System Requirements: a) Windows: 486DX/33Mhz, 8MB RAM (12 recommended for Windows 95), 640x480 pixel, 256 colors video display, double speed CD‐ROM drive, 11 MB disk space, 8 bit sound card, speakers or headphones, mouse b) Macintosh system 7.0, 6804/25MHz, 8MB RAM (12 MB required for system 7.5), 640x480 pixel, 256 colors video display, double speed CD‐ROM drive, 4 MB disk space, 8 bit sound card, speakers or headphones, mouse
The installation of Amazing Animals was straightforward. The disc started the setup process automatically both on the Windows 95 and Macintosh platforms. The process did not require any technical skill; and the software installed properly. The product required only 11 MB on the Windows 95 platform and 4 MB on the Macintosh platform. The intended audience is children, probably aged 6‐12.
The product is focused on animal life and built on many game oriented learning activities and tasks. A green lizard gives voice guidance at the beginning of each activity or on demand. We found this metaphor to be very effective and not intrusive at all. The use of colors, especially whites, reds, and greens is wonderful and never excessive. The motivational factor is based on the reward concept (stickers, next screen, etc. etc.). The Quiz at the end of every task is a constant and the clue function in the quiz allows users to shift from a perspective of competition to a one of stimulating interest and offering the learners a chance to fulfill their interest.
Amazing Animals has very few commands but incorporates functions to zoom, uncover details, and save to disk. It has two main modes: Toy Box and Amazing Animal Expert. The Toy Box is composed of (from the upper right and clockwise):
a) Internet Link‐Up which assumes the user has already access to the Internet and a Web browser installed. It launches the browser and connects it to the Dorling Kindersley Web site. b) Amazing Masks allows players to save and print animal masks for parties etc. c) Animal Movies. d) Matching Pairs: animals and their offsprings. e) Pixelator, a progressive drawing of an animal picture and timed recognition. This section could be eliminated without impairing the product. The mechanism does not really allow children to perform the required operation. f) Copy Cat asks the user to remember sequences of sounds, screen changes, and hand movements. g) The Stationery folder creates letterhead and business cards, etc. with animal iconography. h) Options include: Parent’s Notes, Technical Support, Credits, Internet Setup, Delete User Names, Remove Stickers, and Brightness. I) Photo Safari is very interesting and involves sound, eye, and hand coordination. It is not obvious how to point and shoot; but I guess finding out is part of the fun. j) Scrambler is a descrambling activity that involves eye‐hand coordination. k) Match the Facts requires matching animal pictures to facts and statistics.
The Amazing Animal Expert is a hyper‐book divided into: Armored Animals, Dangerous Animals, Animal Babies, and Animal Disguises. One moves forward by selecting one of the options and moves back to the first page by a ribbon. The software does not contain any search engine; but we did not feel the need for one. Very little documentation is provided or needed. The software is very simple, efficient, and well conceived. We found the web site to be very well designed, simple, efficient, fast, and an optimal tool for gathering more information on other publications by Dorling Kindersley.
The product is a learning tool targeted to children. Learning through playing seem to be very well embodied in this software. The interface is very attractive and functional: it does not require specific knowledge acquisition. Every time we found ourselves trying to perform a task the authors intended, we appreciated the learning experience. The choice to market this software at $29.95 seems appropriate; and the size of the possible market justifies the low price. We highly recommend this software for parents and children interested in animal life.
