Who created the fictional character Stickybear and the edutainment series that features him?

The fictional character Stickybear, who serves as the central figure in an edutainment series, was created by Richard Hefter. This series aims to combine educational content with entertainment for young learners.

What company was Stickybear a mascot for in the context of software, and what was its parent company?

Stickybear was the mascot for Weekly Reader Software. This software division was part of Xerox Education Publications, indicating its connection to a larger educational publishing entity.

When did the Stickybear edutainment software begin to be released, and what were the initial target platforms?

The Stickybear edutainment software programs first started being released in the early 1980s. Initially, these programs were developed for and released on the Apple II computer system.

Beyond the Apple II, for which other significant early home computer systems were Stickybear software programs made available?

In addition to the Apple II, the Stickybear software series expanded its reach to other popular home computer platforms of the era. These included the IBM PC, the Atari 8-bit computers, and the Commodore 64, making the educational content accessible to a wider audience.

By 2008, what were the most recent operating systems for which Stickybear software had been developed?

As of the year 2008, the Stickybear software line had evolved to include titles developed for more contemporary operating systems. These included Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Mac OS X, reflecting the ongoing development and adaptation of the series.

Could you list the specific book titles featuring Stickybear that were published in 1983?

The year 1983 saw the release of several books in the Stickybear series. These titles included Babysitter Bears, Bears at Work, Lots of Little Bears: A Stickybear Counting Book, Stickybear Watch Out: The Stickybear Book of Safety, Stickybear Book of Weather, and Where is the Bear?

What was another Stickybear book title published in 1984, distinct from the 1983 releases?

Following the releases in 1983, the Stickybear series continued with new titles, including Stickybears Scary Night, which was published in 1984.

What types of content were included in the earliest Stickybear software programs released in the early 1980s?

The very first Stickybear software programs released in the early 1980s featured content such as interactive picture books presented in color and various posters, offering a visual and engaging introduction to the character and learning concepts.

Please provide a comprehensive list of Stickybear software titles mentioned and their associated computer platforms.

The Stickybear software library includes numerous titles across various platforms. Some notable examples mentioned are: Stickybear Alphabet (IBM-PC, Apple II), Stickybear BASIC, Stickybear Basket Bounce, Stickybear Bop, Stickybear Drawing, Stickybear Early Learning Activities (Windows, Apple Macintosh Classic, Windows XP/Vista, Mac OS X), Stickybear Family Fun Game (Philips CD-i), Stickybear Kindergarten Activities, Stickybear Math (Commodore 64, IBM-PC, Apple II, Philips CD-i), Stickybear Math 1 Deluxe (Windows XP/Vista, Mac OS X), Stickybear Math 2 (IBM-PC), Stickybear Music, Stickybear Music Library 1, Stickybear Numbers, Stickybear Opposites (IBM-PC), Stickybear Parts of Speech, Stickybear Picture Library 1, Stickybear Preschool (Philips CD-i), Stickybear Printer, Stickybear Reading (Commodore 64, IBM-PC, Philips CD-i), Stickybear Reading Comprehension, Stickybear Shapes, Stickybear Spellgrabber (Commodore 64, Mac OS 7), Stickybear Town Builder, Stickybear Typing (Commodore 64, IBM-PC), Stickybear Word Problems, and Stickybear's Reading Room (Mac OS 7).

Which specific Stickybear software title was recognized with the Best Early Education Program award in 1989?

The award for Best Early Education Program in 1989, presented by the Software and Information Industry Association, was given to The New Talking StickyBear Alphabet.

How did the publication II Computing rank the Stickybear software series in its late 1985 assessment?

In late 1985, II Computing recognized the popularity and market presence of Stickybear software by ranking it tenth among the top educational software titles for the Apple II platform, based on sales and market-share data.

What were the key points of praise for Stickybear's Typing Tutor and Stickybear Town Builder in the 1986 review by Compute!'s Gazette?

The 1986 review in Compute!'s Gazette highlighted the utility of Stickybear's Typing Tutor, noting its usefulness for individuals of all ages. Furthermore, Stickybear Town Builder was commended for its excellent graphics and its effectiveness as an educational tool, particularly for teaching map reading skills in a way that fostered children's creativity.

What grades did the Houston Chronicle assign to various IBM versions of Stickybear software in their 1990 review?

In a 1990 review conducted by Peter Mucha for the Houston Chronicle, several IBM versions of Stickybear software were evaluated and assigned grades. Stickybear Opposites received a B−, Stickybear Math was given a B, Stickybear Math 2 also received a B, Stickybear Alphabet earned an A−, and Stickybear Reading was graded with a C.

How was the software StickyBear Town Builder characterized in a 1992 review published in Compute! magazine?

Leslie Eiser, writing for Compute! magazine in 1992, reviewed StickyBear Town Builder and observed that the software seemed dated when compared to other contemporary educational games available on the market at that time.

What was the sentiment expressed by Computer Gaming World regarding Stickybear's Early Learning Activities in their 1993 review?

In 1993, Computer Gaming World offered a positive assessment of Stickybear's Early Learning Activities, stating that within the competitive landscape of early education software, it was difficult to find programs that surpassed its quality and effectiveness.

Which specific computer systems are identified as platforms for the Stickybear Alphabet software?

The software title Stickybear Alphabet was released for both the IBM-PC and the Apple II computer systems, making it accessible on these popular platforms during its release period.

What are the Stickybear software titles explicitly mentioned as being available on the Philips CD-i platform?

The Stickybear series utilized the Philips CD-i platform for several of its titles. Specifically mentioned as being released on this system are Stickybear Family Fun Game, Stickybear Math, and Stickybear Preschool.

For which computer systems was the Stickybear Spellgrabber software released?

The Stickybear Spellgrabber software was made available for the Commodore 64 home computer and also for Mac OS 7, indicating its availability on both older and slightly more modern personal computer systems of its time.

What is the fundamental purpose of the Stickybear series, as indicated by its classification as an "edutainment" series?

As an edutainment series, the fundamental purpose of the Stickybear programs is to blend educational content with engaging entertainment. This approach aims to make learning enjoyable and accessible for children, utilizing interactive media to convey information and skills.

Which company is identified as the developer or publisher responsible for the Stickybear software?

The Stickybear software titles were developed and published by Optimum Resource, Inc. This is evidenced by references to their website and their direct association with specific software products like Stickybear Math 1 Deluxe.

In what specific way did Stickybear Town Builder reportedly encourage children's creativity, according to Compute!'s Gazette?

According to the review in Compute!'s Gazette, Stickybear Town Builder encouraged children's creativity by teaching them map reading skills. This was achieved by presenting the activity in a manner that allowed children to design and build their own towns, fostering imaginative engagement.

What was the scope of the Houston Chronicle's 1990 review concerning Stickybear software?

The Houston Chronicle's 1990 review, conducted by Peter Mucha, specifically focused on evaluating the IBM versions of Stickybear software. The review assessed multiple titles, including Stickybear Opposites, Stickybear Math, Stickybear Alphabet, and Stickybear Reading, providing critical grades for each.

What does the inclusion of The Strawberry Look Book with some versions of Stickybear Alphabet suggest about the software's presentation?

The mention that some versions of Stickybear Alphabet included The Strawberry Look Book suggests that the software packages might have been bundled with accompanying storybooks or supplementary materials, potentially enhancing the learning experience by integrating text and interactive elements.

What is the implication of the "dead link" notation on the Houston Chronicle reference?

The notation "dead link" signifies that the direct web address provided for the original Houston Chronicle article is no longer active or accessible online. However, the reference also provides alternative means of access, such as newspaper archives and library resources, indicating the information is still verifiable.

What does the repeated citation of the Houston Chronicle review across multiple pieces of information indicate about its content?

The fact that the Houston Chronicle review is cited multiple times (indicated by superscripts like ^ a b c d e f g h) suggests that this single source provided a substantial amount of detailed information or multiple distinct data points that are relevant to different aspects of the Stickybear software discussed in the article.

What does the "Archived" status associated with the award for The New Talking StickyBear Alphabet imply about the award information?

The "Archived" status indicates that the original web page detailing the 1989 Excellence in Software Awards winners is no longer available at its original URL. However, the information has been preserved through an archiving service, likely the Wayback Machine, allowing it to remain accessible for verification.

What is the purpose of including a "Further reading" section in the article about Stickybear?

The "Further reading" section serves to provide readers with additional, related resources for deeper exploration of the topic. In this case, it points to a specific article from Compute! magazine that discusses Stickybear learning games, offering supplementary information beyond the main article's scope.

What types of resources are typically found in the "External links" section of a Wikipedia article like this one?

The "External links" section typically contains direct hyperlinks to relevant websites and resources that are not part of Wikipedia itself. For the Stickybear article, this includes links to the archived official website, specific software titles available on platforms like the Internet Archive, and links to relevant subject portals.

What specific computer systems are listed as platforms for the Stickybear Reading software?

The Stickybear Reading software was made available on multiple platforms, specifically the Commodore 64, the IBM-PC, and the Philips CD-i.

Which platforms are identified for the Stickybear Typing software?

The Stickybear Typing software was released for both the Commodore 64 and the IBM-PC, indicating its availability on these two prominent personal computer systems.

What is the function of the "References" section within the provided text?

The "References" section lists all the sources that were used to compile the information presented in the article. Each numbered reference corresponds to a citation marker within the text, allowing readers to verify the origin of specific facts and claims.

What specific platforms are listed for the Stickybear Early Learning Activities software?

The software Stickybear Early Learning Activities was developed for a range of platforms, including Windows, Apple Macintosh Classic, Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Mac OS X, showcasing its availability across different operating systems.

What does the "Archived" status of the Stickybear Math 1 Deluxe link signify?

The "Archived" status for the Stickybear Math 1 Deluxe link indicates that the original webpage is no longer live but has been preserved by an archiving service. This allows users to access the content as it appeared previously, ensuring the information remains available despite the original source becoming defunct.

What was the assessment of Stickybear Town Builder in the December 1992 review by Compute! magazine?

In its December 1992 review, Compute! magazine evaluated Stickybear Town Builder and concluded that the software appeared dated when compared to other games that were available at that time.

Besides the titles published in 1983, what other book title is listed for the Stickybear series and in what year was it published?

In addition to the books released in 1983, the Stickybear series included Stickybears Scary Night, which was published in 1984.

What is the significance of the "External links" section for users interested in the Stickybear franchise?

The "External links" section provides direct access to valuable resources related to the Stickybear franchise that are outside of the Wikipedia article itself. This includes archived versions of the official website, specific software titles available for download or viewing on platforms like the Internet Archive, and links to relevant subject portals.

What does the mention of "Optimum Resource, Inc." in relation to specific software titles like Stickybear Math 1 Deluxe imply about the company's role in the series?

The repeated association of Optimum Resource, Inc. with specific Stickybear software titles, such as Stickybear Math 1 Deluxe and Stickybear Early Learning Activities, strongly indicates that this company was the primary developer and publisher responsible for creating and distributing the Stickybear edutainment products.

What specific platforms are listed for the Stickybear Kindergarten Activities software?

While Stickybear Kindergarten Activities is listed as a software title associated with Optimum Resource, Inc., the provided text does not specify the particular computer platforms on which this particular title was released.

What was the context of the II Computing ranking of Stickybear software in late 1985?

In late 1985, II Computing published a list of the top educational software for the Apple II platform, based on sales and market-share data. Stickybear software was included on this list, ranking tenth overall.

What does the reference to Stickybear BASIC, Stickybear Basket Bounce, and Stickybear Bop indicate about the range of Stickybear software?

The mention of titles like Stickybear BASIC, Stickybear Basket Bounce, and Stickybear Bop indicates that the Stickybear software series extended beyond purely educational or reading-focused applications to include programs that might have involved programming basics, simple games, or other interactive activities.

What is the purpose of the "External links" section regarding the Stickybear.com website?

The "External links" section includes a link to Optimum Resource, Inc. (Stickybear.com) archived on the Wayback Machine. This indicates that the official website for the Stickybear franchise is no longer active in its original form but has been preserved, allowing users to view its past content.

What specific software title is available on the Internet Archive as mentioned in the external links?

The external links section highlights that Stickybear ABC for the Apple II is available on the Internet Archive, providing a resource for accessing this older software title.

What are the subject portals linked in the external links section related to Stickybear?

The external links section includes portal links to Children's literature, Video games, and the United States portal, suggesting connections between the Stickybear franchise and these broader subject areas.

Stickybear Wiki: Stickybear: A Pioneer in Digital Learning

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Overview

The Character

Stickybear is a fictional character conceived by Richard Hefter. He serves as the central figure in an extensive edutainment series developed by Optimum Resource. This series aimed to blend education with entertainment, making learning engaging for young audiences.

Mascot & Brand

Stickybear became the official mascot for Weekly Reader Software, a prominent division of Xerox Education Publications. This association cemented Stickybear's presence in the educational technology landscape of the 1980s and early 1990s.

Edutainment Pioneer

The Stickybear series represents a significant early effort in the field of edutainment. By integrating educational content within interactive software, it pioneered methods for digital learning that were novel and influential during its time.

Platform Evolution

Early Beginnings

The Stickybear software line originated in the early 1980s, initially developed for the foundational Apple II platform.^[1] This era marked the nascent stages of personal computing and educational software development.

Expanding Reach

Recognizing the growing market, the series was subsequently ported to other popular home computer systems of the era. This included the IBM PC, Atari 8-bit computers, and the widely adopted Commodore 64.^[1]^[4]^[5]

Modern Platforms

The Stickybear software continued to evolve with technological advancements. As of 2008, the most recent iterations were developed for contemporary operating systems such as Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Mac OS X, demonstrating the series' longevity.^[6]

Books Featuring Stickybear

Early Publications

The Stickybear universe extended beyond software into a series of engaging children's books, many published around 1983 and 1984. These books often mirrored the themes and educational focus found in the software.

Babysitter Bears (1983)
Bears at Work (1983)
Lots of Little Bears: A Stickybear Counting Book (1983)
Stickybear Watch Out: The Stickybear Book of Safety (1983)
Stickybear Book of Weather (1983)
Where is the Bear? (1983)
Stickybears Scary Night (1984)

Software Titles

Educational Programs

The Stickybear software portfolio encompassed a wide array of educational topics, designed to introduce fundamental concepts to young learners through interactive experiences. Early releases often included picture books and posters, laying the groundwork for more complex applications.

At Home With Stickybear
Stickybear Alphabet (IBM-PC, Apple II)
Stickybear BASIC
Stickybear Basket Bounce
Stickybear Bop
Stickybear Drawing
Stickybear Early Learning Activities (Windows, Macintosh Classic, Windows XP/Vista, Mac OS X)
Stickybear Family Fun Game (Philips CD-i)
Stickybear Kindergarten Activities
Stickybear Math (Commodore 64, IBM-PC, Apple II, Philips CD-i)
Stickybear Math 1 Deluxe (Windows XP/Vista, Mac OS X)
Stickybear Math 2 (IBM-PC)
Stickybear Music
Stickybear Music Library 1
Stickybear Numbers
Stickybear Opposites (IBM-PC)
Stickybear Parts of Speech
Stickybear Picture Library 1
Stickybear Preschool (Philips CD-i)
Stickybear Printer
Stickybear Reading (Commodore 64, IBM-PC, Philips CD-i)
Stickybear Reading Comprehension
Stickybear Shapes
Stickybear Spellgrabber (Commodore 64, Mac OS 7)
Stickybear Town Builder
Stickybear Typing (Commodore 64, IBM-PC)
Stickybear Word Problems
Stickybear's Reading Room (Mac OS 7)

Critical Acclaim

Awards and Recognition

The Stickybear series garnered positive reviews and accolades during its active development period. Publications like II Computing and Compute!'s Gazette frequently highlighted its effectiveness and engaging nature for young learners.

II Computing recognized Stickybear titles among the top educational software in 1985 based on sales and market share.^[19]
Compute!'s Gazette praised Stickybear's Typing Tutor for its broad utility and lauded Stickybear Town Builder for its excellent graphics, creativity, and effectiveness in teaching map reading.^[20]
The Houston Chronicle provided reviews for several IBM versions, assigning grades ranging from B− to A−, indicating generally positive reception.^[1]
The New Talking StickyBear Alphabet received the prestigious Excellence in Software Award for Best Early Education Program in 1989 from the Software and Information Industry Association.^[21]
Computer Gaming World, in 1993, described Stickybear's Early Learning Activities as exceptionally well-crafted within the early education software genre.^[23]

While Stickybear Town Builder was noted as potentially dated by Compute! magazine in 1992 compared to newer titles, the overall reception underscores the series' significant impact on early digital education.

References

Source Citations

The information presented on this page is derived from the cited sources, providing a factual basis for the historical and technical details of the Stickybear edutainment series.

Mucha, Peter. "Educational programs vary widely in quality and range." Houston Chronicle. Sunday August 19, 1990. Lifestyle 5.
Moritz, Michael and Philip Elmer-DeWitt. "Software for All Seasons." TIME. Monday December 19, 1983.
'Stickybear Numbers & ABC for preschool children', InfoWorld, October 24, 1983, pp. 37-38.
"Stickybear". Atari Mania. Retrieved November 18, 2017.
Engst, Adam C.; Hirasuna, Tom (May 4, 1992). "In Search of Stickybear". TidBITS. Retrieved November 18, 2017.
"Stickybear Math 1 Deluxe Grades PK-2". Optimum Resource, Inc. Archived from the original on April 18, 2006. Retrieved November 18, 2017.
"Babysitter Bears." Google Books.
"Bears at Work." Google Books.
"Lots of Little Bears: A Stickybear Counting Book." Google Books.
"Watch Out: The Stickybear Book of Safety." Google Books.
"Stickybear Book of Weather." Google Books.
"Where is the Bear?" Google Books.
"Stickybears Scary Night." Google Books.
Lynch, Dennis (1985-04-12). "STICKYBEAR HELPS PRESCHOOLERS LEARN THE COMPUTER ROPES". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 2018-12-09.
"At Home with Stickybear: School Version with Lesson Plans (Ages 1-5)." ERIC. Retrieved on April 3, 2017.
Compute! Issue 49. June 1984. "Reviews: Sticky bear".
"Stickybear Early Learning Activities." Optimum Resource, Inc..
"Stickybear Kindergarten Activities." Optimum Resource, Inc..
Ciraolo, Michael (Oct–Nov 1985). "Top Software / A List of Favorites". II Computing. p. 51.
Minnick, David; Minnick, Robin (September 1986). "Stickybear Typing Tutor and Stickybear Town Builder". Compute's Gazette. pp. 57–58.
"1989 Excellence in Software Awards Winners". Software and Information Industry Association.
Eiser, Leslie. "Stickybear Town Builder. (computer game) (Software Review) (Evaluation)." Compute! December 1992. Issue 147. 164.
Soper, Virginia (December 1993). "Stickybear's Early Learning Adventures". Computer Gaming World. pp. 155–156.

Teacher's Corner

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References

'Stickybear Numbers & ABC for preschool children', InfoWorld, October 24, 1983, pp. 37-38.

"Babysitter Bears." Google Books.

"Bears at Work." Google Books.

"Lots of Little Bears: A Stickybear Counting Book." Google Books.

"Watch Out: The Stickybear Book of Safety." Google Books.

"Stickybear Book of Weather." Google Books.

"Where is the Bear?." Google Books.

"Stickybears Scary Night." Google Books.

"At Home with Stickybear: School Version with Lesson Plans (Ages 1-5)." ERIC. Retrieved on April 3, 2017.

Compute! Issue 49. June 1984. "71.

"Stickybear Early Learning Activities." Optimum Resource, Inc..

"Stickybear Kindergarten Activities." Optimum Resource, Inc..

A full list of references for this article are available at the Stickybear Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding software history, educational technology, or historical computing. Always refer to primary sources and consult with experts for specific inquiries.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Stickybear's Digital Playground

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Overview ℹ️

🐻 The Character

⭐ Mascot & Brand

🕹️ Edutainment Pioneer

Platform Evolution ⏳

💾 Early Beginnings

🖥️ Expanding Reach

🚀 Modern Platforms

Books Featuring Stickybear 📚

📖 Early Publications

Software Titles 🎮

💡 Educational Programs

Critical Acclaim ⭐

🏆 Awards and Recognition

References 🔗

📜 Source Citations

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

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Gamer's Corner 🎮

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References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

The Character

Mascot & Brand

Edutainment Pioneer

Platform Evolution

Early Beginnings

Expanding Reach

Modern Platforms

Books Featuring Stickybear

Early Publications

Software Titles

Educational Programs

Critical Acclaim

Awards and Recognition

References

Source Citations

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice