FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 30, 2002
Helena – An innovative CD-ROM that will assist Montana students in learning about traffic laws and safety was sent to every middle and high school in Montana during October. Funded by the Montana Department of Transportation, the “Montana Rules” CD-ROM is a fast-paced and engaging animated game about road safety. All told, 11,050 copies of the CD-ROM were distributed throughout the state.
Montana is the first state to create this type of CD-ROM and distribute copies to schools at no charge. “We’re extremely proud of this project because it is an example of how technology can be used in a cost-effective way to reach and enrich our youth. ‘Montana Rules’ was created in Montana, about Montana-specific issues and laws, and we think it will really benefit our kids,” said Dave Galt, Director of the Montana Department of Transportation.
“Montana Rules” was produced by MOST of Us, a social norms research project in the Department of Health and Human Development at Montana State University – Bozeman. “Drivers’ education teachers from across Montana assisted in developing the quiz questions,” said Jeff Linkenbach, Ed.D., Director of MOST of Us. “Students from Bozeman to Ft. Peck helped refine the animated characters and the format of the game.” LeeAnna Bunch, a 14-year-old from Bozeman, commented, “I played it with two of my friends and we learned a lot in a really fun way.”
David Huff, Traffic Education Program Director at the Office of Public Instruction, assisted with refining the game questions. He noted, “Students can play alone or with friends and learn the rules of the road in a positive way. This CD-ROM will provide teachers with an effective and entertaining tool to help students prepare to take the driver’s license exam.”
Note: Reporters wishing to preview the CD-ROM may obtain a copy by contacting Jamie Cornish at jcornish@montana.edu or (406) 994-2936.
For more information:
Kent Mollohan, Montana Department of Transportation, (406) 444-7411
Jamie Cornish, Montana State University, (406) 994-2936