts)
Strong Points:
Information Gathering Techniques, Interaction & Up to the Minute
Information.
Being able to find out up to the minute weather information is a very
attractive
feature & one that will interest students strongly. The forecasts for
all regions of the world is something that should strike all students more
locally as they can find out their own local weather.
Weak Points:
Very bland layout and limited options. This program has only so many options
as if it wonders into sub areas it will either loose appeal or present
useless information. I feel due to the subject content, this program is
better off staying with the limited options it has.
Reviewer: Randy Givogue
Position: Student
Date: 6/7/99
Computer System Reviewed on: G3 233, 64
MB Ram