Muscial+Space+Invaders

1. CITATION AND GENERAL INFORMATION · Title: Musical Space Invaders 3.0 · Author/Publisher: David Bagno http://www.filebot.org/Education/Music/item6066-7.htm · Copyright 2004 · Platform: Macintosh · Peripherals: Mouse or MIDI Keyboard, Speakers, Sound Card · Grade/Age: Early Elementary, Late Elementary, Junior HS/Middle School, High School, Adult · Type of Class: General Music, Band, Orchestra, Choir, Theory

2. TEACHER SUPPORT

- This free program comes with a 10 page document, which is included on the media, explaining how to order the full version and how the use the program. - Musical Space Invaders is an extremely versatile program. It will benefit all ages and levels. Even an accomplished pianist will improve his/her sight-reading skills. The secret to Musical Space Invader`s power is rooted in its ability to be customized for all levels. It also has the benefit of being programmed by a professional pianist and composer. If it is used properly, the note reading facility attained only after years of piano lessons can be compressed into a few months. Though this program is primarily geared toward those learning the piano it can be used by anyone interested in learning to read music.

3. INSTRUCTIONAL CONTENT - Specific Musical Content: Students are able to practice note recognition. - National Music Standards that could be addressed through this software 5. Reading and notating music.

4. INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN AND PEDAGOGICAL SOUNDNESS

- As mentioned above, the program is modifiable to assist all levels of knowledge. - The layout of the program is easy for all students to understand, but if there is confusion a detailed instruction manual is included on the media. - The objects on the screen are an appropriate size, making the game easy to navigate. - While the graphics are not extravagant, they do lend to the appeal of the game. - The user is able to modify user names, sound effects and the vocal quality of the announcer. - The program’s structure is Instructional Game. - Although the notes “explode” when the student chooses the correct note name, I wouldn’t consider this game to be overly violent. - Depending on the speed the student chooses for the game, the dexterity is minimal. The faster the notes proceed across the screen the quicker the student’s reflexes must be.

5. RECORD KEEPING - There is a student grade book within the program. While the student’s name is selected, click on Windows/Grade Book to view that student’s scores.

6. OVERALL EVALUATION

- I find this game to be quite entertaining, even for college-aged students. There are many choices as far as difficulty and motivational appeal. As mentioned above, there are several sound effects to choose from, making the game more exciting. Also, once a student become more advance, he/she can add seconds, thirds, fourths, and fifths to the notes that proceed across the screen. Because the student has to name both notes before they get to the other side of the screen, there is more work involved. The speed of the note’s travel can be increased to challenge the student as well. This would be a great way to reward students while still promoting further learning.

Rating -- Excellent

7. REVIEWER Kathryn Smoker 4/6/2006