Get the Message: An Interactive Adventure in Communications

Description:

This software package gives the user an opportunity to explore the history of communications from hieroglyphics to Fiber-optic cable. There are 5 different activities. Secret Messages allows the user to tag along with Secret Agent Lucinda Squirrel as she tries to save the world's communication system. Get Wired allows the learner to experience designing the wiring for computer networks by placing the cable, which will connect two computers. Code Cruncher discusses the different types of code that people have used throughout history. Users can even write their own short coded message to be printed out. Say What requires the user to solve riddles using sign language, Morse code, or Semaphore. The final activity is a comic strip of Cameraman and a young turtle character that discusses the different ways people communicate.

Features:

• Fun cartoon characters that give directions
• Reference book built in
• Alphabet written in Sign Language, Hieroglyphics and Morse code.
• Historical uses of coded messages

Technical Aspects:

One specific problem I encountered with the game "Say What" is that the Morse code didn't come up correctly when it loaded. After exiting and reloading three times, it finally came up correctly and I was able to complete the game.

Report and Conclusions:

This is a great way to learn about communication. My favorite part of this program was learning the alphabet in Sign Language. My stepson, Eric's, favorite part was the activity called "Get Wired". It was a challenge sometimes to get the wire positioned just right so that we could use only Fiber-optic wire and not telephone lines. The sound was much better that way.