Press Release: Thinkology a Big Hit with Educators.
A Review of Heartsoft's New Critical Thinking Skills Software By Dr. Susan Babbitt, Ed.D.
TULSA, Okla., Oct. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Heartsoft, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: HTSF) released today the followingproduct review of its new critical thinking skill software, Thinkology(R). The product was reviewed by Dr. SusanBabbitt, Ed.D, Educational Consultant, Tulsa, Oklahoma.
According to Dr. Babbitt, Thinkology's ''Clarity'' is the first of three titles to be released in Heartsoft's new critical thinking skills software series which teaches Pre-Kindergarten through 4th graders authentic higher order thinking skills.
The 3 CD-ROM series, Thinkology, was developed based on the findings of The Foundation for Critical Thinking & Moral Critique, at Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park, California. The principle intellectual concept behind Thinkology is that critical thinking skills can be successfully introduced to our students at an early age, empowering them with the reasoning skills necessary to think more clearly and apply knowledge learned across all curriculum areas more effectively.
Product Description:
''Thinkology uses a clever cast of cartoon characters, including hosts, Milo & Molly, to introduce critical thinking skills to the viewer. The program begins by allowing students to watch a humorous exchange of dialogue between the cast of characters involving 'who is the most clear' about certain items. After completing either of 2 stories on each CD-ROM, students proceed to a set of interactive activities (20 total per CD) about the story they just viewed. I highly regarded the activity portion of Clarity and found that, unlike many other products I have reviewed, the activities in Clarity are not
simply 'click and giggle' edutainment, rather they are an important continuation of the teaching of critical thinking skills. In fact, I would say that the activities in Thinkology are as much a part of the learning process as are the animated stories,'' said Dr. Babbitt.
''When gauging the overall workmanship of Clarity, I found the graphics and animation to be fluid, creative and highly engaging, and the sound effects and music tracks appropriate and fitting for the audience,'' added Dr. Babbitt. ''Overall I was attracted to the lively characters and thought that they definitely promoted clearer thinking -- Quality rating: A.''
Ease of Use:
''An unusual aspect of Thinkology which I thought was very effective was the use of a 'virtual teacher' whom the Teacher's Guide identified as 'Trixie,' an on-screen tutor who guides students through nearly every part of Thinkology. During the activities, Trixie sets-up each scene and provides students with all the information they need to answer activity questions correctly -- if they listened clearly! Also, at any point in the program, students can click on Trixie to hear directions or questions again.
''Another important benefit which I thought greatly improved the effectiveness of Thinkology in the classroom was the manner in which the program prevents students from making a 'snap' decision and answering before the entire question has been asked by Trixie,'' Dr. Babbitt continued. ''This feature requires students to actively listen to all of the spoken directives and prevents them from rushing through the activities -- Ease of Use: A+''
Product Support, Installation & Pricing:
''The teacher's guide, curriculum correlation materials, and supplemental activities sections are comprehensive, and can save a great deal of time in lesson planning and classroom integration of Thinkology,'' said Dr. Babbitt. ''In addition, the Clarity package contains an on-screen teacher management system that evaluates and prints each student's progress. A hidden data file is also included, which allows spreadsheet analysis of individual and classroom-wide progress.
''The Clarity CD-ROM is quick and easy to install on both Macintosh and Windows '95 platforms, and comes with very helpful and very friendly technical support customer service assistance via a toll free number.
''I also found the pricing for Thinkology to be highly competitive for educators and a great value for the money. Each of Thinkology's 3 volumes are available as follows: $79.95 for a 2 CD-ROM Single User package; $149.95 for a 5 CD-ROM Lab-Pack; and $449.95 for a 25 CD-ROM Site License. Special pricing is also available for all 3 Volumes: Clarity, Accuracy, and Logic -- Product Support: A.''
Recommendation:
''I strongly recommend Heartsoft's Thinkology and feel that Clarity was well designed and that it meets the needs of both the individual student as well as an entire class. Thinkology is the strongest software resource I have found for teaching and reinforcing the higher order thinking skills which are so important in this age of information and communication. Thinkology is an excellent resource for any elementary school teacher who is looking for a way to improve student's abilities to think more clearly and to learn more effectively. You will enjoy using Thinkology in your classroom,'' stated Dr. Babbitt.
Dr. Susan Babbitt, Ed.D., is presently Director of Technology at Metro Christian Academy, Tulsa, Oklahoma, and was previously Director of Instructional Media for Tulsa Public Schools for over 10 years. Dr. Babbitt can be reached at 918-371-5897 for additional information on her review of Thinkology.
Thinkology's 2nd and 3rd volumes, Accuracy and Logic, are planned for release in November, 1997, and January, 1998, respectively.
Copies of a free CD-ROM Guided Tour of Thinkology which guides viewers through sample stories and activities straight from the ''Clarity'' CD-ROM, are available directly from Heartsoft at 800-285-3475.
Heartsoft, Inc., develops, publishes, and distributes curriculum-based educational software products in the Pre-Kindergarten through 6th grade range for parents and educators internationally. The company's headquarters are located at 3101 Hemlock Circle, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma 74012; telephone 918-251-1066; fax 918-251-4018. The company's web sites are located at www.heartsoft.com and www.thinkology.com . Customer Service and Sales can be reached at 800-285-3475.
SOURCE Heartsoft, Inc. |
