tereotypes in the context of an adventure or its simulation. These notions of equality are also evident in the attributes and features of each character. Some are wearing spectacles, others have one central eye, some have no feet whilst others have propeller's extruding from their bodies, and some are featured with bright pink shoes on their feet. The almost random element of this visual cocktail of images also neutralizes any cause to determine which, if any, Zoombini has any advantage or disadvantage in the quest.Motivational aspectsComputer and video games software are often seen as dynamic and interesting to students because of what Malone [1984, cited in King, 1998] calls, three important elements; challenge, fantasy and curiosity.ChallengeLogical Journey of the Zoombinis challenges the student to conceptualize solutions to problems, which lead to further problems and then to a final goal. The concept includes helping the Zoombini community to successfully start a new life. Focusing on that goal the player is challenged at each puzzle stage to maneuver up to 16 Zoombinis at a time. Although the final outcome, or goal, remains fixed, the ongoing completion of the puzzles proceeds onto more difficult levels. In this way the problems can match the competency and aptitude of the student, and the challenge remains meaningful. This maintains self-esteem and confidence as the game proceeds. FantasyThe world of the Zoombinis is fantasy. It is extrinsic fantasy because it is unrelated to the concept being taught. In this software as well, there are the dark caves, ruins, riddles, and of course the task of evading or fighting the 'evil doer' and finding the 'treasure' or the new land, both of which offer 'hope' to in this case the honest, peaceloving and harmless characters called 'Zoombinis'. It is the fantasy element, which assists in the reinforcement of learning by enhancing the sensory levels of curiosity based motivation.CuriosityIt...
