The Multimedia Bug Book

Published by Workman-Swift International: Workman: 708 Broadway/ New York, New York 10003/ (212) 254-5900, Swift International: Box 219/ Rockland, Delaware 19732/ (302) 234-1740. This is a CD-ROM only product.
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Audience

 In the opinion of this reviewer, the target audience for this CD-ROM would be third, fourth, and fifth grade students. Children at these age levels would be old enough to make decisions within the program and learn the facts about the insects without fin ding the graphics juvenile and foolish. [Top of Page]

Purpose

 The package of the CD-ROM invites users to "observe over 50 insects close up with tips on capturing and identifying your own creepy-crawly neighbors." A movie clip establishes a scenario for the action to follow. Dr. Anson Pantz has just accidentally ca used the escape of his entire insect collection, and he needs help in retrieving his bevy of bugs. Users may select from 50 different insects, and as they progress through the program, each time they complete a game successfully, the bug they have chosen is returned safely to one of Dr. Pantz's laboratory vials.

This is a simple yet extensive travel into the realm of insects that will both entertain and educate young children. Some of the features of this software include a fact page on every bug, covering topics such as appearance and diet. Users may learn abo ut the size of the bug by clicking a ruler icon, see an enlargement of the insect by clicking a magnifying glass icon, or view a brief movie clip of the creature in action by clicking on a film icon. Other aspects of this CD-ROM include information on wh at insects are, a bug chart that compares and contrasts different bugs, and a bug term dictionary. [Top of Page]

Gimmicks

 Unlike many other CD-ROM packages, the gimmicks and fun factors in the Multimedia Bug Book enhance the educational value of the software instead of detract from it. Dr. Anson Pantz has an endearing smile, delightfully silly facial expressions, an amusing way of running, and a German accent that makes the user listen to him carefully. The colors are bright and cheerful without being overdone, the music is fun and upbeat but not too fast or loud, and the program is filled with silly sound effects. [Top of Page]

Interface & Navigation

 This CD-ROM has a clear, consistent interface. The Multimedia Bug Book contains good navigational features. Navigation is performed visually with arrow icons to move forwards and backwards in the program, a question mark icon for help, and an icon of Dr. Pantz for additional assistance. Also, naviga tion is performed auditorally with sound effects when the arrow icons are clicked, and Dr. Pantz offers a voice reminder if the user does not choose an option within a given time frame. [Top of Page]

Fun Factor

 In the opinion of this reviewer, the fun factor of this CD-ROM is high. Students will enjoy playing the “Where’s the Bug” game at the start of each adventure to locate an individual insect. In addition, they will be fascinated by the bug film clips and the two bug metamorphosis movies. The CD-ROM also includes six experiments, two memory games, and two puzzles. [Top of Page]

Conclusions

 This is an attractive and appealing software product for children and I would highly recommend it. There is much to see and hear and learn about in this program, and with fun and informative facts on over 50 various insects, this is not a CD-ROM that chi ldren will soon tire of. [Top of Page]

System Requirements and Installation

 The Multimedia Bug Book is PC and Macintosh compatible. Most of the instructions for installation are printed on the package; the rest are available onscreen as the software is being installed. The installation process was simple and straightforward. The producers provide telephone and fax numbers on the package if users need technical support. I installed this CD-ROM on an Epson Action Tower 3000 PC. It has 8 megabytes of RAM and a 420 megabyte hard drive.
Reviewed by Dina Abramson, February 1996.
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