System Requirements

Product Support

Robob’s Cubetronic Quizimajig trains users initially to match simple shapes, and eventually to replicate complex patterns. A user also learns to dissect a picture into parts, practices simple arithmetic and rotates objects in the vertical and horizontal planes. The program is beneficial for users of all ages who are interested in matching patterns – the range of difficulty is wide. The arithmetic is best suited for fourth- and fifth-graders, who would benefit from a brief review of addition, subtraction and multiplication.

The main character in the software is a robot that dances, talks and encourages. The robot has a complex vocabulary and movement range, so his actions do not become boring.

Educational Value

If a user begins at Level 1 in Robob’s world, he will match simple shapes and solve easy arithmetic problems. At times, the user will not be able to find the appropriate shapes to match images on the screen; he must approach a "coder" to inquire for more shapes. This process trains children to recognize the moment when important information is missing from a problem and consequently ask for help.

As the program progresses, users must match more and more difficult shapes to images on the screen. The images become sloped, curved, waved and coiled. Gradually, a student must learn how to rotate images to fit a corresponding screen image. Similar to work with a jigsaw puzzle, the user must eventually replicate entire pictures by recognizing parts of the pictures. The math problems in the program do not evolve as quickly as the images. Even at Level 30, students are solving basic multiplication problems.

The final images in Robob’s Cubetronic Quizimajig are particularly interesting because they are three-dimensional, colorful, curved and inclusive of shadows. People deal with these types of images in the real world, but most math courses only present geometric figures. So this program prepares students to manipulate objects that they will encounter in their daily lives and professions.

Kid Appeal

Children may use Robob’s Cubetronic Quizimajig for an extended period of time because the final levels of the program are quite challenging. Also, kids can earn points and compete against each other, a feature that will appeal to kids who are inspired by competitive endeavors. Robob outrageously praises successful users of the program – some kids may find his encouragement amusing; others may become impatient with him. Overall, children will be challenged because the software requires strong memory and spatial skills. The challenge of the program may inspire kids to be persistent.

The program includes a teacher manual. Most teachers will not want students to work through all the levels of the program during class; this process would be time-consuming. Teachers may instead want to select specific levels that are appropriate for the age-level and skills of students they are teaching. Teachers should have headphones available if several students are working on the program at one time in an enclosed space.

Ease of Use / Install

The program is simple to install. On a Macintosh, one just inserts the CD into a computer, clicks on the program icon, chooses a level and plays. However, users may benefit from reading the program manual, otherwise they will not appreciate subtle features embedded in the program – for example, the ability to rotate objects or to ask for additional images using the "coder."

Best for... / Bottom-Line

Robob’s Cubetronic Quizimajig is best for children and adults who are interested in improving their ability to identify shapes, remember images and rotate objects to fit pictures. Students who respond well to challenge will be most likely to pursue the higher levels of the program. Students who need a thorough review of math operations and times tables should find a software program more focused on mathematics.

See SuperKids' comparisons with other math software titles, and the Buyers Guide for current market prices of the PC and Mac versions.

PC: Windows 3.1, 95, 98, ME and 2000, 2X or faster CD-ROM, .

Mac: System 6.x, 7.x, 8.x and 9.x, 2X or faster CD-ROM .

Reviewed on:

Mac I-Book, System 9.0.4

---

Questions or comments regarding this site? webmaster@superkids.com
Copyright © 1998-2024 Knowledge Share LLC. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy