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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

‘Slam Dunk’ Mixes Cyber-Hoops With Typing Lessons

Roy Bassave Miami Herald

Head to the court and get warmed up for Creative Wonders’ “Slam Dunk Typing,” a CD-ROM that combines the fun of basketball with exercises designed to develop typing speed and accuracy.

The program offers a step-by-step approach to mastering the keyboard,and fast-paced drills to put learning to the test. The CD-ROM works on either Windows or Macintosh systems.

“Slam Dunk Typing” has 10 skill levels as users progress in their “game” from rookie to advanced typist. The fun of “Slam Dunk Typing” is complemented with instruction on correct typing techniques.

The program’s step-by-step approach teaches players the entire keyboard, from the home keys and numbers to capitals and symbols. Students get their own personal “coach” on the CD-ROM who monitors progress and offers tips and advice as users proceed at their own pace.

Hands appear on-screen to illustrate technique and hand placement. In addition, customized stats indicate areas of strength and weakness and point out keys that need more practice. As players advance through the keyboard, learning is put to the test in the words-per-minute challenge, where speed and accuracy are recorded to track progress and improvement.

I showed this product to my 11-year-old nephew, who loves the computer and basketball but can’t type yet. Once he started the program, it was impossible to get him off it so I could write this review.

I guess that’s a good thing - one should never discourage learning in any form. In any event, this is the best typing program I’ve seen since “Mavis Beacon Typing for Kids.”

For more activities, downloads, and to exchange ideas with parents, teachers and kids, join Creative Wonders on the Internet (at http:/ /www.creativewonders.com) and on American Online at keyword Creative Wonders.

xxxx Slam Dunk Typing PC minimum system requirements: 486 DX or better, 8 MB of RAM, VGA card with 256 colors, color monitor, 2X CD-ROM drive, sound card and speakers, Windows 3.1 or Windows 95. Macintosh system requirements: Performa or better/33 Mhz, 8 MB of RAM, color monitor with 256 colors, 2X CD-ROM drive, QuickTime 1.6.1 or higher, System 7.0.1 or higher. Estimated selling price, manufacturer: $24.95; Creative Wonders.