Software Description

This two CD-ROM set covers the details of Lincoln’s life from birth through death. Volume 1 covers 1809-1861 and volume 2 covers 1862-1865. The software provides a survey of the people, the places and the events that comprised Lincoln’s world. The content is divided into 12 chapters starting with his family background and experiences as a young man to his service as a general during the Civil War. Each chapter contains pictures, copies of original historical documents and descriptions of Lincoln from the perspective of leading scholars. Each diskette contains several chapters including the following topics: 1) Documentary - description of Lincoln’s life 2) Words of Lincoln - Lincoln’s writings 3) Voices from the Past - writings from Lincoln’s contemporaries 4) Lincoln’s America - Events and 5) Scholar's View - commentaries by contemporary historians. Discussed are Lincoln’s failures, his influences, and his personal tragedies and triumphs. The software can enlighten students on the questions of government, political philosophy and personal and public ethics that were part of Lincoln’s life.

 Accuracy of Content

The program has a great deal of depth and may be overwhelming for the recommended ages of 10-12. The best use of this software would be for students from ages 13 and up. The content is accurate and complete but not necessarily presented in an interesting and stimulating way. The information contained in the software package is very similar to what is found in a textbook.

 Technical Quality

Although the software is easy to run and easy to install, I rate the technical quality as needs improvement. Although there were not any major flaws, I do have several suggestions to improve the presentation of the software and to make it more user friendly. A few more bells and whistles are necessary to improve the technical quality. For example, in one instance when I clicked on Words of Lincoln I went into a picture of books on a desk, and was unsure what to do next. Somewhat confused, I looked at the software instruction book and found out that the user should click on the books displayed on the desk to view documents. The publisher should have prompted the user to do so. The same holds true when you click on Lincoln's America. Pictures are displayed but some users may think that they are merely photos and that they do not contain additional information behind them. In addition, the software program contained a Gallery of high quality photos which was found under the heading of Tools. I wondered why this was listed under Tools rather that its own more descriptive heading of Pictures or Photos. Overall, the graphics are good, the colors are bright and cheery, and the navigation system throughout the program is easy to use.

 Use of Technology

This software program does not utilize the technology available to its full potential. The main chapter menus are boxes, which contain only titles, and it is not always clear what is accessible by clicking on a title. It would be much clearer if the publisher were to give a brief explanation of what is contained under the title when the mouse is dragged over the title. In addition, when I clicked on Words of Lincoln, I was disappointed that the program didn't automatically narrate the speeches with the option to shut the sound off. I would also recommend that the Timeline have sound to go along with the chronological historical events with the option to turn the sound off. Despite the few suggestions I have made, I did find many instances where the software made superior use of the technology. For example, the graphics were detailed and flawless. Also, the user was not forced to walk through the information in a chronological path, which allows for greater flexibility. The teacher could easily create assignments using different portions of the software for each student if desired.

 Role of Students

Compared with the more interactive software available, I feel students would feel somewhat constrained by this software. It does not allow for enough critical thinking and decision making strategies, which students usually respond to with a curious and positive attitude. Also, the software by itself does not offer group interaction. Although, the students do have control over the software as far as navigation through the periods of time in either a non-linear or a linear fashion, they have similar capabilities in viewing a good textbook. Therefore, the role of the student is to read, view, analyze and digest the material.

 Role of Teacher

The teacher's role is very critical when using this software, since the software by itself does not lead to critical thinking and it cannot be modified. Fortunately, the software package does include an excellent teacher's guide that suggests activities to do to supplement the software. To build listening and comprehending skills, the teacher should have questions prepared after each section to ensure that each student stays on task. In addition, the teacher should include several activities where the students are allowed to role-play, work in cooperative teams and use their critical higher order thinking skills.

 Classroom Usage

To utilize the software, I would recommend that students rotate through the software. It is not necessary for all 20 students in a classroom to independently view the software at the same time. I would find it more beneficial to rotate groups of students through various activities. For example, perhaps one group could research and do a skit on the Emancipation Proclamation. A second group of students could stage a debate on the issue of Slavery (Abolitionists vs. those who support slavery). A third group could work independently using the software and building their knowledge base while answering teacher and student derived questions.

Overall, despite the areas of improvement I have noted, I found the software beneficial as a supplement to the Lincoln Era. The graphics are very good, the information is accurate and detailed, and the software is easy to use. Technically, the software publisher should make a few minor modifications to improve the quality and user-friendliness aspect of their product. In addition, I would suggest that greater creativity be implemented into the software to increase student's interest.

 Overall Rating (Based On A Scale Of 1 To 10) 8.

 Explanation of Rating

Although the program is very informative, I found that it generally lacked creativity and technical improvements are necessary. The software used by itself would probably not be interesting to the average student. However, it should be understood that the software is not intended to be used without a great deal of teacher interaction. Once the teacher supplements the software with interesting interactive activities, the students can reap the benefits of the knowledge-based software.