Name of Software:  The New Kid on the Block
Publisher:  Broderbund Software, Inc., 1994
Format:  CD-ROM, Macintosh
Reviewer:  Margaret Lu

Description of Program:
     The program is basically a computer-based book of 18 poems titled The New Kid on the Block by Jack Prelutsky.  The application is animated and interactive.  It reads to the user in English.

What are the overall objectives of the software?
     The overall objectives include giving children a chance to listen to a book read to them, having them read along, and letting students learn English as a language as well.  It also allows children the opportunity to play with the words and visually see the meaning of the words.

Does the application give a general overview of the subject or are specific skills targeted?
     The program is split into two categories, one for more advanced beginner readers who can choose the “read to me” option and the others who do not know how to read yet who can choose the “let me play” option where specific skills, pronunciation, and word meanings are focused on.

What do you, as a teacher, want to be able to do with the program? Are these needs met by the program?
     As a teacher, I want children to be able to learn computer skills as well as have more opportunities to read.  Yes, these needs are met by the program.

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 user can move at his/her own pace when he/she chooses the “let me play” option, which makes it fairly flexible.  This option allows the child to play with the pictures and reread certain individual words or phrases.  In addition, it allows one to go back to the beginning of the book to choose the other option or another poem, turn the page, turn to the previous page, etc.

Does the program have features that can be modified by the user? By the teacher? If so, what features?
      No, the program does not have features that can be modified by the user or the teacher.

What methods does the program utilize to reach multiple intelligences of users?
     The program allows the user to choose the poem to be read and the option of having the poem read to him/her or of playing and slowly learning to read the poem by him/herself.

What methods does the software use to engage the user, or keep the user's interest? How successful are these methods?
     The software uses sounds and different voices when reading, songs sung by the narrator in the beginning, animated pictures, and characters with silly/goofy facial expressions.  When “playing,” if the user clicks on a word or a phrase, the picture moves to describe what the word(s) mean(s).  These methods are extremely creative and fun to play with.

What do you like about the application?
     I enjoy the sounds, the pictures, the simple animated drawings with only a few colors that keep the user’s attention.  The application includes several lesson plans for classroom activities to use in different subjects, such as writing, math, science, music, drama, and language arts.

What do you dislike about the application?
     When choosing the “read to me” option, the first few poems are read a little too fast.  The pictures, although they are drawn very well, takes the user’s eyes away from the words.  This aspect takes away from the program because the application is used to help the user learn the words and learn how to read.

Was there a bias involving gender, race, etc.?
     No, no biases were found.

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

    Ease of use:  2
    Flexibility of Features:  3
    Ability of application:  4
    Interesting:  2
    Recommend:  3

Brief Lesson Plan:

Grade level:  2nd or 3rd
Time allotted:  40 minutes
Grouping:  Large group and/or pairs

Application or any possible strategies:
     I would introduce the language arts/English poetry technique of rhyme and allow students to explore rhyming words, patterns, or other rhyming poems or verses.  Then have students read and play with the program in pairs.

Number of computers available:  15 computers.  For those who do not have computers, the teacher can use the book, read to the students half of the book and/or play the cassette tape included while they are waiting.  Alternate with the other group of students.
 

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