Description: EDRAMA is an interactive role-play tool that combines drama, ICT and education. Drawing on the familiarity of the Internet, EDRAMA provides entertaining and experiential learning for a wide range of users.

EDRAMA provides live virtual role-plays, which can include scenarios ranging from: a school bullying incident; a police officer having to diffuse a difficult situation; or a hotel receptionist having to deal with a difficult customer.

A scene from EDRAMA.

EDRAMA allows the creation of virtual characters played by virtual actors. Each live session can involve up to 5 simultaneous role-playing parts which are steered by virtual facilitators or directors in virtual scenes. Anyone from students and teachers, to trainers can facilitate the action.

EDRAMA was initially developed in October 1999, supported by NESTA, Media 2 and BBC Online. After successful trials in Secondary Schools and youth clubs, the University for Industry commissioned the development of EDRAMA to create the Connexions Direct Service aimed at 13 to 19 year olds.

EDRAMA can be created for a wide range of audiences, from: supporting the teaching of Citizenship, Cultural Diversity and Sexual Health in the Secondary Education market; to Police Authorities or the NHS in the Corporate Training sector.

EDRAMA is particularly beneficial in a learning or training situation. Not only does it support individual and collaborative learning, but its structure allows learning objectives to be achieved accurately and efficiently.

Using online technology means the software can involve people in different geographical locations and environments. It also provides anonymity that can help break down barriers and misconceptions between people and boost individual confidence.

The transcript for every EDRAMA session is automatically saved and can be used to create films, plays or animations as well as evidence of learning and the basis for further lessons.

www.edrama.co.uk