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− | ===An Open Letter from Developmental Learning Materials=== | + | ===Introducing the ARCADEMIC<sup>TM</sup> SKILL BUILDERS IN LANGUAGE ARTS Series=== |
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− | CONGRATULATIONS on purchasing an ARCADEMIC<sup>TM</sup> SKILL BUILDERS IN MATH program-software that provides fun while practicing basic math skills for players of all ages. This innovative game combines fast action, colorful graphics, and an arcade game format with learning that creates persistence and involvement found in arcade game players.
| + | The ARCADEMIC<sup>TM</sup> SKILL BUILDERS IN LANGUAGE ARTS series was created by Developmental Learning Materials, Jerry Chaffin, Bill Maxwell, and Barbara Thompson. The ARCADE MIC approach uses an arcade game format, colorful graphics, and lively action to create an exciting atmosphere for practicing important learning skills. ARCADEMIC programs provide for the educational needs of individual learners. They allow children to develop skills before progressing to the next level of difficulty. These programs combine learning with fun. |
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− | This game is based on a theory of combining proven educational techniques with a highly motivating format that challenges the player to learn. The game control options allow the control of the speed at which the game is played, the numbers that appear in the problems, the length of each game, and the mode-whether controlled by joysticks or keyboard-in which the game can be played. These options maximize the fun and learning by providing:
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− | * '''SUCCESS IN LEARNING'''-rather than preventing errors, success in these games is reflected by improvement. Starting players where they "aren't" (usually producing high rates of errors) and then moving back or ahead to provide success maximizes learning as well as creates challenge. Poor performance is not viewed by players as failure but as a challenge to improve.
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− | * '''INDIVIDUAL NEEDS'''-selecting the appropriate numbers for the problems in this format will help players "want" to learn. They will find needed repetitious drill as fun and stimulating as other types of learning.
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− | * '''HIGH RATE OF LEARNING'''-players must employ the best strategy under exciting circumstances to make rapid responses while being given immediate feedback to meet the challenge of the game.
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− | * '''EVIDENCE OF IMPROVEMENT'''-players have an unlimited ceiling on performance, immediate feedback on performance that continues to challenge, and a framework for success.
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− | We know you will see the difference with this software! Players will be fascinated with the game while working toward the overall objective: to increase correct responses (hits) and decrease incorrect ones (misses) to basic arithmetic problems.
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− | Your ARCADE MIC SKILL BUILDERS IN MATH program makes learning fun, exciting, independent, and successful. Your players will like learning!
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− | '''Developmental Learning Materials'''
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− | ===A Note to Parents===
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− | Developmental Learning Materials and Jerry Chaffin and Bill Maxwell of the University of Kansas have developed six programs to help your child learn the four basic math operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Four programs emphasize each of the math operations, and two programs develop discrimination between math operations by presenting problems in both addition and subtraction or in multiplication and division. In all six programs, an arcade game format uses colorful graphics and lively action to create an exciting, involving atmosphere for learning.
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− | Dragon Mix, one of the six Solid State Cartridges, can help your child increase speed and accuracy in the multiplication of numbers from 0 to 9 and with division problems having answers from 0 to 9. Dragon Mix is learning combined with fun. By playing the game, your child learns and improves essential multiplication and division skills.
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− | The arcade game format of Dragon Mix is a fast-paced version of attackers versus defender. The attackers are space ships that have multiplication or division problems on their sides. The defender is a dragon, controlled by your child, that "equalizes" the alien ships with the correct answer. The challenge of different levels of skill and problem difficulty encourages your child to improve his or her speed and accuracy. The colorful graphics and sound effects of Dragon Mix enhance the action and add to the excitement.
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− | As the game is played, the total of "hits" (correct answers) and "misses" (incorrect answers) is displayed at the bottom of the screen and updated after each shot. At the end of the game a RECORD YOUR SCORE screen appears. This screen shows the totals for that game and the lowest and highest game totals for the session. But whatever the score, your child is gaining valuable practice in solving simple multiplication and division problems each time she or he plays Dragon Mix.
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− | ===Your Child and the Computer===
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− | The Texas Instruments Home Computer is a rugged, durable device designed for easy use and care. Teach your child to give the computer the same good care and respect he or she would give a television set, record player, or any piece of electronic equipment:
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− | # Keep snacks and beverages away from the console.
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− | # Don't hammer on the keyboard or place heavy objects on it.
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− | # Don't touch the cartridge contacts. These are recessed in the cartridge to help prevent accidental soiling and/or damage.
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− | The letters and numbers on the keyboard are arranged in the same order found on standard typewriter keyboards. If your child is not familiar with a typewriter or has not used your Home Computer before, take a few minutes to acquaint him or her with the keyboard. Point out the row of number keys at the top and the rows of letter keys below. Show your child how to insert the cartridge and select the activities. If your child is using Wired Remote Controllers, or joysticks, show him or her how to connect the joysticks to the console and practice using the joysticks in an activity. This brief "tour" of the computer will help reinforce correct procedures and instill confidence as your child starts out in a new world of computers.
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− | Today, computers are involved in almost every aspect of life. Working with this cartridge can help your child become familiar with computers and their operation. Since computer-enhanced instruction is more common in the classroom every year, this knowledge can give your child an important advantage.
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