Learn German Words with Das Schloss

ZX Computing

Mike Edmunds

SPECTRUM LESSONS Mike Edmunds administers a gold star or rap on the knuckles to a mixed bag of Educational Software Almost everyone in the field of education, and beyond, must have, by now, accepted the fact that the computer has served its period of apprenticeship within the school. It has, for the most part, found an acceptable and valuable role within the school curriculum. Although this statement may be challenged by many, it is nonetheless obvious that the computer is destined to become an even more integral part of our children's education in the future and, though not all of us may like it, as teachers and parents we have an obligation to see that its full potential is realised. Educationally the computer is, at the very least, the equivalent of an "electronic wordcard" and can be thought of as a valuable resource to sit alongside the Maths equipment and the reference books. From the early days (it is really only 2 years since the DOI package?) when there was a mad scramble for any software that could remotely be labeled as 'educational' we have, thankfully, become more discerning, and parents and teachers alike now look carefully to decide whether or not a particular program really fulfills a need. The criteria by which we can judge a particular program are many and varied, but essentially there is now a more enlightened attitude about what constitutes quality software. The standard of educational programs has in creased tremendously in what is really a very short time the user can now afford to be choosy. The content of programs must increasingly be adaptable and of tasting value, able to offer an ever widening range of experiences. That is not of course, to ignore totally the ever present 'drill and practice' programs which still have their uses, but nowadays a program must be seen to be of 'real' value to earn its place in an educational context. The batch of programs under review this issue appear to cover a wide area of interest but not all live up to the high standards which teachers and parents alike have a right to expect from 'educational software'. LEARN GERMAN Chalksoft Learn German with Das Schloss from Chalksoft. This is a game which teaches and tests your knowledge of German. As such, it is intended for those with some grasp of the language although it could be used by beginners with a bit of help. There are ten lists available, helping the tourist and student alike The idea is another version of cloze, a missing word being required... this time in German. The English translation of the word is given and success means another day's work has been completed on Das Schloss (The castle). The castle is completed after 22 correct answers, although you can cheat with a judicious use of the ENTER key! There is an option to use any of the different lists supplied or to create and use one of your own. Chalksoft claim that... "These programs are invaluable to children and adults who are learning German. In fact they are useful to anyone who wants to brush up on their German vocabulary." For once I agree with the inlay card! This is a computerised phrase book, although it might be a bit unwieldy to carry around. Learn German costs £7.45, from Chalksoft, [redacted].