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For PC Compatible Computers running MS Windows 3.1 95 and 98

Maze On! is essentially a program that lets parents, teachers carers and therapists create and play mazes. The definition of a maze is "an activity where a puck (i.e. a picture object) is manoeuvred through an environment to a target area".

Maze On! has some very good features and is quite flexible. The user must move an object about the screen using a Touch Window, mouse, single or double switch or 6 (six) keyboard keys. It caters beautifully to "touch", as the object (i.e. puck) must me accurately moved through a maze or around obstacles. Direct access using a touch screen will help develop skills in acquiring or practising hand eye coordination, visual tracking and the ability to control movement are all involved.

Switches are attached to one of the four serial ports (i.e. COM 1, 2, 3 or 4). You can set a scan delay starting from 0.2 of a second. A Beep on Scan can also be turned on or off. A short 'beep' is heard as the scan/step takes place. The Mouse Cursor can be turned off, or set to another shape/size. Turning off the cursor may be more appropriate when using a touch screen.

The Maze On! software is packaged with 12 pre-programmed mazes. The sample mazes and associated graphics are simple in design. More motivating graphic files may be required for older students or for users who may wish something more challenging and age/interest appropriate though. The software has been designed for young children and will certainly suit pre-school, kindergarten and early primary years students. Children with special needs who are vision impaired or who require simple activities will also enjoy using this software. There are sounds to indicate where you have erred and a completion or 'reward' sound when the target is located.

You can import your own images, which provides flexibility and the option to tailor the mazes to suit client preference, interest and cognition. As Maze On! can be used with mouse, touch window, keyboard and/or switch, the activities will be useful for basic memory training and problem solving. As a leisure activity, it will involve students and maintain their interest. The design idea and premise is well conceived.

The user (or teacher/ carer/ trainer) loads a maze from the File menu. You then click on Go. To return to the Start menu, you press [Esc]. Each activity has different skill levels. There is online help and the video resolution can be changed to 16 or 24 bit colour (the higher the better). Maze On! encourages users to look, locate and move an object to a target area with varying degrees of accuracy, dependent of the complexity of the maze background.