Caesar's Travels

Crash

Rosetta McLeod

CRASH COURSE By Rosetta McLeod COMPUTERS AS COMMUNICATORS... How do you feel about a computer program for babies? I must admit that when the tape Turntaking arrived on my desk, with its claim to be 'simple enough for babies', my initial reaction was one of horror! The picture came into my mind of helpless babies propped up in front of a TV Screen to amuse themselves with the game while harrassed parents got on with the chores, or snatched the opportunity to put their feet up for ten minutes. But this, of course, is not what it's all about. No matter what sort of educational programs we're talking about-' whether it's ones like this for the very young child, or an exam revision program for older teenagers - working with the computer should not be seen as a solitary activity. Yet many people still look at micros as being useful only in a one-child-one computer situation, where the child is assumed to be taught by the computer which is taking the place of an adult instructor. I know there are some educational programs (which have been reviewed in Crash Course), which are marketed on the fact that they can be used by children without any adult supervision whatsoever. No parent, though, who wishes to do the best for his or her child, should be happy to delegate the responsibility for home education to the computer. When the television became a common piece of furniture in the home, it was criticised for destroying family life. 'Families don't talk any more', became the cry. 'Everyone just sits impassively in front of the screen. The only discussion that takes place is when there is a disagreement over which programme to watch.' Now that a vast number of homes possess micros, modern technology has been blamed for being the ultimate destroyer of any interaction between parents and their children. I believe, however, that used correctly the computer can increase communication between children and adults. The best home computer education programs are those which encourage the parent to work alongside the child, helping and directing progress. This is not to say that the child must never be left atone with the computer: as the notes for the Turntaking program say, 'If you are busy you will be able to leave children to play with the program themselves and they can tell you about it when you come to see how they are getting on...' It's this 'telling about it' process which is so important Let's start thinking about computers as an aid to communication for a change! CAESAR'S TRAVELS Producer: Mirrorsoft Memory Required: 48K Retail Price: £7.95 Age Range: 3 to 9 years (pre-readers with an adult) Caesar's Travels is, according to Mirrorsoft's publicity handout, 'a unique combination of animated story program and complete 64 page illustrated storybook. It's the first of a new generation of story corner bedtime story resources that is equally useful in the classroom or at home'. The format of the book might best be described as being a cross between a traditional story and an adventure program. After each section of narrative, the child is faced with various options, for instance after Caesar the cat is thrown out into the yard by his owner, an unfriendly-looking dog appears. The question is posed: 'What will you do now Caesar? jump over the wall.... go to page 2. Climb the fence.. go to page 3.' The child can, therefore, follow many of the story routes leading to one of 18 endings, and each of these 38 different routes is a complete story in itself. The computer game is a condensed version of the book, and features quite excellent animation of the chosen route, together with some very realistic sound effects. Many teachers and parents today fear that the growing fascination for computer games will drive children away from the pleasures of reading, but this package is an excellent example of how the two activities can be related. Indeed, if used correctly, the computer may do much to positively encourage reading. The game itself is very simple for a young child to play. A key card is supplied which, when placed above keys 1 to 6 at the top of the Spectrum keyboard, shows the choices available - if the player wants Caesar to RUN, he presses the number key below the word on the key card. The pre-reading children who tried out the game for me had no trouble at all in learning to recognise the words on the card, and thoroughly enjoyed the program. The book and the game are extremely useful for encouraging young children to make decisions, either on their own, or after discussion with others, and are great fun to use. COMMENTS Control keys: key card supplied so that the input of commands such as RUN, WALK, JUMP etc is executed by the use of a number key. ENTER to go back or answer key for puzzles. SPACE to continue, move arrows or start a new game. Keyboard play: fast Use of colour: very good Graphics: young children will love the animated cat

Sinclair User

Overall 2/5

Richard Price 2/5

Publisher: Mirrorsoft Memory: 48K Price: £7.95 Caesar, the cheeky Daily Mirror cartoon cat, has appeared once before in a mouse-catching arcade game. Now he is the star of Caesar's Travels, described by the publishers as an animated story program and intended to attract the three to nine age group. The hand-outs with the program make great play of the educational benefits of the game and so it seems fair to look at it as an aid to learning. The game is basically an option adventure with the animated figure of Caesar walking through various scenes looking for a new home - he has been kicked out by his disgruntled owner Mr McGregor for smashing too much crockery in his pursuit of mice. Each location is a full screen picture with text written above. There are six main options but no more than two appear on each screen. You may decide, for instance, to jump over a wall or hide in a dustbin. There are 38 routes through the game and 18 different endings, all happy and non-violent - a point in the game's favour. The graphics are bright and cheerful, very similar to the style of the earlier arcade game. However, Caesar flickers as he moves and the attributes tend to clash. Despite that, the cat is an appealing figure for children. I am not sure that Caesar's Travels is successful as an educational tool as there are a number of inconsistencies which may only serve to confuse younger children. At one point Caesar is disturbed in the night by a posse of alley cats. The player is asked to count the cats in the picture, but the other cats are depicted only as pairs of eyes glowing in the night. Even if you work out that those are the enemy cats you are not allowed to count Caesar who is the only really visible cat. Here then, you are expected to look through Caesar's eyes. In contrast, at another decision point, you are given the option of going left or right. If you try to do this from the cat's viewpoint you will be told you are wrong.

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