JumpStart Baby with Baby Ball
© 1999 Knowledge Adventure, Inc.
In this repackaging of 1998's JumpStart Baby, the software is accompanied by a large, blue, plastic ball-like contraption that plugs into your Windows or Mac computer. Its purpose is to take the place of your mouse and keyboard, giving your baby a more appealing alternative. Although we had some technical difficulties in getting the ball to work, once we succeeded, we found the ball very responsive. Even a slight touch results in something happening on the screen. That is, if your baby taps on the thing at just the right time. Unfortunately, the software still requires patience, listening and timing. Read on for the original review, and keep in mind that this ball is nothing more than a gimmick. Is your baby good at waiting? Does she like to listen to and follow directions? These are the skills she'll need to experience success with this new CD-ROM "designed especially for babies." The program features eight learning activities, hosted by a teddy bear, that revolve around colors, shapes, animals, and so on. One game, for instance, asks babies to help Teddy get dressed to go outside. Another game lets children hear different instruments and songs being played by an animal band. There's also a coloring activity and a "connect the dots" game. While the graphics and songs are quite cute and appealing, the program's design is very disappointing, and not at all "baby-friendly." In each activity, babies must sit through lengthy narration and are then asked to press any key to make something happen. If the baby presses a key during the narration, nothing happens on the screen. A design such as this takes the control away from the child. Babies like to explore and manipulate– not sit and wait for just the right moment. With other "first" programs, for instance Reader Rabbit's Toddler and JumpStart Toddler, children encounter instant success. There's no waiting– any movement of the mouse or any keystroke makes something exciting happen on the screen. The child quickly learns that her own actions affect what's happening on the computer. There are other problems with this program. The CD's responsivity is poor, and there are many lost clicks, even if the baby does wait until the narration is over. Another aspect of the program that drew fire from our test families is the printable "Baby Workbook." A workbook for babies?! Sheesh! The bottom line: if you choose to introduce your baby to the computer, it's important that first experiences are positive and meaningful. Better programs exist than this one.
$30, Win 95, Win 3.1, Mac OS (CD-ROM)
Teaches: songs, shapes, colors