Review of psychology on a disk from CMS academic software: Interactive activities for psychology

Abstract

Psychology on a Disk contains a variety of simulations that show a strong potential to motivate and educate introductory psychology students with a wide range of ability and initial interest. The exercises appear to be well within the grasp of first-year students and provide suitable starting points for discussion of terms, definitions, and areas of research activity. The quality of the simulations is high and provides some indication that there are additional areas of undergraduate psychology, for example, courses in abnormal, clinical, and developmental topics, in which specialized simulations might also constitute an important adjunct to classroom and laboratory activities. The 10 simulations span much of the content of introductory courses, although they are most pertinent to syllabi that emphasize learning principles and social psychology as important foundations. As an instructional device, the simulations also will serve to introduce some students to use of computers as a source of information and feedback with potential benefits in other and later academic endeavors in which time-savings will be important. Promotional materials describe POAD as easy to add (to existing texts), easy to use, easy to grade, easy to afford, and easy to order (through your college bookstore): truth in advertising.