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 Ratings
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| Reviewed: |
Dec 11, 2008 by Criminal Justice Editorial Board |
| Overview: |
This is an interactive game in which users investigate a hypothetical murder. The goal is to investigate three areas of the crime scene depicted in simple illustrations:
The place of entry
The place of struggle
The crime scene
Users are asked to discover four clues per area, for a total of twelve clues. This is done by rolling the users mouse over the crime scene picture. In the bottom left display bar of your navigator, a caption will appear every time users hit on a clue.
Each time users send a clue to the lab, they are asked questions about the importance and use of the evidence. Depending on their answer, their score will increase or diminish by one point. The maximum score is 12 points.
In summary, the simulation provides the user with the ability to conduct a criminal investigation while gaining an understanding of the science and technology behind every investigation including the laboratories, the experts, and the techniques common to investigation. |
| Learning Goals: |
Understand how basic criminal investigations are conducted through the observation of a crime scene, analysis and interpretation of evidence, the ability to distinguish between different crime scene processing techniques, and development of an overall investigative plan.
Evaluate ones deductive skills and forensic knowledge as related to criminal investigations.
Compare and distinguish between different forensic techniques used in criminal investigations.
Trace developments in forensic science in Canada. |
| Target Student Population: |
High school students
Lower and upper division students (especially those concentrating in criminal justice) |
| Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills: |
Basic computer skills |
| Type of Material: |
Simulation |
| Recommended Uses: |
In-class
Homework |
| Technical Requirements: |
Browser |
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| Strengths: |
The simulation is relevant for those interested in criminal justice and provides a realistic view of how a criminal investigation is conducted.
The site provides sound information on investigative techniques and typical forensic methods used in criminal investigations.
The depth of explanation of investigative methods is good while stimulating interest in learning more about criminal investigative methods.
The investigative techniques and forensic methods detailed allow one to associate proper techniques and methods with certain overall investigative needs.
The site provides a database to elaborate on concepts demonstrated in the game. |
| Concerns: |
Linking investigative clues to portions of the investigative scenario do not always provide a clear description and explain why certain actions could be taken.
Illustrations are very simplistic.
The elements of the crime are not listed, so users do know exactly what they must prove through the evidence. |
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Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool |
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| Strengths: |
The investigative simulation allows for the application of basic investigative techniques while learning about forensic investigative and laboratory methods.
The simulation is sufficiently challenging to stimulate learning while modeling proper investigative techniques.
The criminal investigation simulation will appeal to learning of all styles and demonstrates relationships between investigative techniques and forensic methods. |
| Concerns: |
The simulation can be difficult to navigate initially which may minimize its ability to stimulate active learning the first time it is accessed.
The cartoon drawings are too simple to accurately represent what investigators would encounter at a real crime scene.
The game does not deal with problems of weather, time constraints, and contaminated or altered crime scenes. |
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Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty |
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| Strengths: |
The simulation is engaging and draws the user in while providing material to be defined, interpreted, applied, analyzed, and evaluated.
Photographs are included to provide reinforcement to many of the forensic methods presented.
The questions about each piece of evidence encourage critical thinking. |
| Concerns: |
The instructions may be confusing to some. Accessing the help section before entering the simulation will be helpful in understanding how to manipulate the different aspects of the material.
The simplistic presentation limits its appeal to younger users. |
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| Other Issues and Comments: |
None |
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