Some drill and practice and tutorial programs have a built-in instructional management feature that keeps track of student responses throughout the lesson. This feature provides valuable information for teachers who plan and monitor the student's individualized educational program. Educational games and simulations are two kinds of problem-solving courseware. They may be used to introduce new skills or reinforce previously learned skills. Games use a contest format where the learner competes with the program or with other students.
Learners apply accepted rules and principles to reach a goal.
Simulations place students in real life situations where they can test alternative solutions to a problem. Computer-based simulations are often used to present situations that are too difficult or dangerous to recreate and experience in real life. As students progress through the program they are called on to make choices and deal with consequences. Problem-solving programs require learners to use a variety of skills and facts to complete the exercise. Feedback is usually informational.