K.C. and Clyde in Fly Ball
by Gerry Kennedy
For Apple Macintosh Computers
K.C. and Clyde in Fly Ball from Don Johnston
This program focuses on literacy, reading and language. It is designed as a choose-your-own adventure format. Children can determine the story as they choose from pre-determined options. Designed for junior primary aged children, it can also be very useful for students in special settings. As with all Don Johnston software, there are provisions for switch users, those who use touch screens as well as keyboard/mouse direct selection.
Designed to run on a Macintosh computer, you will need a Mac colour system, with a colour monitor, CD-ROM drive and System 7.0 or higher. The program requires 3Mb Ram to run, but will only take up 4Mb storage on your hard disk.
The characters and music cater more to younger children, suitable for Grades 1-3. The premise is that you decide what will happen to the main character, K.C, when he over-hits his baseball and his dog, Clyde, has to fetch it. As the author, you interact with this delightful multimedia program and create a unique story. It has up to 21 different paths. More than 120 pages of story are possible, depending on how you guide the characters and decisions you make. All children can participate at their own level. The screens can be voiced, with each screen being introduced with human quality speech. Voiced text and instructions can be repeated as well at any time. The volume can be set to Loud Outside Voice, Normal Inside Voice or to a Secret Whisper Voice setting. Built-in scanning provides access to students who require single switch input. In an inclusive setting, every child can become an author and be proud of their custom made story.
In the introduction animation, K.C. “talks” to the author. He introduces UKanDu and Clyde. The directions are voiced and the child can choose to have UKanDu involved in the action. This fun character, as seen in other UKanDu series, can be seen throughout the story. She can play a part by partaking in events. Her four modes include Watch, Remind, Help and Quiz. This cheeky character becomes an integral part of the adventure. This ‘wordbird’ may ask the student to locate a word, or will help children learn about new words and concepts. In Watch mode, UKanDu just watches and sits on her perch. In Remind mode, she checks that the user doesn’t miss any features or clues. UKanDu in Help mode is available on every page and will help with special words and newly introduced language. The Quiz option turns on the quiz where the child had to find all the new words before they can progress to another page.
Words are highlighted. The font is large and is displayed as black on a white background. All icons and graphics are professionally drawn in an appealing cartoon style. The pictures are uncluttered and images are well defined. Children can position their mouse over a word (or press on the touch screen) and it will be voiced. An animated icon suggests that you can turn the page after you have listened, read and watched the animation. As the author, the child has the opportunity to decide whether to continue, re-read a page or explore the text. Children, even at a very young age, can work independently as the characters guide the user through every step. It is intuitive and well designed. Children will be captivated by the colourful scenes, fun characters and antics of UKanDu. Correct responses are rewarded with positive voiced comments. As a word is isolated, it is spoken, then placed in context in another phrase or sentence. Numerous concepts are introduced as the child progresses through their story. It benefits students with poor attention spans, language delays or reading difficulties.
Teacher Support Material
Writing and language curriculum materials are provided. Ideas and strategies for using K.C. and Clyde with children who have learning disabilities are also included. On-computer and off -computer activities have been designed for immediate implementation. Crossword puzzles, story cards, flash cards and other teaching aids are ready to be used, adapted and modified to cater to individual children’s needs. Chapter art and line drawings can be printed, coloured, enlarged on a photocopier, made into mobiles, or stood up using cardboard. It is a very comprehensive package and would be ideal in a theme on Pets, My Friends, My Neighbourhood, Decision Making and many others.