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DECEMBER, 1997
Mancala
http://imagiware.com/mancala/
GRADE LEVEL: K-12
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CONTENT:
The Web site is home to an interactive version of an ancient African game that can be used to help students develop logical thinking skills.
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AESTHETICS:
The site is mainly text-based with minimal spacing. The game portion of the site uses a graphic representation of the playing board.
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ORGANIZATION:
Once a user reads the directions, enters his/her name and selects a difficulty level the game progresses forward. Users just follow the directions as the game moves along.
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REVIEW:
According to the site, "Mancala games are among those ancient games that last and last because the rules to play are simple, but the subtleties of winning take a long time to master." This game is also called Kalaha and in its simplest form can be used to
encourage children to count. The actual full game teaches logic and problem solving skills. The site provides complete directions for playing the game. Users play against the computer. The Web site also provides hints to the player as the game progresses. The computer will suggest the next move. Teachers should try playing the game a few times before using it as an interactive lesson plan. As they practice, educators will get a feel for the ideas the game teaches and can determine which subject lessons the game could supplement.
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