GeoSafari is a collection of quizzes in different subjects within the categories of history, geography, and science. Each of these categories contains fifteen different quizzes. Various topics for the three sections include First Americans, Armaments, Famous Leaders, The Solar System, Weather, Rocks, Trees, the Skeleton, US Capitals, US attractions, Canada, and Middle America. Each quiz question has a written and visual component, and the player must match a question with a map location or picture in the visual section. Throughout the quiz, the narrator encourages the player by name and gives specific instructions. Each player has a "medal case" with a space for a medal in each of the different quiz categories. If a player answers every question in a quiz correctly, he or she receives a medal in that section. When a medal is received for every quiz in one of the three categories, the player receives a trophy that can be displayed in a trophy case.

The software’s content appears to be accurate and complete. The content is appropriate for geography, history and science curriculums, and it provides a wide variety of facts in these areas. The program emphasizes the memorization of facts, and does not address higher level thinking skills. For this reason, while the program is very accurate, it is a good supplement, not substitution, for a lesson. The program is free of cultural and ethnic bias, but a note about its method of name selection is necessary. At the beginning of the program, players select their names from an extensive "name menu", which appears to include a large number of ethnically diverse names. Players do not have the option of typing in their name; if it is not on the list, they must select a nickname from another menu. Children with ethnic names that are not common in the United States will likely not find their names on the list, and for this reason, it would be beneficial to the program to include a section in which players could type in their names if they do not appear on the list.

Technically, the software is easy to install and fairly easy to run. Basic installation experience is needed to install it, and experience with a mouse and non-linear programs is necessary in order to run the program. One problem that was experienced with the software was its help button- it does not lead to a help menu, and the program does not respond in any perceivable way when it is selected. The navigation system is fairly straightforward and easy to understand, but there is no "back button" present in the software, which would be a beneficial feature. It might be difficult for children in the younger part of the age range to leave one quiz in its middle and start another. The content is easy to read, and the questions are generally asked orally. The program’s graphics are helpful, particularly the large, colorful maps. The sound consists primarily of the narrator, who is helpful, though he often contributes impatient reminders when the user pauses for a long period! The narrator is clear and straightforward, though the program would benefit from the addition of music.

The software makes use of non-linear linking, and at no point in the program is a student "trapped" in a certain section or quiz. Students have the ability to change quizzes, stop taking a quiz before it is finished, go back to questions that were incorrect, and view the various quiz menus at any point in the program. This flexibility is a strength of the program. Due to this non-linear linking, the program’s technology provides an advantage over a similar type of game that could be found in printed format. Another strong use of technology is the narrator, though there could be more animation and video clips that would enhance the program. Teachers can modify the software by changing the time limit during which players can answer questions.

Students are not constrained by the software, and are empowered through their ability to fill up their "medal cases". The goal of mastering a quiz will be motivational to students, particularly with the concrete final goal of earning trophies. Students can work according to their own learning needs to the extent that they can choose the quiz topic that interests them and switch quizzes anytime during the program. The software does not empower students to create a product, but is simply a way to test factual knowledge in a variety of subjects.

The software is designed to be used independently by students, and it is not necessary for the teacher to have an active role in its use. It does provide a good springboard, however, for enrichment activities related to the topics that are covered. The teacher materials that are included are enrichment dittos on the various topics, and they are very practical. Little teacher monitoring is needed, but it would be beneficial for the students to have an introduction to the topics covered on the quizzes they will be taking. The software does not contain internal management tools with which the teacher can monitor student learning. The only means by which student learning can be measured is a record for each student of the medals and trophies that are earned.

This software can be used effectively by small groups or individuals. Users are given the options of one player, two player, three player, or team games. The program can be used effectively by the whole class, particularly if the entire group takes a quiz about a topic that is being taught in class. After a unit about one of the topics on the program is taught, the students could practice taking the related quiz. The quizzes would be fun to students, and such an activity would provide a good reinforcement for material learned.

 Critical Summary

Overall, GeoSafari is a quality piece of software that would be a good supplement to the curriculum in science, history, or geography. The software only addresses lower-level thinking skills, particularly the recall of factual information. General technical quality is strong, though a couple of technical weaknesses are present. Non-linear linking is a strong quality, and the program makes good use of technology. More animation and movies would be a bonus, but the narration and pictures are very good.

Generally, GeoSafari is a good resource that would be of value as a curriculum supplement. It would be interesting, fun, and motivating to students, and would be a good review of factual information. The software provides an excellent way to gain more knowledge about a wide variety of subject areas. Its uses technology well, but not to the extent that it could.

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