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 =====level 4===== </tt> Contents 1 Abstract 2 Ease of Use of Software 3 Instructional Design 4 Instructional Flexibility 5 Course Instructions 6 Technical fit for learning environment 7 Effective Use of Audio/Video Technologies 8 Interactivity of Program 9 Aesthetics of Program 10 Supporting Content Materials/Information 11 Overall Functionality of Course 12 References

Abstract JumpStart Second Grade Reading has a fun adventure theme with an Indiana Jones-like frog named CJ and his sidekick, a firefly named Edison. The two are on a quest to find the lost city of Ursulab. They have been trapped in an archelogical dig site by the evil Dr. Listick who has stolen part of the tablet that will lead them to the lost city.

CJ and Edison must collect jewels from various ancient ruins around the world to free the elders who will help reveal the lost city of Ursulab. In order to collect the jewels CJ and Edison need help to complete various puzzles. These activities require some basic reading skills and some fine motor ability to navigate characters in order to avoid minor setbacks.

As a 2nd grade reading program, JumpStart Second Grade Reading assumes a level of begining reading ability. This program involves some excellent practice with some basic 2nd grade reading skills. Children will have practice recognizing parts of speech, including: nouns, verbs and adjectives. They will also blend letter combinations to form words, find hidden words in puzzles, practice creating their own words with a given set of letters, and distinguish verb tense and correct contractions. In addition, they will have the opportunity to classify words as synonyms, antonyms and homonyms and practice their reading comprehension skills as they listen and answer questions about some short stories read to them by a dingo from Ayers Rock in Australia.

Ease of Use of Software

Each activity in JumpStart Second Grade Reading has three difficulty levels, and the levels get progressively more difficult as the child plays. The difficulty level can also be set higher as needed.

JumpStart Second Grade Reading has tutorial aid that provides instruction when a child is having difficulty with a certain skill. After repeated attempts without success at a particular skill a tutorial notebook appears to provide some assistance. This notebook explains to the child the specific skill being used and shows an example.

JumpStart Second Grade Reading includes a report the user can check to verify a child's progress. It shows percentages of success in each skill area and can be printed out. Also included with the program is a printable workbook that reinforces the reading skills being used.

Instructional Design

The adventurous activities with CJ and Edison will be fun and entertaining for a typical 2nd grade student. The puzzles and games are both educational and enjoyable and the animation is well done. The games are not so difficult as to make them frustrating and the characters themselves are quite funny, especially all the characters CJ and Edison meet along the way.

JumpStart Second Grade Reading assumes prior basic reading skills. It offers good practice of the neccessary Language Arts skills required of a 2nd grader. Children 6-8 years old should enjoy this program.

Instructional Flexibility This software is great for visual learners. It is also great for auditory learners because it talks to you as you are playing.

Course Instructions

JumpStart Second Grade Reading installed without difficulty on our test machine. Program navigation was never a problem, and printable progress reports are easy to access and simple to understand.

PC: Windows95/98, 486DX2/66 or faster cpu, 15 MB hard drive space, 16 MB RAM, SVGA 256-color graphics adapter, 4X CD-ROM drive, MPC-compatible sound card, mouse. Mac: System 7.5 or higher, PowerPC cpu, 15 MB hard drive space, 9 MB available RAM, 256-color graphics display, 4X CD-ROM drive.

Technical fit for learning environment The software has everything you need to get started. There is also a customer support division that is ready to help if you encounter any problems.

Effective Use of Audio/Video Technologies

The software uses both audio and video technologies in its games. There is sound when the children are playing the game that helps direct them and let them know how they are doing.

Interactivity of Program The program is highly interactive. It makes learning fun!

Aesthetics of Program The software program is very visually appealing. It uses bright, bold colors and has a wonderful design.

Supporting Content Materials/Information It has good supporting materials. These include lesson planning, professional development, and stories for students.

Overall Functionality of Course This software is very functional. It is easy to use and enages the students in a fun way.

References All information from http://www.superkids.com/aweb/pages/reviews/reading/6/jsread2/merge.shtml

--JSteele 7:21, 16 September 2007(EDT) EDUC 601 Dr. Randy Hollandsworth

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