Does the software provide clear examples of skills that it is designed to develop?
Check how software helps learners build conceptual understanding of problem-solving processes. Is there a balance between drill and practice, computation, factual recall, and open-ended problem-solving processes that explore higher-level concepts? Applications also might include screens that summarize the major aspects presented about a topic before moving on to a new topic. Does the software provide some repetition to assist in retention? Retention is enhanced if concepts and core processes contained in standards are chunked together for mastery with specific facts and skills clustered under those larger ideas. Multimedia can provide two ways for learners to rehearse information. For a simple rote repetition, text is accompanied by a voice-over repeating the text to be learned. Information can be rehearsed more elaborately if learners can enter alphanumeric responses to exercises that require them to apply knowledge in an appropriate context. Do problems make reference to real-life ap
