MCH Multimedia Inc., 2000. $79.99 (U.S.), $39.99 (U.S.) for students; $119.95 (Canadian), $44.95 (Canadian) for students.

This multimedia CD is one of several science tutorial products published by MCH Multimedia, Inc. The product reviewed was the General Chemistry Version 5.10 software. It joins a number of other CD products available from various suppliers for general chemistry students.

Installation of the product went smoothly, and the tutorials should run on any recent computer, with support for both Windows and Macintosh. The system was tested on a Windows 98SE computer. Note that the CD has a license lock system that requires contacting the company (automated, through the Internet) to get an unlock code. The unlock code is machine specific, which may cause problems for some users over time. The product uses Chime and notes that recent editions of Internet Explorer (5.5 SR2 and above) do not support Chime. Chime 2.6 SP2 is provided on this CD. I downloaded Chime 2.6 SP3, which is compatible with IE 5.5 SR2 but not yet with IE 6. No problems related to this issue were encountered.

Seventeen tutorial modules are included, along with a separate module of problems. All major physical chemistry concepts in general chemistry (bonding, quantum mechanics, kinetics, equilibria, thermodynamics, and electrochemistry) are covered. There are also modules for gas laws, solids, main group elements, and transition metals. Most modules have about 8 major sections, each with 2-4 subtopics represented by a single screen of information. Presentations include some text, interactive graphics (illustrations of microscopic behavior, interactive graphs to explore the effect of changing variables), and a voice narration. The quality of the voice narration is poor, and is not a positive feature. The graphics are of good quality, though not stunning.

Problems on all major topics are provided in a separate module. There are both practice problems and quiz-format problems (multiple-choice or fill-in-the-blank), typically 30 problems per major topic. The same questions are used for practice and for quiz, with a scrambled order in the quiz section. Hints were available in the practice section, to lead the learner through the problems. One problem encountered was a difficulty entering powers of ten when needed in numerical problems. Also, I was not able to simultaneously view the provided periodic table and calculator tools, making it hard to do numerical problems.

The tutorials included in this product are likely to be useful as a supplement to a traditional textbook and class, not as a stand-alone instructional tool. The depth of coverage of topics was usually not as deep as in a textbook. Similarly, the problem sections were okay, but were limited to straightforward multiple-choice or short fill-in-the-blank questions. Longer problem-solving experiences were not present.

Some important standard topics were not covered in this product. There are no tutorials on stoichiometry, atoms/molecules/formulas, equations, or types of reactions. Some problems are included on these topics (10 each), but no tutorials. Solids are covered (typical crystal lattice material, in great detail), but not liquids or solutions. Organic chemistry and biochemistry are not included, nor are applications of chemistry and environmental connections. The author is apparently most interested in the physical chemistry aspects of general chemistry, which shows in the extensive and detailed derivation of gas laws (10 full screens with multiple subscreens of information), and in other areas of emphasis.

This tutorial product will best serve students and instructors seeking additional short presentations of the main physical concepts in general chemistry. Short, clear presentations of the main points of each such concept are included in this product, with a reasonable number of multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank practice problems. Users seeking an integrated package with concepts, theories, and applications, along with organic and biochemistry, will likely not choose this product.

Editor's Note