August 1994 — Features

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Educational Effectiveness of Computer Software

The richness of the program's subject matter and its inter-disciplinary nature lend it to many individual and group activities. A manual is provided with worksheets for students and guidelines with suggested activities for teachers. From our observations, Oregon Trail is liked mostly by boys who enjoy shooting animals for food. Girls may like this game too, but for other reasons -- reaching the destination, writing epitaphs on tombstones, etc. To some degree, the educational objectives of the game are missed. Attributes that were intended to attract children to the game actually divert their attention from the objectives. One such attribute is competitiveness. For example, part of the challenge is to reach the end of the trail as fast as possible. Children are doing so, but without regard for their companions or oxen. The goal becomes so important that players neglect the health of other travelers and their own lives. Another example, shooting animals for food, was designed to teach children about different animals in different terrain, as well as be part of the reality of life on the trail. However, "shoot-em' up" has become a focus of attention for many students, (mostly boys). Unfortunately, besides eye-hand coordination, not much else is learned. And eye-hand coordination is not one of the stated objectives of this game.
Due to limited time, an absence of teacher guidance and the desire to use the software solely for amusement, children tend to play the game differently from one another, based on their personality. They enjoy its different aspects, yet learn only a little from it. Educators who have studied Oregon Trail are usually impressed by the well-written program. It works for them since they can take the time necessary to read all the information and gather the data to make decisions. These educators are also trained in organizing their thoughts and in how to use their skills and other tools to retrieve information from the game at the appropriate time.