Science on CD was initiated as a collaborative project between students on the BSc(Hons) MediaLab Arts course at the University of Plymouth and Intellect publishing based in Exeter.
Students study interactive multimedia on a four year thick sandwich course using Apple Macintosh computers and a wide range of multimedia software.
The "World of Bridges" project spanned two semesters, and developed from a brief supplied by Intellect, the aims of which were to create a multimedia application to support a traditional text book for teaching GCSE students about bridges.
At the beginning of the workshop project a traditional multimedia approach was taken, but this soon developed into an immersive world scenario, where a pupil was more likely to follow self-motivated learning.
Requirements
It is recommended that this publication is run on a fairly fast machine (preferably 040), with thousands of colours (although it will run in 256 colours), and 8mb memory if you wish to hear all the sound effects and music!
The application uses multiple Quicktime movies on screen, mixed with PICT bitmap graphics, & sampled sound FX running under Director 3.0.
Nb. We have not been able to test the publication on a 4Mb machine.
A World Of Bridges - Quick Manual
Scenario
Whilst looking at a special book about bridges, you notice something strange about the diagrams and pictures on the pages.
Suddenly, one of the pictures comes to life - a narrator; explaining about bridges. As you follow the book, you are intrigued by the characters, but one seems different from the rest. He seems to be bored with the book, and offers you a more exiting proposition.
Dare you take the plunge..............
A World Of Bridges
Once immersed in the island world of 'Genesis' you are free to explore and experiment with what you find.
Take particular notice of the marble plinths scattered around the island, as these may help you during your explorations.
You will find a number of games on the island, and to move away from 'Genesis' you must complete these tasks. Some will need to be completed in order, others can be completed on their own. It is up to you to find out.
If you need any help, simply type just 'Help' on it's own in the options notepad.
Screen layout
Generally, clicking on an object will examine or use it, and clicking in the centre of the screen will move you forward to that destination. Clicking to the left and right, and sometimes the top and bottom of the screen will rotate your view in those directions. To the bottom of the screen you will find a panel.
1. Text display - where you are
2. Coins display - how many coins you are holding
3. Map - click on this to bring up a map of Genesis
4. Options - brings up the options screen (see below)
5. Quit - quits 'A World Of Bridges'
Options Screen
Clicking on the options button will reveal this screen
1. Notepad - for writing down useful things such as game details. Type just 'Help' on the page if you need help. Please note that the page must be totally blank, and 'Help' must be typed in the top left hand corner for this to work.
2. Sound On/Off
3. Sound Volume - 1 is lowest volume, 7 is highest.
We hope there is enough here to get you started. We have not told you the details of the games, as we would prefer you to find them yourself! Have fun!
Dave Flynn & Joe Nash
Contact Names and Addresses
Mike Phillips (Course Coordinator, BSc MediaLab Arts)
School of Computing
University of Plymouth
Drake Circus
Plymouth
Email: MikeP@uk.ac.Plymouth.SoC
David Flynn (Project Manager, graphics, scripting, and design)
12 Kings Close
Longburton
Nr. Sherborne
Dorset
DT9 5PW
Tel: (01963) 210408
Email: Cyberpunk@Riscy.foobar.co.uk
Joe Nash (3D modelling, rendering, music, sound, digital video, and design)
29 Place Farm Way
Monks Risborough
Aylesbury
Bucks
HP27 9JJ
Tel: (01844) 344112
P.S. If either Macromedia or Strata are reading this, we would be pleased to be bug testers!
