Field Trap: Internet Coach

APTE's programs have been produced to fit a special niche in the market. They have a program which teaches Internet safety, which I found very useful. I was forgiving of the poor graphics and sound, because the subject was so important. This new program, however, does not justify the lack in quality.

Field Trap: Internet Coach teaches children two things. The origins of our multicultural heritage in the United States, and how to use a web page to get information. While the goal of learning to maneuver through a web site is a laudable one, the graphics and gameplay here just will not keep most kids captivated long enough. I normally don't mention items like this, but this one even caught my attention. There is a scrolling sign in one of the rooms which states "In the Beginning." This scroll also contains mastadons. The reference did not thrill me.

A group of school children and their teacher are trapped inside a museum. An evil robot has taken all information regarding the origins of the US, and destroyed any evidence of it's heritage. The kids must travel throughout the museum, collecting computer chips and other objects in an attempt to recreate history.

There are several rooms in the museum, each dealing with a different part of American History. In all reality, the information stays basically the same from room to room. In the middle of each room is a kiosk which contains a web site where your kids will learn some basic facts. There is information regarding the origins of various ethnic groups, why they came to the US, and a famous person from this group. The information is presented in a typical web page format, so that kids learn to maneuver through a web site.

In each room, they must enter an area where they attempt to find hidden items. These items are hidden in floor tiles. By walking around the room, your child will find and capture these items, unless the evil robot catches the first! There was not much here in the way of entertainment.

The testers used here just found the gameplay dull, and the information rather forced. Learning to maneuver through a web page may be better done with a parent, while looking for information which is of particular interest to a child. The goal was a good one, the program was just not catchy enough, or technically 'attractive' enough to keep kids occupied for long.

Grading for Field Trap: Internet Coach

Educational Value: 2 1/2

Entertainment Value: 2 1/2

Replay Value: 2 1/2

Ages: 7-12

This program, and other APTE programs can be found on their web site at http://www.apte.com