Software Evaluation

Content Description:  Students become detectives to solve a crime by knowing
geography.  Clues are given by both the chief of the department and bystanders that see
the criminal.  Each time the detectives get a clue, they decide where the criminal has gone
by typing it .  If the detective is right, he flies to the next place that criminal “has been
spotted.”  After the detectives find the criminal, a new case opens and the detectives are
off to work again.  It can take anywhere from 10  to 15 minutes to 45 minutes.  It may
work best if played in groups of maybe 4 or 5.  That way students can help each other out
and answer the geographical questions.

Strengths:  “Where in the USA is Carmen Sandiego” is a great example of a database that
students can use for information.  The game gives very good instructions that are easy to
follow.  Every time a new action must e performed, the “Chief” give new instructions so
students have plenty of chances to hear instructions.  Students learn a great deal of
geography through a game with excellent graphics.  The best part is that the game is, in
no way, violent.

Weaknesses:  The game may be hard for some students to understand.  There are a lot of
separate buttons that students must push to find clues and answer questions.

Using this in a classroom will get the students excited about geography and learning
about major landforms and waterways in our country.

I would definitely use this software in my class.  It makes everyone excited and students
get really into it.  It makes students work together to figure out clues.

Rating: 8.  The game is so interesting and it can go on for a while without getting boring.
Students practice information skills, computer skills, typing, language, and social studies.
It covers a lot of territory and it is so fun for students.

User comments:  “That was so fun!  I would play that all that time if I had it in my house.
I wonder if my mom will let me get it.”  -David, 11

“It’s OK, but it’s really hard for me to think about the clues.  I need someone to help me.”
-Rucker, 9

“My kids played that game forever.  It takes a lot for all 3 of them to sit together for that
long, but they amazingly did it today.” -Mom of 3

“ I would love to use that in my class.  I could use it now while we do our geography.”

Links:
http://www.worldvillage.com/wv/school/html/reviews/carm.htm
http://www.ucc.ucon.edu/~wwwpcse/carmen.html

Review:
Author:  William Yates
Source:  World Village
Interested:  Based on his review, I would definitely try this software.  The reviewer gave a
10 on a scale to 10 based on learning value and ease.  He seems to really value this
software.  “Broderbund has done an excellent job and provides you with excellent
value.”  He makes it sound very fun and valuable for children.

Author on “Math Waves Rates a Wave”:  Jackie Wheeler
Source:  World Village
Interested:  I might get this software, but it is expensive.  It’s $30 for the set.  It also has a
learning value of 4 out of 5.  The reviewer gave it a “thumbs up” for use in her class, but I
do not know if I would be interested in it for my students.

Author on “Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego”:  Daniel, 10
Source:  Probe Program
Interested:  I would definitely try this software out in my classroom based on the
information given here.  The reviewer tells about the game and sounds as if it’s a good
game for students.  The reviewer is a 10 year old boy who apparently like the software
where he used it.