Encarta

Publisher: Microsoft

Phone Number: 425-635-7172

Grade Level: 7-12

Subject Areas: Cross Curriculum

Reviewed by: Kelly Price

Software Description

Encarta Encyclopedia is a comprehensive resource program with over 36,000 articles and 19,000 web links. The program has three main features: Find, Encarta Explorer, and Media & Online Features. The find option allows the user to scroll through articles or simply type in areas of interest. The program pulls up a major article, along with related articles and web links. Encarta Explorer offers a multimedia option for gathering information within a variety of categories and subcategories. For example, the user can point and click on Humanities. The user will hear a famous figure from literature reading as the screen brings up subcategories: language & literature, performing arts, art & architecture, religion & philosophy, sports & recreation. Clicking one of the icons reveals lower levels within the topic. The user can click on pictures or words to bring up more detailed information including timelines, major articles, and related web links. The third main feature called, Media & Online Features, includes Yearbook which lists updated articles for the new edition, web links, maps, interactivities and a multimedia game called Mindmaze. Each of the three features allows the user to connect to the World Wide Web with point and click simplicity.

Accuracy of Content

Encarta offers the extensive coverage expected from a reference tool. The web sites and web searches can provide additional information. The software seems to cover a diverse representation of material within a category. For example, the literature outline begins with a broad definition of "literature" and ends with an article describing Yugoslav Literature. The user can explore a variety of perspectives when researching a broad topic or the user can start with a very specific article, such as Alice Walker's poetry, and explore related web sites with detailed information.

Technical Quality

The program is straightforward from installation to usage with point and click options, pull down menus, and hyperlinks to the Internet. A novice computer user could navigate Encarta successfully. Encarta opens with a symphonic piece of music and a visually appealing screen. The Encarta Explore option offers the most sensory of the three features with audio, video, and print material. The topic screens are interesting to look at and keep the user engaged by offering a variety of options to explore information. Some of the multimedia features seemed delayed or choppy, but that may have been due to the computer specifications rather than program bugs. The Mindmaze game was technically confusing-indicating one instruction and not responding to it. However, the majority of the Encarta program is user-friendly and aesthetically appealing.

Use of Technology

Encyclopedias have come a long way since the days of the door to door salesman. Encarta utilizes multimedia features to provide interest and added depth to the research process. Reference tools should provide basic information and avenues to pursue further research. Encarta does provide an excellent starting point for the exploration of a topic and an abundance of supporting information. The multimedia features enhance exploration because they offer opportunities that print resources can't match i.e. a poet reading her poem. Encarta does not offer tools to construct a research project, but could be integrated with other software to do so. The program offers two options for teachers that might help narrow the field for students who may find the information overwhelming. One option is the Favorites icon which allows the teacher to mark a web site(s) or article(s) and the other option is the Create a Shortcut which is similar to the Favorites option allowing the teacher to open a specific article with one click.

Role of Student

Students can utilize Encarta as a reference tool for a variety of learning objectives from the introduction of a topic to an in-depth research project. The program allows the user control over the depth and breadth of information they choose to explore. The student could use the Find option to read about a topic and discover relevant and related material. In addition, the student could use the Explore option to investigate a broad topic utilizing the audio, video, or graphic images to enhance understanding. Students can develop an appreciation for the vast information available to them through the use of this program and direct links to the Internet.

Role of Teacher

Teachers can use Encarta in several different ways. One approach with this program could be to highlight a particular article on a projection screen to introduce a new topic or to provide another resource (outside of the class text) for a topic. The teacher could then involve the students in exploring the topic in a manner that could serve a multitude of teaching goals: understanding the research process, utilizing the internet for research, the challenges of selecting relevant information, and understanding how multimedia features can enhance learning. A second approach with Encarta is to allow the student to become the active researcher, thus empowering them to uncover information. The teacher would probably want to suggest specific topics for the student (particularly those in the middle grades) so that they would not become distracted or overwhelmed by the amount of information available. Encarta can also be used to supplement class print material because the program does offer audio and video links. For example, the teacher could invite students to listen to Mark Twain read from Huck Finn or students could explore the historical context of the story in order to develop a more thorough understanding of the novel.

Classroom Usage

An individual student can utilize Encarta or the entire class can view the program with teacher instruction. Students could benefit-particularly with a research topic-from having access to the program as a "home-base" for exploration. Encarta provides the student with an outline, major articles, and related information. The student can access the Internet in a direct, applicable manner rather than having to navigate through search engines. The software can complement the curriculum in meaningful ways because it allows older students to explore topics of interest through resources not typically available in the average classroom or local library. Teachers can operate this program in ways that supplement print material and provide stimulating material for different types of learners.

Critical Summary

Encarta offers students and teachers a valuable research tool for classroom usage. The multimedia features make the research process-often perceived as dry and uninspiring-more active and interesting. The information presented is comprehensive and the web links provide extensive, potentially overwhelming, amounts of information for the researcher. The Encarta Explore feature offers the most dynamic presentation for the student and can allow for more meaningful investigation because it will engage students on a higher level than print material alone.

Overall Rating

8 out of 10

Explanation of Rating

The program is high quality and useful; however, the expansive information can be distracting and overwhelming for some students. In addition, the multimedia features add depth to this resource tool, but the Find feature is very much like looking at traditional print material. Overall, Encarta is an open-ended resource that provides an excellent base for research and a point of reference for introducing virtually any topic. This software brings the encyclopedia to a new level where information is catalogued and presented in exciting ways.