Shelly's My First Computer Game: Goldilocks and the Three Bears

$29.95, Win 98, Win XP

Teaches: early reading, math and science, memory, computer literacy

CTR Review

This program is designed to teach a preschooler computer literacy; which is a questionable practice. That said, this software isn't all that bad, and is certainly not dangerous. The core of this activity pack is five structured, multi-level games designed to provide experiences with memory, following verbal directions, matching objects and letters, finding letters on the keyboard and coloring. There's also an adapted version of The Three Bears with a computer literacy twist. The game starts with a sign-in screen, where children are asked to type their name. Next, the program goes into a "Read and Play" mode, using an adapted version of The Three Bears to introduce the basic parts of the computer. On each page of the story, structured activities reward challenges such as "find the letter A" with a shower of stars. Once they've earned 20 stars, they can visit the Activity Center, with five three-level workbook-style games related to memory or matching. In the Memory Game, children pack a suitcase by clicking on the named items in the correct order. Which One is Different show a set of objects, an children are required to find the different one. Coloring Book is poorly designed, but the dot-to-dot puzzles, and Word Typing are interesting and educational. Many parts of this program are well designed, but they are some design quirks. The menus require reading to use; a design problem considering the audience, and too much emphasis is place on double or single clicking. There are frequent instructions, too much praise, and at points a clock to hurry a child along. Despite these limitations, the graphics and several of the activities are strong enough to provide a positive experience for preschool-age children.