In the spring, UIUC officials will iron out any problems in the program and release it nationwide, if possible. Wayne Griffin, coordinator of student affairs in UF's University Counseling Center, said he would consider using the program as a teaching tool. Using this kind of media may be more attractive to students than other means we use. Upon arriving at the virtual party, students are greeted by Norm, an animated character with a potato head and a lava-lamp body. Norm is the host of the party, as well as a source of information about how to use the program effectively.
Norm asks users for their gender and body weight so the program can calculate blood-alcohol levels.
Then the party begins. Students can float through the party traveling 360 degrees around the room. A fter ordering a drink, the program asks if they want to slam it, drink it or sip it. Throughout the party, a text graphic appears informing them of their blood-alcohol levels and the physical effects they would be experiencing. Three live-action scenarios also are available to test students' party smarts.