Description of the PA for an MP interactive

Technoboy introduces this interactive by congratulating the player on their new job as a personal assistant to a member of Parliament. On the next screen, the MP introduces himself (audio grab) and explains that his job has two parts: working in the electorate and at Parliament House. The player must organise the MP's diary in the electorate then at Parliament House.

The next screen shows an electronic diary titled 'Electorate' with time slots from 8am to 7pm. On the right of the screen is a 'to do' list. The player's task is to click and drag 12 items from the 'to do' list into the correct time slots in the diary. When an item is correctly placed, a new item appears on the list. Examples of items are:

• Meet with advisers to discuss calls, letters and emails from people in my electorate
• Answer questions from the public on talkback radio
• Lunch meeting with local River Watch branch
• Answer questions from journalists at National Youth Week press conference.

If an item is placed incorrectly, a note appears on top of the diary providing a hint as to the time that this item is scheduled to occur. The MP does not have time to do all items appearing in the 'to do' list. When an item appears that cannot be placed in the diary, a note appears saying, 'no time for this', and the item automatically disappears.

Above the 'to do' list, a 'stress-o-meter' indicates Technoboy's current level of stress. The 'stress-o-meter' rises if and when repeatedly incorrect diary entries are made. After many incorrect placements, a heartbeat sound is heard as Technoboy's face becomes red.

When the player correctly places all items, the MP gives feedback on their performance. The MP appears on the next screen asking the PA to organise his diary at Parliament House.

The next screen shows an electronic diary titled 'Parliament House'. The player follows the same process as for the 'Electorate' diary, to place 12 'to do' items in the scheduled time slots. Examples include:

• Edit speech on Compulsory Sport in Schools Bill for House of Representatives debate.
• Attend party meeting to discuss policies and plan questions for question time.
• Question witness groups at committee hearing into online bullying.

When the player correctly places all items, the MP gives feedback on performance. Depending on the number of correct first placements, the MP gives positive or negative feedback.
Examples include:

• Well done! Keep it up and you'll be in the running for a pay rise.
• You're doing OK. You've got a bit of improving to do!
• You'll have to pull your socks up if you want to keep this job!

The player can play again, or go to the homepage.

Go to: One Voice for Many Teachers' Notes

NOTE:
To view this interactive: download the latest Flash Plug-in