The Election of 1912

Instructional design: Hypergate, Mac-database & simulation, $45.00 or lab pack of 10 for $150.00, may be networked. Students focus on the colorful election of 1912 through their efforts to elect Teddy Roosevelt. There are two components to the program: 1) a database with information on key historical figures, issues and events, including interesting graphics, cartoon and advertisements of the period, 2) is the election simulation game, with students playing the role of TR's campaign manager. Students must engage in numerous activities by clicking on icons that examine regional issues, access polls, send mail to famous people, allow travel to several regions, as well enable them to make speeches and attend meetings.
Technological integration: Designed as a showcase to introduce Hypergate', a hypertext authoring system by Eastgate systems. There are save campaign and note features but the program navigation's system if unclear. In spite of the small dark 'breadcrumbs' that appear with some of the topic buttons the software is difficult to navigate and often disorienting. Bookmarks are difficult to retrieve. Although it uses early technology, 1912 fails to take full advantage of even, failing to create links connecting users to key materials.
Instructional appropriateness: Valid for the survey course. Though I will continue to use 1912 until I have a replacement, I will also supplement with additional materials. Instructors must decide if this particular simulation is worth their students efforts and their own.
Instructor support: Brief guide to key functions accompanies software packet.
Advantages: Simulation activities are designed to reflect the election process of the erathe importance of building a campaign organization, the need to appeal to the economic interests of different regions, and the need for polling. Programs strongest aspect is its ability to engage students in multifaceted issues, and to place the election in broader context, asking them to make choices in order to get TR elected and change the known outcome.
Disadvantages: The database is useful but the simulation portion of the program is less effective. The credits are inadequate. Newspapers included are representations not actual replications of primary documents. Many of the activities have no impact on the campaign managers effectiveness. Although students may send mail requesting endorsements, they have no impact on the games outcome.
Authorship: Mark Bernstein and Erin Sweeney, Eastgate Systems, 1988
Student evaluation: Although requiring time, some students feel the results are worth the effort. As with most software of this vintage however, other students are impatient with the amount of effort that must be expended to achieve the desired outcome.
Time: one hour
Rating: **