For applications in which the subject matter needs to be mastered through memorization of facts or replicable patterns, this type of software can be useful in reinforcing knowledge. But in my experience, the best potential use of computers for learning lies in adapting the software to the learner's goals and knowledge. The computer can find out what a student knows and provide instruction matched to the student's needs and learning styles. Personalized learning can yield many benefits. It can provide a patient, always available coach.
Instruction can include customized navigational paths and multiple forms of media.
Adaptive learning research from the world of artificial intelligence has not yielded any practical innovations that have been applied to instructional software. Ultimately, we will be able to create software that will offer instruction on demand, to be delivered to students whenever and wherever they need it, via wired or wireless Internet connections. Efforts to define software standards are progressing so developers can now develop content that can be used in various teaching and learning systems. While you wait for the brave new world of educational software, there are ways to evaluate the current software on the market. Information is not instruction.