| Name of Software | Disney's ReadingQuest with Aladdin | |
| Software Publisher | Disney Interactive | |
| Systerm Requirements | PC:
Microsoft Windows 95 or later 486 processor, 66MHz or fast 16 MB RAM 25 MB free hard disk space 2x CD-ROM drive 8 bit sound card 256 color DirectX-compatible video card Standard AT-101 keyboard and mouse |
Macintosh:
68040/33 processors or faster System 7.1 or later 16MB RAM 25MB free hard disk space 2x CD-ROM drive 256 color video display Standard keyboard and mouse |
| Cost | $9.99 | |
| Grade Level | 1st-3rd | |
| Content Area | Phonics, Vocabulary, Spelling, Letter Recognition, Reading Comprehension, Sentence Structure, Grammar, Story Chronology, Logical Reasoning, Problem Solving, Word and Letter Sound | |
| Description | Based on Disney's movie "Aladdin," the student joins with the familiar characters from the movie in order to complete a journey by solving a variety of word, letter and reading puzzles integrated into the story along the way. | |
| Full Review | A fun journey through the streets of Agrabah, familiar to most children who've watched Disney
cartoons or films, takes the student from puzzle to puzzle. Each successful completion gives them
another clue as how to succesfully recapture the evil wizard Jafar and brings them a step closer to
freeing Aladdin.
A variety of word problems, presented as games, introduce the student to the different aspects of reading. Together with Jasmin, a patient and encouraging companion, the student learns the basics of reading English. Jasmin, as well as Genie and Iago, help the student with the words and rules of the various games when necessary. Jasmin sounds out words or letters when the student needs help, praises with every correct answer, and encourages the student to try again if they get it wrong. Learning to read by means of an adventure is a great way for kids to learn. They're not only familiar with the characters, who supply comic relief as well as support, they can forget they're learning alltogether as their reading skills are aquired through an interactive game. This program also allows two players to interact with each other in particular reading problems or games, which can be beneficial to some as it adds another level of fun through competition. There are different levels of reading and spelling that the student, teacher or parent can chose from. The more difficult levels vary from the easier ones, in that there are longer words, more words, or that sorting them now includes putting them in a particular pattern, as opposed to just by sound. The save feature enables the student to come back to wherever they were in the journey and continue at their own pace. Or, they can chose to return to a previous puzzle they either enjoyed or had difficulty with and want to practice. Once the journey is completed, Jafar has been captured and Aladdin released, the student can return to the various games and select different levels for each individual game to practice their skills. At the end of the quest, the student can read about their journey through Agrabah and have the option to print out the page so they can make their own personalized book. The help feature is easily accessible throughout, with gentle reminders from Genie or Jasmine if the student hesitates for a certain amount of time. There's also a special section for parents and teachers. | |
| Examples of use | This program seems like it would work as an excellent study tool as it allows the students to set
their own pace and work without pressure. It breaks reading tasks into small, easily manageable
parts, making it less consternating for those students how might have trouble reading. The two
player option also allows for interaction with a tutor or parent, so that checking the student's
progress is easily disguised, providing a less threatening environment.
Incorporating the program into the classroom is done easily enough as well. The teacher might suggest to use it during break or if a student finishes early with an assignment. It could be used to introduce a particular aspect, such as phonics or spelling, or even as a review. Because of its fun, interactive manner, it could be used as a reward for a job well done, either for particular students who have completed an assignment, or for the classroom as a whole for doing something well. | |