News

PROBLEMATIC

Star Rating: 3/5

Information Plus

ISBN 0954461479, £39.95

From www.information-plus.co.uk

This CD-Rom turns the format of a radio phone-in into a game in which teenagers win points for giving good advice to virtual callers with problems such as drinking or bullying, writes Clea Barry.

Big Brother's Cameron Stout plays the DJ and offers advice. He makes a likeable and straightforward host, but risks making the game date very quickly.

The radio show is far more engaging and lively than an old-fashioned board game. All the text is spoken by actors, making it accessible for young people with special needs. The technology could not be simpler.

The game will be most successful used in a small group with an adult facilitator. The issues are not treated in much depth and, although there are links to relevant web pages, a lot of the learning will need to come from the discussion. It's a great way to get teenagers sitting down and discussing things, but it's only a starting point.

Clea Barry is an adoption social worker.