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tion is lacking in some areas.<br />
There is also a bug which causes<br />
one program to crash and obviously<br />
needs sorting out!<br />
This is not a cheap package,<br />
and there are several programs<br />
available at present from other<br />
companies which do the job<br />
equally well, but if you have a<br />
need for a revision package then<br />
this could go very well with<br />
those little packs of cards!<br />
Software<br />
directory<br />
Now to software of a different<br />
kind, that contained as entries in<br />
a Software Directory, from Mac<br />
donald and Evans Ltd. The directory<br />
is arranged according to<br />
subiect areas and is designed to<br />
provide all types of educational<br />
establishment primary, secon<br />
dary and beyond with up-to<br />
date and concise information on<br />
educational software currently<br />
available.<br />
The entries appear<br />
alphabetically by software title,<br />
and provide a guide to the age<br />
group where possible. Each en<br />
try indicates the machine which<br />
the software runs on and the<br />
lorm it takes. Prices are included<br />
though purchasers are advised<br />
to check details with the sup<br />
pliers prior to purchase. The<br />
whole range of curriculum sub<br />
jects is covered and the two<br />
largest sections. Mathematics<br />
and English, are divided into<br />
broad age groups. As well as<br />
subject software the directory<br />
also gives an extensive<br />
bibliography of educational<br />
computing references, together<br />
with lists of periodicals, com<br />
puter organisations, computers<br />
for Education and a list of software<br />
suppliers whose software<br />
is included within the directory.<br />
The Directory is certainly<br />
comprehensive but, as with<br />
similar books covering other<br />
areas, it suffers in that it seeks to<br />
embrace too large an area. The<br />
age range, beginners to secondary<br />
and beyond, is just too<br />
large to be of use to specific<br />
users, say in a Primary School,<br />
who would look to other sources<br />
of information. The major<br />
drawback with something of<br />
this nature is that, like micros<br />
themselves, as soon as it is<br />
released it is out of date. There<br />
are notable omissions in certain<br />
subject areas, software that has<br />
been widely reviewed<br />
elsewhere, but, then again if<br />
they don't send details. . . .<br />
These omissions illustrate<br />
[EDUCATIONAL REVIEWSI<br />
the speed with which such<br />
publications become dated.<br />
Many programs remain a<br />
mystery, there is little or nothing<br />
in the directory to indicate their<br />
educational nature. 1 know what<br />
Dar: and Logo do but there are<br />
no details within the book for<br />
those who do not. Similarly,<br />
several of the organisations<br />
listed are not adequately<br />
described.<br />
This can hardly be called a fair<br />
review of such an extensive<br />
book, that would require much<br />
more space than is available<br />
here. I would suggest that if you<br />
have a need for a software<br />
reference book then this is the<br />
best that I have currently seen,<br />
though I personally am currently<br />
using some excellent programs<br />
that are not even mentioned<br />
here.<br />
The Directory is certainly<br />
very comprehensive and informative,<br />
(it is intended to update<br />
it at appropriate intervals) and<br />
overall this is a valiant effort to<br />
make the educational field<br />
aware of the range of software<br />
currently available, but for me it<br />
attempts too many areas for too<br />
many machines all at once!<br />
That's all for now, next issue<br />
I'll be looking at some adven-<br />
tures especially for children.<br />
Chemistry,<br />
Letts Keyfacts Revision Soft<br />
ware.<br />
Spectrum 48K CI 1.50<br />
Charles Letts & Co., Diary<br />
House, Borough Rd., London<br />
SE1 1 DW.<br />
The M & E Educational Software<br />
Directory<br />
J. Arthur & T. Russell<br />
Macdonald and Evans Ltd.<br />
Estover, Plymouth PL6 7PZ<br />
(covers most micros) £ 1 2.50.
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