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March 15, 2001
Quick Picks
The Gene
Emphasis: Biology, genetics.
Grade Level: Secondary and college.
Platform: Mac/Win CD.
Price: $86 for single user; lab packs, network and site licenses available.
Special Requirements: QuickTime 3.0 or higher.
Publisher: Hawkhill Associates, Inc.; Madison, WI; (800) 422-4295; www.hawkhill.com
Long before Dolly made cloning a household word, scientists were tampering with the infrastructure of the gene. As a result, our knowledge of the intricacies of DNA and how it functions has quickly grown beyond what can be covered in a single chapter of a science textbook. The Gene responds to this information explosion by offering a genetics textbook on CD, detailing the role and function of genes and exploring the implications of genetic research.
Each of the 10 chapters begins with several short video segments and concludes with a set of interactive study guide questions. For example, Chapter Two: Gregor Mendel's Garden introduces the grandfather of genetic research in two concise videos, each followed by study questions. Students can also review key concepts-from the principles of heredity to the causes of genetic mutation-in a reproducible Key Points section of each chapter. Mastery quizzes, exploration exercises, and research tasks add to the extensive activities offered in every chapter.
While teachers will like the familiar textbook format for transmitting complex information, features unique to the CD-such as built-in pacing options, Internet research capabilities, and informative videos-add a helpful, interactive dimension to the traditional textbook. Additionally, the program can be used in either a self-paced environment or with a projector for whole-class activities. The program doesn't report or manage class results on quizzes, however, a feature that would enhance the program's appeal.
Evaluator: Mike Brown, director of the Coastal Studies and Technology Center and science teacher in Seaside, Ore.
M-ss-ng L-nks
Emphasis: Language arts.
Grade level: K-8.
Platform: Mac/Win CD.
Price: $99 for single user; site licenses available.
Publisher: Sunburst, Pleasantville, NY; (800) 321-7511; www.sunburst.com
M-ss-ng L-inks, as its suspiciously absent vowels indicate, is a game about language. More specifically, it's a game that asks students to figure out which letters and words are missing from preselected passages. Missing Links is divided into four categories-Literature, Science, Encyclopedia, and Custom. The strongest are the Literature and Custom segments-the former for its snug fit with core skills in language arts and rich content holdings; the latter for its potential for student authorship.
Teachers who want to emphasize the contextual nature of language will appreciate the thematic arrangement of passages and the accompanying pictures. Students choose from seven formats, depending on the desired degree of difficulty. They can select to hide vowels or just consonants or every fifth word. They can also set the game for one or several attempts. Teachers can "freeze" specific games and save the results, which are automatically scored. The Custom feature allows both teacher and students to create their own content and corresponding images for game use.
Missing Links is a helpful tool for illustrating the linguistic intersection of letter, word, sentence, and context. Unfortunately, the richest passages for illustration, including Charlotte's Web, are without accompanying images. Students can add their own images to both existing and newly created text, however. Repetition of the same task may also be a limitation to using this program extensively in the classroom, but it could make a nice adjunct to workshops of student writing.
Evaluator: Kristen Kennedy, senior editor for T&L.
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