Author Description

This book reviews over 250 computer programs oriented toward the three- to six-year age range. Each program has been screened with checklists designed to rate such factors as ease of use, content strength, instructional design, and developmental appropriateness. The opening section contains an alphabetical list of all the software titles covered, and an illustrated guide to understanding the ratings given to each program. A "scan" page summarizes general statistical information about the survey, including how many programs are available for each kind of computer, how many employ a joystick, and how many require a color monitor. The second section consists of alphabetically arranged program descriptions, which include a narrative description, numerical ratings, and a sample screen picture for each program. Practical information, such as retail price and the computer and equipment needed to make the program work, is provided for each program. The third section contains the seven-page form used to evaluate the programs, and an explanation of how numerical ratings were calculated. Appendices answer common questions about software producers, content areas, number of titles in conceptual areas, programs for different computer brands, and the meaning of terms. (RH)