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Many software publishers have focused their attention on the elementary school-age set, and the results are providing retailers with more than a little extra lunch money.
Sales of home education software in North America to retail and other channels increased by 61 percent from 1992 to 1993, moving from $146 million to $243 million, according to the Software Publishers Association. Analysts predict the category will pass $300 million this year, representing the biggest percentage increase in any consumer software category. And if the heavy hitters' numerous offerings for the second half are any indication of what's to come, the basics of reading, writing and arithmetic represent only the beginning.
Broderbund achieved its reputation with titles that combine fun and learning, but the company's high-profile product for the second half, Math Workshop, makes learning priority number one. Math Workshop is the first in a series of single-subject CD-ROM offerings for the company.
"This time we went to a lot of educators and said, 'What do you want in a product?'" said Jessica Switzer, a spokesperson for the company.
Math Workshop provides basic drills, but it goes beyond flash cards to explore the world of arithmetic, estimation, spacial visualization, pattern recognition, logic and strategy. The title comes with a parents guide about current teaching and learning strategies. It also details fun activities away...