Brief description
An interactive and engaging CD-ROM for teenagers to explore and gain an in-depth understanding of the drug issues effecting young people. It covers illegal and legal drugs, information on the drug laws in the UK and the reasons why young people may use drugs. There is an accompanying booklet. This resource is suitable for classroom use at Key Stage 3 and above.

Type of resource CD-ROM
Target group Young people aged 10 to adult
Setting School, community, youth service
Language English
Price £58 (plus £3.50 postage)
Ordering/purchasing details
educari, Manor Farm, Kettlestone, Norfolk NR21 OAU Tel: 01328 878790
Email: chris@educari.com
Website: www.educari.com

Assessment Review by expert panel
Xoteric is an interactive CD-ROM designed for ages 10 to adult, the core target audience being 10 to 14s. It is suitable for classroom use with Key Stage 3, but could be equally fun to use in youth club settings, in the home or a drug agency. Nearly all the text is spoken so the resource is very suitable for young people with learning difficulties or poor motivation for learning, as minimal reading skills are required. It is very accessible and young people can dive in and find out for themselves.

This is an extremely flexible resource and good value for money at £58.00. It comes in a protective case and there are clear, straightforward instructions for use. There is an accompanying guide booklet packed with information, assignments, teacher's notes and a list of the 25 characters portrayed in the game. There are also pointers to other agencies and sources of information and support.

The notes have been included on the CD-Rom in Abode Acrobat format, which can be printed. Also the text has been included as a Word file and can be modified. The minimum equipment requirements equates to the standard home computer specification, that is 64Mb RAM (128Mb RAM recommended) Windows 95, 98, NT or 2000, a CD Rom and 300Mb hard drive space for installation. It is relatively easy to install but could be difficult for complete computer novices.

The theme of the game is a spaceship of aliens exploring our planet who want to find out more about humans' drug use. The setting is a virtual nightclub where characters are found in the basement, the bar and on the dance floor involved in various different activities. The aliens scan the characters through different modes; the medical officer gives advice on the physical effects of drugs; the counselor on the mental health aspects; the security officer information about particular drugs including legal, illegal and prescribed medication. There is also a help panel referred to as the captain. The accompanying booklet contains eight assignments or missions that include; identifying drugs and risks; which drugs are legal and illegal on this planet; drug dangers; the story of an earthling; volatile substance abuse; why do some humans use drugs; minimising harm and investigating the risks of injecting.

The resource is very visual in its approach to learning and has used high quality graphics to make an impact. The characters are culturally diverse and appealing to young people. From the drug scans of individual clubbers key words within the text can be clicked on to access further information about the particular drug that person is taking. These include issues such as 'risk', which is followed by a game where some of the risks associated with drugs are presented. The information is factual and 'correct and the language used is appropriate and engaging for young people. The user can spend as long as they want exploring this virtual nightclub depending on their requirements.

'On the whole, the CD-ROM is very easy to use although some criticism from users is that it is not clear how to exit or go back to other scenes. It is slow in comparison to a normal game console, however, the primary purpose is for education and not entertainment. Some users wanted more interaction or missions and felt that these needed to be highlighted more.

The installation of the 'QuickTime' is not clear or easy and it is sometimes hard to click on certain characters within the nightclub. Some feedback from parents stated that they found it very helpful and would encourage their children to use it. The young people found it 'more interesting than listening to a teacher' and remembered what they had learnt. The programme induced positive conversation amongst the young people after using the game, giving the opportunity for discussion of any issues arising.

The resource more than achieves its aims and objectives of teaching about drug related issues, developing skills in handling situations, and exploring attitudes and the reasons why people use drugs. This creative and innovative resource makes learning fun and entertaining which sets new standards for drug education.

Should you have any queries, comments or suggestions about this resource, please contact: drugs@doh.gsi.gov.uk