The schoolzone evaluation: KS1 & 2 Literacy

The schoolzone evaluation: KS3 Literacy

The schoolzone evaluation: KS3 MFL

The schoolzone evaluation: KS1 & 2 Literacy

Shannon's Game is a bright and colourful approach to consolidating understanding of spelling patterns. It is presented as a game where users have to complete a word with a given first letter. The user can make logical, sequential predictions straight away, while further visual clues are given by the letter markers showing the length of the word.

Shannon's Game focuses attention on spelling patterns and strategies. Words are built up letter by letter, the letters being chosen from a clear, on-screen keypad. A correctly chosen letter is added to the word, an incorrect letter which nevertheless could work as a spelling pattern in a different word is rejected but added to a "possible" list, while a guess which is impossible (gv.., for example) is added to the "not in my list" column. Users are thus encouraged to think about which letter combinations could work to make up a word. Once the word is successfully completed, the user is rewarded with a firework display; the more confident the word-building, the more spectacular the display.

Words are selected from a large selection of given wordlists. Some of these lists are curriculum based while others represent major spelling patterns, such as double consonants or initial or end clusters. Teachers can thus challenge their pupils to test their understanding of the spelling strategies currently being taught. A strength of the software is that the wordlists are editable so that teachers can enter their own words to reinforce spelling patterns or set spellings. It can handle any language that uses an alphabet, so it might appeal to the primary teachers who teach non-English languages as well. Teachers in Wales would find this feature useful, as with some teacher input, Welsh language spelling lists can be set up.

Shannon's Game has the potential to make spelling an enjoyable activity. The graphics are clear and colourful while the sound effects are fun. The range of given wordlists and the teacher-edit facility means that it is suitable for a wide age- and ability-range. The game can be played as a whole class or group activity, being particularly suited to the interactive whiteboard, in pairs or by individuals. It is suited to either collaborative or competitive play.

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The schoolzone evaluation: KS3 Literacy

Shannon’s Game is a delightful program which packs a big punch behind its apparently simple concept and inexpensive price. In essence, it is a spelling game, loosely similar to the traditional “Hangman”, but with a firework display as a reward for success, rather than the usual gory punishment for failure!

Although the focus for this particular evaluation is Literacy in KS3 English, Shannon’s Game is an equally valuable resource for Modern Foreign Languages and comes equipped for a range of languages including German, French, Italian and Spanish: with a little user input, it can be adapted for any language, and the facility exists to use accented characters.

The real value of Shannon’s Game lies in its adaptability. Users can create their own wordlists for any area of the Curriculum, and fits nicely into the current National Literacy Strategy which encourages Literacy across the Curriculum. – making this a valid resource beyond English and Languages.

The interface is simple and accessible to students of all ages and levels of ability, even down to the early years of primary education. However, the fun element gives it a universal appeal, and, at no time can it be accused of being childish.

The software comes on a CD and users can access a 'cut-down' version immediately; some of the more adaptable functions are disabled. The user types in a licence key, as evidence of purchase, to give access to the full functionality. Depending on the number of licences purchased, it can be used on a single computer or networked.

As mentioned earlier, the full value of Shannon’s Game is its adaptability. For English, it comes with ready-made word lists covering the major spelling rules which traditionally cause problems, such as Double Consonants, Long Vowels and Plurals.

However, the user can add specialised word lists, nominating a title for each wordlist which will appear in the opening menu. The ability to adapt the software does not finish there: specialised word lists can be created for individual teaching groups – or even individual students, which, when added to the menu, gives the program a very personal feel.

Once installed and running, teacher input is reduced to a minimum for most age and ability groups.

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The schoolzone evaluation: KS3 MFL

Shannon's Game' is deliberately pitched as a game but its intention is to be a serious piece of software. It is a package aimed at KS3 language learners and its focus is on spelling patterns and strategies. Alternatively it can be used as a simple vocabulary builder. The user is firstly presented with a menu page which contains a choice of word lists. Once a list is chosen, the first word appears with only the first letter showing. It is then down to the user to predict how the remainder of the word is spelt. The word has blank markers so the user knows how many letters there are in the word. When predictions are made the correct letters appear or they are placed in a 'possible' on-screen list or a 'not in my list' list. A mini-keypad appears when accented characters are required, giving a choice of letters. If preferred, a permanent on-screen version can be shown. A firework display awaits once the word has been predicted correctly. The better the prediction, the better the display.

The word lists provided are automatically installed when installing the languages you require and are definable to suit the user’s needs. These lists draw on the substantial master lists which are also editable. Teachers may also create their own word lists and save them as ‘.txt’ files in the appropriate folder. French and German lists are available to install but other languages can be set up using a template provided. However, a new master list must be created for each new language.

The software can be installed on stand-alone machines or on a network in conjunction with an appropriate licence.

‘Shannon’s Game’ can be used in a variety of situations – individual or pair work, group work or even whole class teaching. This flexibility makes it a good resource to have available in the classroom and once the complexities of editing and creating wordlists have been overcome, it provides an excellent tool for improving spelling skills and strategies and expanding vocabulary.

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