 [Larger view] | JumpStart Toddlers and My Learning Scrapbook
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Average user rating:  | |
 Great start for beginning computer users | |
| At around 2 years old my son began showing interest in computers. His dad is an IT Administrator so our son was around computers all the time. Also, he was (and still is not) interested in learning the traditional way (through books, play, etc.), but rather through computers. We were NOT disappointed with this piece of software! Through this program my son has learned most of the alphabet, shapes, numbers and colors. We have had this one for about six months and he has not lost interest in it. However, there are some things that I was not pleased with. First, this product is recommended for children 18 months-3 years. It would probably be more suited for children 2 1/2 to 4 simply because it requires basic knowledge of how to use a mouse and the program does NOT teach this skill. Also, the concepts it teaches (letters, numbers, shapes, colors, music, animals, memory skills, etc.) are more geared toward the preschool crowd. Second, the layout is "busy" and it is hard to see all of the different entrance areas (even for me an adult). Finally, another minor complaint (it is very minor) is that the duck's voice can get annoying after 15 minutes or so for me, but my son enjoys it so this is tolerable. Overall, I highly recommend this software, however, for children over the age of two. | |
 Disappointment from Jump Start | |
| We own several of the Jump Start games and bought this CD based on the excellence of the others in the series. Unfortunately, we have been mostly disappointed. The biggest problem is the strange navigation. I'm comfortable with computers (I've been a programmer for 15 years) and yet I find myself muttering under my breath while trying to get from one screen to another. Sometimes hovering with the mouse enacts animation (the butterfly); sometimes you have to click and hover (the menu). One gets the feeling it wasn't tested on anyone before release. Another disappointment is the lack of interactivity. Maybe it's the excitement of finally being able to navigate to another area that sets you up for a let down. There is little to do in each section but watch minimal animation. Granted, toddlers have a limited ability to interact with the computer but even my 2 year old gets tired of it quickly. If you want an expert opinion, my daughter chooses this game LEAST of all the CD's we own and it's the newest one. That should give an indication of how kid friendly it is. If you can find the previous version of Jump Start Toddler, you'll find a vastly better product at a lesser cost. | |
| What are you thinking? | |
| Ok.. I do not own this title. I am looking for something to buy for my 18 month old since he's bored with jumpstart baby. I have a major issue with most of these reviews --- MANY people say that a big problem with this software is that it requires the parents to be there and do it. DUH. These are toddlers - little kids! Of course a parent should be sitting right there helping out!!! My son loves moving the mouse around because I taught him how to do it, not some software. (white curser on black blackground did the trick, btw). I have no intention of plopping my baby down in front of the computer and walking away. It's just like watching the TV - a parent (or other adult) needs to be sitting right there explaining stuff and interacting with him. I don't understand how you can give a bad rating simply because it requires an adult to interact with the child. If there's something wrong or bad with the software, I want to hear it. But saying it's bad because it forces a parent to spend time with the kid is not a good reason for a bad rating! |
