Unusual 'edutainment'

Din L-Art Helwa yesterday staged its first public presentation of an interactive CD-Rom entitled Malta - A Treasure Trove of History. It was designed and produced by the heritage organisation using money raised by public donation through The Times Mnajdra Fund following the vandalism at Mnajdra Temples on Good Friday, April 13, 2001.

Martin Scicluna, executive president of Din l-Art Helwa, together with Education Minister Louis Galea and students from schools from various parts of the island took active part in a lively demonstration of the interactive video game at the Imax-Vodafone theatre in St George's Bay.

The game allows one's knowledge of Malta's heritage to be put to the test through a trail in search of the island's rich historical past.

The CD-Rom, accompanied by a comprehensive teachers' guide has been distributed by DLH to 150 schools.

Using the latest film technology and set to rich musical scores, this interactive treasure hunt for Malta's cultural legacy dazzles and entertains the viewer with its numerous video clips, games and quizzes.

It challenges the viewer's knowledge at a fast pace giving tips and clues and allows a fascinating insight into Malta's proud history, stretching from pre history to the end of the British colonial period.

It has been written and articulated in English at the suggestion of the Department of Education as a means also of helping students with their written English and pronunciation.

Travelling through 7,000 years of history through nine distinct periods in Malta's history, the student is able to visit 25 prime historical sites at home.

During the evening of unusual 'edutainment', Mr Scicluna thanked the many people involved in the production of this first ever CD-Rom on Malta's history, in particular Peter Toledo for lighting the initial spark that led to its making and for his continual encouragement throughout the project, but also the numerous volunteers, experts in history and the latest computer technology, video photographers and actors who contributed to its making.

Mr Scicluna also presented 30 CDs to Foreign Minister Joe Borg for use in Malta's embassies. It is also hoped that the CD will be used to market Malta within tourist and emigrant associations.

Din l-Art Helwa also thanked Dr Galea and Intercomp for their sponsorships that made the evening at the Imax Cinema possible.

The CD-Rom Malta - A Treasure Trove of History is on sale at Lm5 from the offices of the DLH at 133, Melita Street, Valletta.