Virtual VTech Little Smart Playhouse

Description:

This program is designed to introduce children to the world of language arts, numbers, colors and shapes through a comprehensive 2-Disk set. The opening screen is a Playhouse which is immediately appealing to children. You are than introduced to the main characters, Shades the chameleon and JB the jitterbug. Before entering the Playhouse, you can change various settings such as music and sound volumes and cursor speed. When your settings are adjusted to your liking, you can than click on the door to enter the playhouse. You are asked to type in your child's name and if you wish, you can enter additional information about your child (age, address, telephone number). The additional information is optional and does not affect the program or level of difficulty.

Disk One

This disk focuses on teaching your child basic letters, letter sounds/phonics, spelling words, and basic reading. The Playroom offers four "virtual" toys and more than 14 activities to play with and explore; Alphabet Picture Desk focuses on teaching letters, numbers, etc with four games to play, See-A-Sound Phonics teaches the sounds of the Alphabet, the Spelling Bee Book introduces your child to the basics of spelling, Magic Letters teaches letter writing, and Reading Treasures offers four books to read and discover.

Disk Two

This disk emphasizes Numbers, Colors and Shapes using five "virtual" toys and over 20 activities; PC Fun offers three basic math activities, the Doll House has three activities teaching colors and shapes, over and under and What comes next?, the Weather Calendar is an interactive monthly calendar which teaches children about the days of the week, etc., the Body Language activity teaches children about different body parts using human and animal bodies, the Cuckoo Clock teaches the concept of time by relating different activities to the time of day, the Critters Keyboard has ten songs to choose from or children can make their own music, Super Smarty teaches matching using Alphabet Cards, Number Cards and "Surprise Cards", there is also a TV Phone and Coloring Books for children to enjoy.

Features

• Two CD Roms
• 30 activities covering language arts, numbers, letters and shapes
• A Diploma which keeps track of your child's progress
• A Setup screen which allows you to adjust settings
• Screensaver

Technical Aspects:

Report and Conclusion:

When using the activities, there was no clear indication on where to go to have the instructions repeated. Also, if a child accidentally clicks on the door of the Playhouse, the program does not double check that they want to leave, they are just taken outside which can be frustrating for a young child.

In summary the software was educational and had great graphics, but from my observation and experience with this software, children will only play with it for short periods of time and not for hours as indicated on the box.