Support Materials

Quality instructional software - if it successful bridges the gap between individual home use to effective group classroom use - should provide support materials for instructors. These helps range from simple suggestions for engaging learners to classroom handouts that prepare learners before using the software and reinforce learning afterward to physical manipulatives - "hands on" materials that enhance and extend technology-based learning.

Consider the following questions when evaluating support materials for educational software:

• Are the support materials well organized and easy-to-use?

• Do the materials provide ideas for implementation?

• Do the materials provide extended learning in related areas?

• Do the materials provide ideas for supplemental classroom activities?