ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED LIMA NEWSLETTER APRIL 1991
 
           DREW'S VIEWS: TI EDUCATION SOFTWARE  
         ^By:  Andy Frueh 
 
     With all the hype recently concerning the lost TI modules and Fairware
packages, I feel that a lot of 99'ers are forgetting that the stuff TI made in
from 1982-83 is fantastic.  Plus, everyone can use them.  This stuff is still
available, and it's great. 
 
     The below reviews use 1, 2, 3, or 4 stars (*) to rate the software.  1
star is worthless, and 4 stars are great! 
 
     Beginning Grammar (TI) **** - Despite the name "Beginning," this isn't
just for the wee ones!  I recommend it for grades 2-9, it teaches nouns, verbs,
adjectives, pronouns, prepositions, and the whole lot.  Abd it DOES teach.  You
select which type of word (noun, verb, ect.) from a menu of six options.  Each
choice has a unique game/larning session.  First, you are given a textbook-type
instruction.  Then you get to practice (i.e. game).  For nouns, you have to
move aword into a box as to whether it is a person, place, thing, or not a
noun.  Verbs use an "elevator" game, and adjectives use a restaurant menu,
ect..  Great use of graphics and music.  It's worth buying. 
 
     Milliken Math Sequences (Milliken) *** - Milliken tried, and for the
record, they didn't do too bad.  There is a whole series, rangning from simple
maths to percents and equations.  Unlike most of the TI education catridges,
this one expects you to know the material before you use the module.  The
modules appears to be meant for review, not actually learning.  You are asked
first for your name, than the difficulty level.  This level will decide how
advanced the problems are.  For example, on the Equations cartridge, level 1
would give a problem such as 12 + x = 15 while level 24 (one of the highest
levels) would give a two-step equation.  When you get a problem right, an
animated graphic appears.  If you make one mistake, you are told it is wrong,
and allowed to try again.  If you are still wrong, the computer gives the
answer for you.  The screen displays the problem, the current level, the number
of problems given on the current level, the number of problems done right on
the level, and the percentage (take by dividing the # right by the total #).
If you make too many mistakes, the program puts you down one level.  If you do
a good job, you can go up one level.  There is no time limit to input your
answers, unlike several math "games".  Good, yet boring.  These might not
capture kids attention, and thus not be used.  The ARE good practice, but only
for those kids who need casual practice. 
 
     DLM Math Series (DLM) *** - These are arcade-style "educational" games.
You'll probably find that they hold attention quite nicely, as they ARE games.
You can enter an option screen that really lets the user perform on a suitable
level that isn't too hard or too easy.  You can select the difficulty (i.e. the
speed of the game) from 1 (slow) to 9 (fast).  Also, you can select how hard
the problems get, the time to play from 1 to 5 minutes, and whether or not
you'll use the joystick or keyboard.  The theme used in this series of
Addition, Subtraction, Mixed Adding/Subtracting, Division, Multiplication, or a
Mix of those two, is about the same.  You shoot at the bad guys who are out to
get you.  You have an answer located somewhere on your person, whether it be a
robot or a dragon.  Enemies are moving towards you, their speed depending on
the difficulty level.  Each enemy has a math problem printed on it.  You have
to shoot the enemy whose problem matches your answer.  If you are wrong, the
enemy advances, until they either destroy you or something you're protecting.
The only real difference is in Alligator Mix (Adding/Subtracting) where apples
float down a river to your alligator.  If the apples have the right answer, the
alligator's mouth needs to be opened.  At the end, a tally board showing the
current hits/misses and the best hits/misses is displayed.  Good use of
graphics, but lacking much creativity. 
.PL 1