Several unique terms and phrases describe the features of software we review on this site, some easier to grasp than others. This list briefly defines terms relevant to Geography Game Software.

Ratings

Teaching Tools

A variety of teaching tools make learning more interesting. Most children do not enjoy reading pages of text to learn a subject. Therefore programs that offer a mixture of informative text with interactive tools may help capture attention. Teaching tools include games and quizzes as well as interactive maps, photographs and video/sound clips.

Ease of Use

Considering that most geography programs target young students, the software ought to be easy to use. Users should be able to find all games, quizzes, maps and tutorials quickly and be able to monitor progress easily.

Major Areas Covered

Most geography software instructors and developers recognize the importance of teaching global geography subjects to children. Some programs only focus on the US while others attempt to cover world geography. The best programs (and the best values) cover world physical geography as well as cultural and economic geography.

Physical Geography

Physical geography relates information and data regarding the natural features of the earth, for example continents, mountain ranges, biospheres, bodies of water and so on.

Topography

Topography refers to the relief exhibited by a surface, for example, a topographic map relates altitudes as well as physical features of an area.

Climate

Refers to the general weather patterns of a particular region and may include information on global circulation patterns.

Environment / Conservation

Software that covers this subject relates information on how humans interact with other species as well as the nonliving environment.

Hemispheres / Regions

Software that covers this subject not only covers cites and countries but also larger areas. These may include hemispheres and regions defined by physical features or political/social boundaries.

Geological History

Relates information on the physical history of a particular area, which may include information pertaining to historic mountain building or climate changes.

Topics Covered

The subject of geography encompasses more than just location. Geography also considers human spatial and environmental relationships as well as regional social, cultural and economic geography. A good program offers much more than what a simple map or atlas can provide.

Spatial and Distribution Geography

This type of geography generally studies how people or manufactured structures are distributed across a given area.

States / Provinces

An area with distinct boundaries residing in a particular country, for example, Washington State in the USA, Alberta in Canada or Neuquen in Argentina.

Major Cities

A map that displays major cities shows locations of the largest cities in a particular area. Sometimes related by population, for example, cities of a human population of over one million are often considered a major city.

State / Province Capitals

In the United States, the state capitals seat the state government entities. Often a state city seats a subdivision of a national government.

Country Capitals

A city that seats the national or country's government.

Famous Sites / Landmarks

Refers to locations of historical, political, natural or social importance. May include locations like historic battlegrounds, national parks or famous buildings.

Population / Demographics

Relates statistical data regarding the number of inhabitants of a particular race, class, or group in a specified area.

Population Distribution

Relates how a particular population is distributed through a given area.

Population Density

Usually related in terms #of population per sq/mi or sq/km.

State / Province / Country sq/mi or sq/km

Refers to the total area of a defined region.

Transportation/Communication

Relates information on transportation routes, which may include major roads, rail routes and air and shipping ports.

Cultural Geography

Studies characteristics of the people in a location including belief systems, languages and ethnic or social groups.

History

Offers information pertaining to an area's human history, which may include ancient civilizations as well as historic factors that have contributed to the development of the current social, political or social structure.

Famous People

Relates information on noteworthy people including artists, writers, philosophers, politicians and others.

Religion

Covers the major religious groups or beliefs of a particular region.

Social / Cultural Issues

Geography software that covers these subjects relates information regarding human belief systems as well as social interests and concerns.

Languages

Software that covers this subject elates information on the languages and the distribution of those languages across a defined area.

Economic Geography

Economic geography generally studies the factors influencing the spatial distribution of resources (manufactured and natural).

Ethnic / Racial Groups

Relates population information of a particular racial or ethnic group in regards to a specific region.

Industry / Resources / Economics

For the purpose of this review site, this refers to information or statistical data regarding resources both monetary and otherwise. This may include import and export information and profit generating natural resources.

Per Capita Income

An average income derived from dividing the total income of a specific group by the population; usually all men, women and children are included in the computation.

Gross National Product

Dollar value of goods and services produced by a particular nation in a particular year.

National/ State Flags

Software displays images of national, state or province flags.

Geography Terms

By glossary or other method relates definitions of geography related terms. This may range from definitions of land features to spatial terms such as suburb.

Teaching Tools

Interactive Maps

Dynamic electronic maps that can be scrolled over for additional information or zoomed in or out for different views among other interactive abilities.

Quizzes

Short drills that help the student reinforce their knowledge base of a particular subject.

Increasing Level of Difficulty

A flexible program progresses with the student or has many levels of instruction from beginner to advanced study.

Games

In order to keep students interested many programs include amusing games that cover a variety of subjects. Games are different from quizzes that just ask questions.

Instructional Text

For those that enjoy reading or desire more in-depth information some software includes instructional text.

Access to Internet Resources

Since geographical data can quickly become outdated, it is useful to have access to updated resources. This may include boundary and government changes as well as environmental and population changes.

Photographs

Many programs include images to give students an additional perspective of an area.

Video Clips

Short video segments included in the program.

Sound Clips

Audio instruction, for example some programs play music related to a specific area such as anthems or popular musicians.

Printed Material

Some products include printed or printable material with the software like flash cards, work sheets and so on.

Help/Support

Phone Support

A good manufacturer will provide technical and customer support through telephone contact.

Product Manual

Often a user manual is included with the software to help users to upload and run the program.

FAQ/Help Section

Usually integrated into a program to offer instant help with user questions.

Tutorials

Integrated instructional segments that relate information on a particular feature of a product.

Website

Some programs offer short cut links from their software to their website for product information or other assistance.

Online Submission Form

A form that can be submitted online to the manufacture to request assistance.

Email Address

Many manufactures provide an email address for technical or customer assistance.

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