Jump to content

Moptown: Difference between revisions

Add links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
No edit summary
Line 24: Line 24:
</ref>
</ref>


Developed for various home computer systems, including the [[Atari]] and [[Commodore (brand)|Commodore]] platforms, ''Moptown'' aimed to make learning an enjoyable and interactive adventure for young users. Although the Moptown series is no longer actively produced, it played a significant role in the history of educational software and early home computing.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.atarimagazines.com/compute/issue112/KidWriter_Gold.php|title=Review: KidWriter Gold|website=www.atarimagazines.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://books.google.com.au/books?id=My8EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA50&lpg=PA50&dq=%22Kidwriter%22+%22Spinnaker%22&source=bl&ots=-UycIbGQVV&sig=ACfU3U1G4ZQlKsuySND1yv9c0I2ftEPWOA&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjkrdTFofCAAxUzsFYBHXc7CTo4HhDoAXoECBoQAw#v=onepage&q=%22Kidwriter%22+%22Spinnaker%22&f=false|title=InfoWorld|first=InfoWorld Media Group|last=Inc|date=December 2, 1985|publisher=InfoWorld Media Group, Inc.|via=Google Books}}</ref>
Developed for various home computer systems, including the [[Atari]] and [[Commodore (brand)|Commodore]] platforms, ''Moptown'' aimed to make learning an enjoyable and interactive adventure for young users. The Moptown series were some of The Learning Company's earliest titles, and are not well-remembered; the series is no longer actively produced.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.atarimagazines.com/compute/issue112/KidWriter_Gold.php|title=Review: KidWriter Gold|website=www.atarimagazines.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://books.google.com.au/books?id=My8EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA50&lpg=PA50&dq=%22Kidwriter%22+%22Spinnaker%22&source=bl&ots=-UycIbGQVV&sig=ACfU3U1G4ZQlKsuySND1yv9c0I2ftEPWOA&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjkrdTFofCAAxUzsFYBHXc7CTo4HhDoAXoECBoQAw#v=onepage&q=%22Kidwriter%22+%22Spinnaker%22&f=false|title=InfoWorld|first=InfoWorld Media Group|last=Inc|date=December 2, 1985|publisher=InfoWorld Media Group, Inc.|via=Google Books}}</ref>


== History ==
== History ==

Revision as of 13:53, 22 August 2023

Moptown
Developer(s)The Learning Company
Initial release1980s
Operating systemAtari, Commodore, etc.
Available inEnglish
TypeEducational software
LicenseProprietary


Moptown was a series of educational software titles created by The Learning Company during the 1980s. This series was designed to offer engaging educational experiences for children between the ages of 6 and 13, emphasizing logic, problem-solving, and foundational academic skills. The most notable titles in the Moptown series are Moptown Hotel and Moptown Parade.[1]

Developed for various home computer systems, including the Atari and Commodore platforms, Moptown aimed to make learning an enjoyable and interactive adventure for young users. The Moptown series were some of The Learning Company's earliest titles, and are not well-remembered; the series is no longer actively produced.[2][3]

History

The Moptown series of educational software was developed and published by The Learning Company during the 1980s. This era marked the early days of home computing when personal computers were becoming more accessible to families. The Learning Company ventured into the creation of interactive software aimed at combining entertainment with learning.[4]

The Moptown series, featuring various titles, targeted children aged 6 to 13. These educational programs were designed to engage young minds, enhance logical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and fundamental academic skills. The series incorporated colorful graphics and engaging gameplay, intending to make learning an enjoyable experience for its young audience.[5][6]

Two notable titles in the Moptown series were Moptown Hotel and Moptown ParadeMalnig, Anita (October 1984). "Antic's Top 18 Picks". ANTIC VOL. 3, NO. 6. ANTIC Contributing Editor.. These titles gained recognition for their ability to immerse children in a world of engaging challenges and educational content. "Moptown Parade," for instance, introduced players to a set of characters known as "moppets" and encouraged them to apply logic and problem-solving in various in-game scenarios.[7]

During its prime, the Moptown series was released for several home computer platforms, including Atari and Commodore systems. It rapidly gained popularity among parents and educators who recognized the potential of computer-based learning tools.[8]

While the Moptown series is no longer actively developed or distributed, it played a significant role in the early history of educational software. It laid the foundation for the development of more sophisticated and diverse educational software titles in the subsequent years. The impact of the Moptown series on the educational software market during its era is regarded as a significant milestone in utilizing technology for educational purposes"Classic Computer Magazine Archive ANTIC VOL. 3, NO. 6 / OCTOBER 1984 - EDUCATIONAL SOFTWARE - Antic's Top 18 Picks". ATARI Magazine. Retrieved August 22, 2023..[9][10]

Gameplay

Both Moptown Hotel and Moptown Parade offer a series of educational games and activities designed to enhance various cognitive skills for children aged 6 to 13.[11][12]

In Moptown Parade, players engage in learning games featuring characters named "Bibbits" and "Gribbits." These games range in complexity, including exercises in matching, pattern recognition, and identifying differences among characters.[13]

Moptown Hotel presents more intricate puzzles. Players must deduce the four attributes of their "secret pal" and develop strategies to unveil this mystery. The game introduces concepts such as analogies and hypothesis testing, providing an intellectually stimulating environment for learning.[14][15]

While both titles lack conventional narrative plots, they immerse players in a world of characters and interactive activities designed to make learning engaging and enjoyable. The primary focus is on education, skill development, and problem-solving, catering to parents and educators seeking to enhance children's cognitive abilities through interactive gameplay.[16][17]

Critical Reception

Upon their release, Moptown Hotel and Moptown Parade received praise for their contributions to the educational software market.

Moptown Parade was recognized for its collection of seven learning games designed for children aged 6 to 10. Reviewers noted the game's progression in difficulty, starting with basic matching exercises and advancing to more complex pattern analysis and problem-solving activities. The graphics were praised for their clarity and appeal, making the learning experience engaging for children.[18]

Moptown Hotel targeted slightly older children, aged 8 to 13, and was also well-received. Critics appreciated its emphasis on advanced concepts such as logic, analogies, and hypothesis testing. The game's ability to encourage strategic thinking in children was a notable feature, providing an intellectually stimulating environment for skill development.[19]

Both titles earned their place among the top educational software products of their time, offering interactive and engaging learning experiences that catered to the needs of young learners.[20]

References

  1. ^ https://www.mocagh.org/sierra/mightymicro-trollstale-kidwriter-manual.pdf
  2. ^ "Review: KidWriter Gold". www.atarimagazines.com.
  3. ^ Inc, InfoWorld Media Group (December 2, 1985). "InfoWorld". InfoWorld Media Group, Inc. – via Google Books. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  4. ^ "Home Office Computing - April 1989". April 1, 1989 – via Internet Archive.
  5. ^ "Spinnaker KidWriter" – via Internet Archive.
  6. ^ https://archive.org/details/sim_electronic-learning-in-your-classroom_may-june-1984_3_8/page/90/mode/2up?q=KidWriter
  7. ^ "MOCAGH.ORG: Sierra On-Line: mightymicro trollstale kidwriter manual" – via Internet Archive.
  8. ^ "Status Atari newsletter 1985 12 v4i12" – via Internet Archive.
  9. ^ "Lutheran Education Jan/Feb 1987". River Forest, IL: Concordia University Faculty. August 22, 1987 – via Internet Archive.
  10. ^ "Kidwriter" – via Internet Archive.
  11. ^ "Fax 16 February 1988 — Cambridge Public Library's Historic Cambridge Newspaper Collection". cambridge.dlconsulting.com.
  12. ^ Inc, Ziff Davis (February 14, 1989). "PC Mag". Ziff Davis, Inc. – via Google Books. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  13. ^ Paul, Rhea (January 1, 2007). "Language Disorders from Infancy Through Adolescence: Assessment & Intervention". Elsevier Health Sciences – via Google Books.
  14. ^ "Ahoy! - Issue 07 (1984-07)(Ion International)(US)". July 22, 1984 – via Internet Archive.
  15. ^ "ERIC ED260792: A Study of the Possibilities for Reversible Actions in Software for Young Children". June 22, 1985 – via Internet Archive.
  16. ^ "MOCAGH.ORG: Sierra On-Line: mightymicro trollstale" – via Internet Archive.
  17. ^ "InCider 1984-07: Vol 2 Iss 7". IDG Communications/Peterborough. July 22, 1984 – via Internet Archive.
  18. ^ "Classic Computer Magazine Archive ANTIC VOL. 3, NO. 6 / OCTOBER 1984 - EDUCATIONAL SOFTWARE - Antic's Top 18 Picks". ATARI Magazine. Retrieved August 22, 2023.
  19. ^ https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1985/03/05/learning-tools-a-software-sampler/e4d02165-b240-44bd-8121-6cb00c5bc541/
  20. ^ Oliva, S. M. (September 2, 2022). "Computer Chronicles Revisited Special No. 9 — The 1986 Excellence in Software Awards". Computer Chronicles Revisited.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Moptown&oldid=1171658402"