If you`re looking for an excuse to buy some new software, look no farther. October is Computer Learning Month, making it the perfect time to purchase new programs. No matter what your age or interests, you`ll find plenty of software available that will educate as it entertains.
A good place to look for this software is at Education Resources, the country`s leading distributor of software for schools. Last month in Elgin, the mail-order company opened what is said to be northern Illinois` only software store devoted entirely to educational products. For a copy of the store`s extensive catalog-or for directions to get to the retail outlet-call 708-888-8300.
Here`s a roundup of some of the better and newer educational software releases. The prices given are suggested list; you should be able to find significant discounts at most software stores. Phone numbers are included to help you find hard-to-get titles.
For all ages
The New Grolier Electronic Encyclopedia (Grolier; IBM, Macintosh; $395). If you don`t own a CD-ROM player for your computer, this program alone makes it worth buying one. The 1990 edition of this superb reference work packs more than 30,000 articles and more than 9 million words onto an optical disc that fits in the palm of your hand.
For the first time, the new edition also boasts pictures, including everything from a photograph of a golden retriever to a portrait of Napoleon. New articles for 1990 cover such topics as rap music, computer viruses and chronic fatigue syndrome.
The Electronic Encyclopedia is a fun and easy-to-use package that is especially helpful to students working on term papers. For instructors, a Teacher`s Guide offers a variety of activities to help students cultivate their research skills. For more information, contact Grolier at 800-356-5590. Audubon`s ”Birds of America” (CMC Research; IBM; $99; 503-639-3395). Here`s another program that makes wonderful use of the varied capabilities of a CD-ROM player. This optical disc includes all 1,800 pages of Audubon`s 1840 first edition of ”Birds of America”; computer graphic versions of all the original plates, including 500 gorgeous full-color lithographs; and hundreds of high-fidelity recordings of bird calls, even those of some birds that have become extinct. You don`t have to be a bird lover to sing the praises of this program.
StudyMate (Compu-Teach; Apple, IBM, Macintosh; $49.95; 800-44-TEACH). This program helps students of all ages prepare for exams. Whether you`re cramming for a 9th grade spelling bee or your real estate broker`s test, this program will generate tests and study lists to help make hitting the books less painful. It will also keep track of your progress.
The Software Toolworks World Atlas (Software Toolworks; IBM; $59.95). More than just an atlas, this program is also an almanac and world fact book. Its database has more than 240 fully detailed maps of all parts of the globe. If you click on one part of the world, the display zooms in on a larger map of that area. Menus provide additional information concerning a country`s government, people, economy and much more. A CD-ROM version is available for $149.95.
Age 7 and under
Mickey`s Colors and Shapes: The Dazzling Magic Show (Disney; IBM;
$49.95). This fall marks the splashy debut of a new line of Disney educational software. This title uses an easy-to-remove keyboard overlay to teach children age 2-5 colors and shapes. A few other Disney characters make surprise appearances to help out Mickey. Other new titles in the series include Mickey`s ABCs, Mickey`s 123s and Mickey`s Crossword Puzzle Maker.
Spell-A-Saurus (First Byte; Amiga, IBM; $44.95). Your children can actually hear their spelling words spoken aloud using this fun-filled collection of four spelling games hosted by Zug, the talking Megasaurus. Great graphics enhance the learning experience.
Talking Reading and Me (Davidson; Apple IIGS, IBM; $49.95). Digitized speech also makes words come alive in a program that helps kids to learn words, understand phonics and read simple sentences. A friendly voice reads the words, prompts the kids to respond, and then repeats the words afterwards for positive reinforcement.
Barney Bear Goes to Space (Free Spirit; Amiga; $34.95; 215-683-5609). This is the latest in a lineup of Barney Bear software, which includes such titles as Barney Bear Goes to School and Barney Bear Goes to the Farm. Each program offers rich graphics and nifty sound effects to accompany some simple but fun learning games.
JC The Junior Computer (Integ; $99.95). The JC is a laptop computer system for young kids. Its software is a variety of cartridges costing $20 each that teach children the basics of reading, spelling and math. But why spend $100 for a flimsy computer with terrible graphics? You`d be better off buying a system that the whole family could use.
Age 7-12
Where in Time Is Carmen Sandiego? (Broderbund; most systems; around $50, depending on system). The latest in the acclaimed line of Carmen Sandiego adventures, this program has all the fun of its predecessors and even better graphics. Once again the goal is to track down the elusive Sandiego, who now has a time machine to try to escape you. To solve the mystery, players answer a variety of historical questions. All the answers are found in the New American Desk Encyclopedia, which is included. Expect your kids to spend many hours enthralled by this program.
Math Blaster Plus (Davidson; IBM, Macintosh; $59.95). Perhaps no other learning game so skillfully mixes fun and learning. Children are challenged by four arcade games. To win, they will have to solve various equations. Topics include not only addition, subtraction, multiplication and division but also fractions, decimals, percentages and problem-solving. This is the most fun your kids will ever have learning math.
Super Solvers OutNumbered! (Learning Company; IBM; $49.95). Here`s another slick math tutorial that winningly combines fun and learning games. A graphics mystery adventure is the setting for the easy-to-take math lessons, as children hone their calculating skills combating the Master of Mischief. A just-released sequel called Treasure Mountain carries on the fun.
Bank Street PreWriter (Scholastic; Apple, IBM; $59.95). The Bank Street PreWriter encourages more thoughtful writing by getting students to brainstorm their ideas and create outlines. Kids in grades 5 through 12 will benefit from this approach.
See the USA (Compu-Teach; Apple, IBM; $49.95). Did you know that fewer than half of all high school students know that the two largest states are Alaska and Texas? Or that only 21 percent know that Rhode Island and Delaware are the two smallest states? (Admit it: Even you might have had a hard time on that one). This program seeks to increase students` knowledge about their homeland. It provides a quiz editor for teachers or parents-or the kids themselves-to create new challenges.
For teens
Your Personal Trainer for the SAT (Davidson; IBM; $49.95). SAT scores are down throughout the country, but software like this might help to reverse the trend. This program provides students with a step-by-step method of preparing for the test. Their vocabulary, reading and math skills will be improved by taking practice tests and learning test-taking strategies and hints. Your children might not get a perfect 1600, but their scores should improve.
Challenge of Ancient Empires (Learning Company; IBM; $49.95). One of the few educational products to combine the serious study of archeology with a rousing game, this program is a good find to unearth.
The Baby Game and Romance (Clinical Reference Systems; IBM; $49.50;
800-237-8401). Neither the packaging nor the execution of these two programs is the slickest, but both have the best of intentions. The Baby Game forces teenagers to think about how having a baby would affect them financially and emotionally. Romance asks a series of questions to get children thinking about acting sexually responsible. Both programs are non-threatening and easy-to-use, and perhaps teens won`t be too put off by the amateurish screen displays.
S.M.A.R.T. Choices (Tom Snyder; Apple, IBM; $119.95; 800-342-0236). This package is geared for teachers of students in the ”at-risk population”-that is, students facing difficult decisions concerning drugs, sex and responsible behavior (which should just about cover everybody over the age of 10). The package aims at clarifying the values of the student so he or she can make well-considered decisions about real-life issues.
For adults
WeatherBrief (Mindscape; IBM; $75). OK, you`ve talked enough about the weather. Now it`s time to do something about it. WeatherBrief allows you to be your own weather forecaster. You use this program to connect by modem to Weather-Bank, the same online database used by most professional
meteorologists. Then you can find out everything from the humidity in Lafayette, La., to the rainfall in Capetown. This program is handsomely packaged and its sales have been brisk. Just one question: Wouldn`t it be easier-and cheaper-just to watch the Weather Channel?
Professor DOS (Individual Software; IBM; $49.95). If you`re looking for a painless way to learn the user-unfriendly IBM operating system, check out this program. It gently guides you through the arcane mysteries of DOS, offering online quizzes as you progress. The company also puts out tutorials for a variety of programs such as Pagemaker, Lotus and WordPerfect. For a catalog, call 800-331-3313.
For parents and teachers
Award Maker Plus (Baudville; most systems; $40-$60, depending on system). If you`ve ever wanted to create your own awards, this program is for you. The program boasts a variety of fonts and designs to help make your creations stand out. Add-on library disks are available with a variety of themes, such as sports awards and education awards. If you have a laser printer, consider Laser Award Maker, which for $199 will provide Mac and IBM users with even niftier certificates.
