Rapid Router levels 1-18 have a feature that we call "direct drive arrows".
They were originally put in to help young learners with directing the van, however over the last few years, various workshops and school visits have highlighted that the arrows cause more confusion than clarity. As the van moves after a arrow press, the equivalent block is added to the workspace (even if the block isn't originally available in the level), and if the van drives off the road, there is no instant feedback that the van would crash.
The left & right arrows also causes extra confusion as they are from the player's perspective instead of the van's.
Because of this, we've decided to remove the feature completely.
Acceptance Criteria
[x] Remove the direct drive arrows from levels 1 through 18.
[x] Delete any associated code - eg, if there is a toggle on the level to enable the arrows, or any other functionality around the arrows - that should go too.
[x] Delete any images, icons and assets used for the arrows.
[x] Double-check the description and hint texts for levels 1 through 18. Any reference to the direct drive arrows should be removed / updated.
[x] Also double-check the teaching materials for levels 1 through 18 - these probably have references to the arrows too. Make a note of these and the full time team know so we can make the relevant updates to the teaching materials.
Task Description
Rapid Router levels 1-18 have a feature that we call "direct drive arrows".
They were originally put in to help young learners with directing the van, however over the last few years, various workshops and school visits have highlighted that the arrows cause more confusion than clarity. As the van moves after a arrow press, the equivalent block is added to the workspace (even if the block isn't originally available in the level), and if the van drives off the road, there is no instant feedback that the van would crash. The left & right arrows also causes extra confusion as they are from the player's perspective instead of the van's.
Because of this, we've decided to remove the feature completely.
Acceptance Criteria
Good places to start: