Name of Software: Map and Facts
Publisher: Broderbund
Format: CD-ROM; MAC
Reviewer: Molly Kauffman

General Description: This program is structured to gain knowledge about locations all over the world. However, the knowledge doesnt just relate to maps but ranges in topics from a specific countrys population to their national anthem.

What are the overall objectives of the software?
    The overall objectives are to be able to compare and contrast different maps, to read and create graphs using different data, to explore different maps (i.e.. physical and political) and to have the ability to read data and statistics.

Does the application give a general overview of the subject or are specific skills targeted?
    This program gives both a general overview of the map of the world (featuring different topics such as physical and political
characteristics) and specific details on countries as well.

What do you, as a teacher, want to be able to do with the program? Are these needs met by the program?
    There are many things that can be done with this program ranging from reading maps to learning the flags of different countries. As a teacher, it is almost impossible for your needs not to be met because there is so much information that could be given out using this program in conjunction with your lessons.

How flexible is the program? Does the user need to follow certain steps to proceed or can the user move at his or her own pace?
    The program is very flexible because you can move throughout its different features very easily.

Does the program have features that can be modified by the user? By the teacher? If so, what features?
    This program can suit special needs such as allowing students to work cooperatively in groups and showing students visual aids which may enhance their learning. However, the program is in one language only which many prevent some students from understanding.

What methods does the program utilize to reach multiple intelligences of users?
    The program provides a wide variety of information from general to specific. This is helpful because the teacher can use the detailed data with the higher level grades and the more general information can be used to target younger students.

What methods does the software use to engage the user, or keep the users interest? How successful are these methods?
    The software provides a variety of sources and references which may interest a number of students. The software doesnt specialize in one general type of knowledge but tells a lot about different countries/locations etc.

What do you like about the application?
    I like how the software has incorporated so much knowledge into one program. I also like how a lot of color is used because I think that is one of the key ways to gain a users attention.

What do you dislike about the application?
    I didn't like how the program wasn't suitable for children who had trouble reading. I think if narration were included then the program would be more effective for those students who weren't at grade level in reading.

Are there any biases? (gender, racial, etc.)
    I didn't notice any biases.

Rate the following (1=best; 5=worst):

    Ease of use: 2
    Flexibility of Features: 2
    Ability of Application: 2
    Interesting: 2
    Recommend: 2

Lesson Plan for Map and Facts:

Grade Level: 2-3
Time Allotted: 45 minutes
Groupings: pairs

Any Strategies:
    Show children a little bit about the software. Assign countries to the children, have them go on the program and find the countrys flag. Then have them draw it and present it to the class.

# of Computers: 15
 

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