Previous Next

Storywriter is a suite of two programs, Storymaker and Storyreader, which enable teachers and pupils to create their own stories. The basic framework is a branching system in which a story can be developed in many different directions branching outwards and also interlocking, thus creating many variations within one story. Adventure stories and topic work are but a few of the many possibilities presented by this delightfully flexible program.

The concept of a branching story is made clearer by using Storyreader to view one of the sample stories, School or Villa first. Each screen presents a page of the story together with possible options. By selecting one of these the user is taken down one of the branches to the next page.

Personally, I'd almost invariably use this program with small groups, because the amount of discussion and involvement which the possible options generated can be of as much, if not greater, value than completing the story. This can also bring about further alternatives to the story, which can be incorporated into another version using the editing facilities in Storymaker. I liked the use of the clear double-height characters which made the text very readable.

Storymaker runs from a menu which allows the user to ask for help, write a story, check the story runs, edit a story, delete a story (disc version) and save/load a story. The program notes contain a demonstration story, Shop, which indicates how a branching story can be created. The program permits a maximum of 50 pages of five lines for the story and a maximum of 24 characters for each question, which is enough to create quite an involved plot.

Again, I think the ideal situation is to have a small group of children to create the story, discussing the possible plot and its development, debating possible consequences of actions moral implications - and choosing the best course of action. Of course, other groups could be asked to take over a story at different points, so you really do have the opportunity for producing a piece of collaborative writing.

The editing facility is reasonably straightforward once one has familiarised oneself with the idea of question, option and estimation! As stories are created the program will give the approximate reading level, which is very useful to indicate the groups with which it can be used. Those lucky enough to have a printer can obtain a printout of the stories through the Storyreader program.

I found this to be one of the most pleasing language programs I've come across to-date - probably because it uses the computer in a creative way, encourages group use and is unlike the mundane structured reinforcement types of program. Certainly, it's one I'll be recommending for use in my school and for children at home.

All E.S.M. software is available on a sale or return basis!