Tablespeed

Crash

Rosetta McLeod

CRASH COURSE By Rosetta McLeod HAVING FUN WITH EDUCATIONAL SOFTWARE A recent survey undertaken for the Independent Broadcasting Authority shows that a third of all households in Britain with children, now own a home computer. On the surface this seems encouraging, but the question has to be asked, To what use are these computers being put? The vast majority of home computer users may do little more than play arcade and adventure games, and it is a pity that the enjoyable educational software on offer does not reach a bigger audience. The programs from AVP Computing reviewed this month are good examples of software which can be of use both in the home and in schools, because of their relevance to the learning process. AVP have long been known to teachers as publishers of excellent audio-visual materials, and now they have turned their attention towards educational software. Over a hundred of their own programs are described in their Primary and Secondary catalogues, together with a wide selection of titles from other educational publishers of quality. Teachers will welcome the fact that, if official requisition forms are used for ordering, titles may be obtained on a fortnight's approval. Certainly the catalogues are well worth obtaining, and the programs I've looked at provide a useful cross-section of the wares AVP have to offer. The programs for Secondary schools cover Science, Mathematics, languages, social subjects, Economics, Computer Studies, Music, Art, careers guidance and administration, while those available for younger children represent all ages of the Primary curriculum. For more information, get in touch with AVP Computing, [redacted]. TABLESPEED This very enjoyable program aims to improve a child's familiarity and skill with multiplication tables. At the beginning, the user can select the time limit and set the highest number table on which questions will be asked during the session. A scoring system is in operation, so that high marks are awarded for choosing a short time limit and a difficult table. By holding down key 5, the child can get help from the computer, but will lose five points. The questions are clearly displayed on the screen together with a choice of four possible answers. This makes the program accessible even to less able children, and the time element means that older children and adults can also have fun with it. During play, the computer gives helpful remarks, offers suggestions and words of encouragement based on the user's performance, and at the end it is possible to obtain a certificate via a printer, or to request the computer to draw a pattern on the screen. My only criticism of this excellent little program is that it is not possible to turn off the sound which began to drive me mad! The Tablespeed cassette costs £9, or £12 for the Microdrive version. COMMENTS Control keys: choose the option by pressing keys 1-4 Keyboard play: very responsive Graphics: limited but attractive Use of colour: very good

Not bad at multiplication tables, is Cameron. he's so good, he's playing TABLESPEED at full speed: two seconds a go.