Interactive Highway Code Highly Praised By MSA
Published: 13th March 2005
The Interactive Highway Code has been reviewed by one of the UK’s key organisations for driver trainers. The full review, published in the Motor Schools Association (MSA) monthly paper Newslink and written by Colin Lilly Chairman of MSA Western is shown below.
My students with literacy problems frequently ask me if the Highway Code is available in cassette or video form. I am not aware of the current Code in either of those formats. There is a new product on the market, however which is probably the best approach to their needs.
The Interactive Highway Code is in CD-ROM format and provides every Highway Code rule in spoken form. This simple description does not do the product justice.
The program is run directly from the CD-ROM and is not loaded on the computer.
The main menu includes:
- The Highway Code
- Green Cross Code
- Quiz
- Additional Learning
- Games Centre
Highway Code
The full Highway Code is available including the annexes. A search facility allows particular topics to be studied. Every rule has optional voice-over accompanied by a photograph, video clip, or animation, to put the rule in context. The voice-over is simply switched on and off. Each section has relevant multiple-choice questions (MCQs) to check understanding.
Green Cross Code
This section is aimed at children and is illustrated by video and animated traffic cones. It is supported by well illustrated multiple-choice questions.
Quiz
The quiz section allows a choice of 10, 20, or 30 multiple-choice questions at random from the Highway Code bank. All questions have voice-over.
Additional Learning
The additional learning has four sections:
- Seat Belt Regulations - supported by illustrated MCQs to check understanding.
- Speed Limits - illustrated MCQs cover different roads vehicles and conditions.
- Typical stopping distances.
- Traffic Signs - the MCQs cover either meaning or response to traffic signs.
All the sections provide sufficient questions to strongly reinforce the learning.
Games Centre
This section is possibly miss-named as the sections have a strong educational value.
A Hazards element is divided into two time limited sections:
- Road Signs - requiring the user to select the appropriate missing sign.
- Hazards - Using photographs of road situations and identifying the hazards present. This may not equate to the hazard perception test but does encourage hazard scanning.
The other games are aimed at youngsters, including pairing signs and jigsaws.
Overall, this is a very worthwhile product that certainly encourages the user to have an understanding of the Highway Code and the context in which it applies. It is simple to use and will certainly be of use to those learners with poor literacy skills. The illustrations are of high quality and the multiple choice questions well constructed.
It is also an excellent attempt at encouraging children to develop an interest in the subject, an aspect that is sadly missing in Schools in recent years.
The program has been produced by Interactive Driving Systems and is available at the amazingly low price of £6.99. I have not seen it in any retail outlets but it is available directly by visiting www.highwaycode.net
