All the tools are available from the main interface. A clear description is provided for each tool. Extra notes for tutors are included and give a good insight into how the software can be utilised in a lesson.

Hazard Spotter is a device for viewing the virtual town of Practiceton from the air. It has 2 functions:

A game: The Helicam has been recording Dave walking around the town. He's not very aware of the hazards around him. He never seems to get into trouble. How long do you think his luck will last? It's up to you to spot the potential hazards that Dave misses by clicking on the map when and where you think he's encountered a potential hazard.

An exploration device: Clicking the EXPLORE button lets you move the Heli-cam around Practiceton. With the arrow keys on your keyboard, you can control the movement. At the bottom of the view screen you will see a small blue control panel. If you have INFO selected, the names of certain items and buildings will appear in the display as you move around. If you have DRAW selected, you are able to temporarily draw on to the screen. This feature is very useful for highlighting and discussing situations.
On the tool bar you can choose between drawing freehand or straight lines. You can also change the colour of the pen.

With Routepad the user can create maps using familiar painting tools, special sprays and 'drag & drop' icons. They can also add text to the icons and view their design in a special viewer.They may want to map a journey that they take or design a new one. Once they've finished they can record their route across the map and play it back for others to watch. Designs can be printed out.

The Databank contains lots of hints on how to deal with hazardous situations.
It has over 35 entries, each accompanied by a photo that can be viewed full screen, making it a useful tool for stimulating class discussion. It can be accessed from within Routepad, which means it can be used as reference when creating a route. Text can also be copied from here into the Notebook. Information can be retrieved using the text based index or the picture based menu.

Supernotes is really intended for home use. It has been designed to encourage children to always let someone know where they are going. Following simple steps produces a clear and eye-catching note that can be printed or left flashing on the screen of the computer.

Bikecheck is a quick and easy maintenance check for the bicycle. A printable poster version is also available from this section.

This is another tool that is primarily intended for home use, the idea being that you would use it just before embarking on a journey. This could be used as a research tool in the classroom. Answering simple questions about your destination, mode of transport, weather conditions etc results in a common sense, 'memoryjogger' being compiled.

This is a simple device for understanding how the weather can have an effect on a journey. Moving the slider provides information on different weather conditions.

CrossOmeter's soul intention is to demonstrate how taking indirect routes across the road results in more time spent in the road. There is no real right and wrong in this section but it does let you know when you have discovered the most direct route. Experimenting with different paths across the road would provide a good discussion source.

Also included is a small word processor called Notebook, which can be called from within most sections of the software. This is useful for researching projects and printing out text from Memoryjogger, Databank or Routepad. There are useful internet links for pupils and teachers alike and the software comes with comprehensive tutors notes in HTML form.

safer routes

This product can also be ordered online from www.sandwell.gov.uk

PLEASE NOTE: THIS PRODUCT WAS NOT DESIGNED FOR WINDOWS XP