Molly Anderson EDMT 380-002
Spring 2004

Neighborhood Map Machine

Student activity incorporating this software

Neighborhood Map Machine's web site

General Information:
Publisher- Richard Abrams (Tom Snyder Productions)

Cost-$79 (for use on one computer - for more information, visit the link listed above.)

Hardware Requirements-
Macintosh
system 7.1 or higher
2 megabytes of available RAM
9 megabytes of free hard disk space (if using floppy disk version)
640 x 480 color monitor
Windows
Windows 3.1 or higher
486/33 processor or higher
minimum of 8 megabytes of RAM
10 megabytes of free hard disk space (if using floppy disk version)
4 megabytes of free hard disk (if using CD-ROM version)
VGA or better display
Windows compatible sound card (if you want to hear sound)

Content Area- social studies (geography) but can be linked to language arts and math as well.

Intended Audience- middle to upper elementary school (grades 3-5)

Software Category- problem solving

Summary of Software Package- With this program, a number of activities are available. Students can create maps, explore ready-made maps, or do activities created by the writers of the software to aid in map skills, including coordinates, perspective, symbols, directions, and scale.
Back to top

Instructional Design and Pedagogical Soundness
The content of this software is map building and map skills, under the broader subject of geography. For elementary students, it is an appropriate way to begin utilizing map skills in an every day capacity. The problems to be solved in this software are every day problems, such as using a map to find a place, and are solved using skills students will need to use in their lives. In Neighborhood Map Machine, graphics are the essence of the program. Geography and cartography are very visually oriented, and this program is no exception. In this way, the graphics most definitely serve their purpose. The instructional objectives of the software include, as stated above, map making and map reading skills. In using this software, students can get a firm grip on how to use maps. In the lesson I have created, students will be using their skills to create a map that they can later navigate if they so choose. In doing this, they are learning about characteristics of urban and rural areas, as well as the vegetation characteristic of a particular area. In order for my students to be successful in this lesson, they need basic computer skills to navigate the software - using a mouse and knowing where to click to get help. The "help" option in Neighborhood Map Machine is indeed very helpful, and most novice computer users could make sense of using the program. The prerequisite teacher skills are the same - I knew virtually nothing about the software but figured it out rather quickly using the "help" option.
Back to top

Considerations for Problem Solving Software
The problem in this software is presented in the form of a "mystery", where students are given clues (i.e. "The person you are looking for is in the house 200 ft. south of the the school"). The student is led around the map they have created in the form of a scavenger hunt, and using their map skills must solve the mystery. In this case, the problem is presented clearly. The students can ask for clues and can get help with the mystery.  Also, there are "practice" and "exploration" options for the students to get to know how to use the software on their own before trying to solve a mystery.  However, scaffolds and supports are not specifically written into the the problem to be solved. There is help within the application to solve the problem, but it is up to the student and\or the teacher to figure out how to use those resources.
Back to top

Content
Accuracy and Timeliness of Content- This software, although simplistic, is appropriate for elementary students who are just getting the hang of mapmaking and map reading. In elementary school, students are receiving an introduction to the world of maps and this software does a wonderful job of introducing the subject and giving practice that practical and useful.

Racial/Gender Stereotypes- none that I could see.

Biases- Again, none that I could see.
Back to top

Documentation
Installation Directions- very thorough. The directions go step by step for Mac as well as PC users, as well as CD-ROM or disk users.

Teacher Guide- very helpful, provides ideas for using software, as well as other resources and ideas for teaching geography in general.

Value- overall, the documentation with this software was very helpful. The directions on how install the software as well as how to use it were thorough and a great asset when trying to figure out the program. I was most impressed with the teacher guide, which gave resources for not just this program, but for all geography lessons.

Built-in Electronic Help within the Application- there is a help option that provides useful information on how to use the program, which I found quite helpful as I was navigating the software. In addition, there is also a tech support number and web page (however, when I tried to go to the web page, it was no longer a valid web address.)

Provisions for Special Populations- all of the information is read aloud to help visually impaired students, as well as students who can't read very well.
Back to top

Project 1 Home | Software Component | Web Component | Final Lesson Plan

Home | Web Instructional Strategies | Project #1 | Project #2

Questions? E-mail me at andersmb@uwec.edu
Page last updated on: 17-May-2004 8:41 PM