LOGO-L> Re: LOGO-L> My evaluation of ToonTalk

["Ken Kahn" <KenKahn@ToonTalk.com>]

    RAY CATZEL wrote

    >I hate to submit a critique such as this for a product that Ken has
spent so much time on. But I'm only being honest.

    I'm glad Ray downloaded the trial version and spent an hour evaluating
it. And I appreciate an honest evaluation. My opinion is far from objective
but

    1. I've collected a large number of messages from beta testers (of all
ages) who had praise for ToonTalk. (www.toontalk.com/English/users.htm).

    2. I've been working with a 4th grade class since January 1995. I would
say about 80% of the kids get it and like it.

    3. One of my strongest allies, Julian Pixton, was skeptical about
ToonTalk until he watched kids use it. He is the manager of the company that
is now publishing ToonTalk in Europe, Australia, Africa, and a few other
places.

    I have a theory about why kids do fine with ToonTalk, while many adults
don't. I borrowed nearly all the user interface ideas from video and
computer games. There are no Windows/Mac widgets like menus, mouse cursors,
buttons, etc. Adults expecting a conventional interface find it confusing.
Kids don't.

    I urge people on this list to try the trial version themselves
(www.toontalk.com/English/free.htm). And, if at all possible, watch as a kid
tries it.

    Best,

    -ken


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