This program does what so few others do (and it's a pity they don't) -- it requires the user to perform a variety of tasks with the information that is gathered, making it truly interactive. The activities are challenging -- reassembling torn maps, setting up dance cards, answering questions in a trivia contest, making phone calls, following recipe instructions, and taking orders in a restaurant (to name just a few). These tasks require comprehension of instructions, vocabulary, and the overall goals of the activities. This program is very strong in this regard.

5. "...expand your vocabulary by 2000 words..."

There is no doubt that this program would contribute to a wider vocabulary (though some might question the usefulness of knowing regional vocabulary items such as saguaro, and agave). Since the game requires the user to gather a lot of information, there is opportunity to use the vocabulary as well, so there should be retention of many of these items. The specific claim for 2000 items seems unnecessary, but the basic assertion is sound.

6. "...test your pronunciation..."

It is unclear how one tests pronunciation using this program. Again, the possibility to "compare" pronunciation with the native speakers on the CD-ROM exists; however, what exactly the user would compare is vague.

7. "...practice your reading...skills..."

The readings tasks on this disk are engaging and task-related. None of them is overly long or taxing. There is a variety of reading material: posters, recipes, menus, guidebooks, and so on. Again, the focus is on comprehension -- using the reading material to complete activities. This makes the reading authentic and useful.

8. " ...practice your...writing skills..."

This claim is the most difficult to find any support for. There is no opportunity to write at any point in this disk. In fact, a "Diary" is kept for the user, but the program decides what is written in the diary based on the information the user has gathered. This diary is an additional reading task, but does not offer any opportunity to write.

Some Final Considerations

Technical Considerations

This program, which uses Apple's QuickTime VR and Macromedia's Director, is visually exciting and groundbreaking in its approach. However, such cutting-edge technology comes at a price, and in this case the price seems to be bugs. Several times while running the program my system crashed. Similarly, there were two or three instances of Director programming errors, signaled by error alerts popping up. Overall, these errors did not affect the program's progress, but they were distracting nonetheless.

Similarly, there are a couple of places where the script does not match the audio portion of the program. Again, this does not have an impact on the overall success of the program, but could be a source of confusion for a student.

The QuickTime VR requires special instruction with respect to the cursor. The user has to be aware of changes in the cursor when navigating through the program. Different cursor symbols let you know which directions you can go, whether there is something to click on, and when you can interact with the video characters. There are instructions for using the QuickTime VR in the small manual accompanying this CD-ROM and an online help facility. It is important to read these instructions and become familiar with the use of the mouse in this program. To see how it works, you can go to the EF Multimedia "Escape from Arizona" page and download a (220K) sample, as well as the QuickTime viewer.

Who should use this CD-ROM?

Some of the tasks in this program are very challenging and the level of English vocabulary is advanced. Only very diligent intermediate students would probably succeed at this. Advanced students would probably do well and thoroughly enjoy this program. Direct English instruction is absent -- all learning is by use and induction -- which isn't such a bad thing. A user wanting to have fun using English, to learn a little about Arizona, and to increase his or her vocabulary would profit from this disk.

This program is similar to MYST in that once you solve the puzzle, re-use doesn't have a clear purpose. And, like MYST, this product is so engaging you may not want to escape from "Planet Arizona."

Screenshots

(The "Communicator")

(Jane, the bartender)