JumpStart World
© 2007 Knowledge Adventure, Inc.
Note: See Jumpstart 3D World (Fall 2008). JumpStart World is an educational theme park for Windows computers with a broadband Internet connection that can replenish itself with new content. There are three versions—Kindergarten, First Grade and Second Grade—that can be purchased for $10 each, or downloaded from www.jumpstartworld.com. (See the rather complex purchasing options at the end of this review, and read the fine-print carefully, as automatic credit card billing is involved). This blending of Internet and hard disk installed software marks an important evolution in children's software because it exploits the strengths of both formats. For example, the publisher's servers can track progress and download new content remotely, as well as automatically generate email messages about a child's progress for parents. The computer's hard disk delivers a large quantity of visual and sound information (including a lot of music and narration) in a format too large to stream online. After the installation, you are required to register in order to start the game. This lets you customize the world to your child by entering his or her birth date or the holidays you prefer. You can arrange to have the program send detailed progress reports to your email address or subscribe to new content downloads for $8 per month. If you choose not to subscribe, you still get about 20 activities in the Kindergarten level along with some scavenger hunt adventures, and your child can continue to explore the world, although you lose access to the website. According to Knowledge Adventure, it is possible to purchase access on a month-to-month basis. Children sign in to explore a customized world stocked with chatty characters who are eager to suggest a new challenge. There are dozens of well-crafted math and reading games—you throw pies at vocabulary words or race up a beanstalk by solving math problems that could've come straight out of a workbook. Many of these game formats appear in each grade version of JumpStart World—with harder content. The designers mixed in some smart features to keep things interesting, such as seasons that change and the ability to display your child's artwork or digital photos on the park's billboards. There's also a parade that takes place on your child's birthday. While all this frosting is nice, the heart of JumpStart World is in the activities, that are both responsive and varied enough to keep children clicking. Knowledge Adventure also does a great job of supporting a typical school curriculum. There are several ways to puchase JumpStart World: By subscription: the first two adventures cost, plus $8 for each remaining adventure pack. There are 12 packs per grade. As soon as your child completes an adventure, or at least once each month, a new adventure pack is will automatically download to your computer and your credit card is charged automatically. By purchasing a starter kit at a store or via download. This includes the first 2 Adventure Packs -- $20 on CD or $18 downloaded. You can subscribe later for more adventures. Full Grade: Get all 12 Adventure Packs now for $75. Your child can access all 12 Adventure Packs, available at their own pace. Whenever they complete an Adventure Pack, a new one will be ready for them to explore!
$208, Windows with and Internet Connection
Teaches: math, reading, logic, critical thinking, some art and creativity
CTR Rating: 90%