Measure the Effectiveness of New Learning Environments against Traditional Ones. Making the case for a new learning infrastructure must include research that compares the results of prototype work to standard educational results. This may not be possible in cases when the subject matter or ways of knowing it or testing it are radically altered by technology. When possible, however, the educational effectiveness of new learning environments should be compared to the effectiveness of the traditional counterparts. Assess the Cognitive Flexibility of Prototypes.
Information technology provides an opportunity for cognitive research.
Software can track the actions of the learner and provide new insights into learners' cognitive styles. Assess the Economic Outcomes of Prototypes. Another measure of educational effectiveness is the ratio of educational outcome to cost. Prototypes should plan to incorporate such measures and, when possible, compare them to their traditional counterparts. Assess the Diffusion of Prototypes.