Interactive+Classics

CITATION AND GENERAL INFORMATION

 * Title: Interactive Classics
 * Authors: Igor Tkachenko, Roman Yakub, and Mirek Nisenbaum
 * Publisher: Tigor Media, Inc.
 * © 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
 * Platform: Windows (requires P3 processor, Win98); Macintosh available only for Alice in Vivaldi's Four Seasons (SO X)
 * Peripherals: None, though headphones helpful in computer lab environment
 * Age: Grades K - 6
 * Type of Class: General Music

TEACHER SUPPORT
The website for the program does not list a teacher manual as part of the game package. If you purchase a school license, additional classroom tools are sent including handouts, quizzes, a glossary, etc. There are free, limited versions of several games available [|online].

INSTRUCTIONAL CONTENT
This series contains three CD-ROMs, Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker, Alice in Vivaldi's Four Seasons, and Mozart's Magic Flute. Each CD has several games, puzzles, references, listening examples, and other activities. The primary focus of content is on sound identification, pattern recognition, and musical memory.

Interactive Classics can be used to address the following [|National Music Standards for Music Education]: 6. Listening to, analyzing, and describing music. 9. Understanding music in relation to history and culture.

INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN AND PEDAGOGICAL SOUNDNESS
The Interactive Classics series are instrucional games that use drill and practice in a motivational format. Directions are spoken before each game, allowing non-readers access. I have had success with students using these games individually, in small groups, or in whole-group instruction if an interactive white board is available. The graphics are appealing, without being overwhleming. The quality of sound is admirable, as the soundscape was created by artists from the following organizations - Moscow Ensemble of Contemporary Music, London Symphony Orchestra, Baroque Strings of St. Petersburg, Musica Russica, and The Hamburg Chamber Orchestra. There are no violent or combat-type activities. The amount of physical dexterity required varies, with several games being accessible to students with special needs.


 * Sequence of Materials: Good
 * Pace of Instruction: N/A
 * Quality of Instruction: N/A
 * Motivation for Students: Excellent

RECORD KEEPING
Students are given immediate feedback in all games, however no lasting individual records are kept.

OVERALL EVALUATION
I have used this program as a pre-assessment for instrument identification with first and second graders. I have also used instrument identification games as reinforcement for classification instruction. Having seen students in action, these games are highly motivational and engaging. Although I prefer the creative aspect of Groovy Shapes and other games, the free samples online have made these games a staple on suggested web resources for families.

Rating: ***

REVIEWED BY
Vanessa Bond 10/26/09