Focus Multimedia Science Genius Virtual Laboratory review

1 of 2

Gallery

Verdict:

Review Date: 18 Sep 2008

Price when reviewed: inc VAT

Reviewed By: Adam Banks

Our Rating 4 stars out of 5

This title claims it "supports the science taught in schools". As it was made in France a few years ago, it's probably not referring to the schools your kids attend. Still, it demonstrates a serious commitment to education.

Science Genius Virtual Laboratory starts with an awful dirge of a song performed by a class of Key Stage 2 students on Ritalin or, we suspect, by the programmers. You then arrive at an opening screen where, not obviously, you have to select one of several cartoon characters to bring up a picture of him or her surrounded by a pattern of dots, each of which represents an activity. The dots swoop around if you move the mouse, which amused our testers. They also change colour to show which activities you've completed; each child can log in with their name to store their progress.

The activity screens show an introduction accompanied by 'holes' through which you can glimpse the experiment you're about to try. We found the interface hopelessly confusing. Even basic functions such as scrolling through text involve unfamiliar, over-designed controls. The poor navigation isn't helped by a Back button that can't decide what 'back' means.

The activities are fun; you're told what the experiment is about and instructed to drag objects to see what happens - often involving a hapless cartoon character. The drawings are basic and the animation minimal but our testers were engaged, if a little frustrated when things didn't behave as expected. Notes on each topic are accompanied by suggestions for real-life experiments using everyday materials, which is a useful addition.

We liked the way this program attempted proper teaching. Our testers weren't keen on the interface or droning voiceovers, but would probably come back to it. For something genuinely educational, it's good value.

Prev Next

Get more reviews, tutorials and in-depth advice, every month with Computer Shopper.
Click here to try 3 issues for £1

< Previous Reviews : Multimedia software Next >

Sponsored Links

Be the first to comment on this article

You need to Login or Register to comment.