It is an absolute necessity for the teacher to become familiar with the software before using it with students. It is a good idea to try the software out with a small group of students to determine if it is truly appropriate for the task. As with other instructional materials it is important to know that the directions are easy for the student to follow and the reading level is appropriate for the group with which it will be used. Keep in mind that the goal is to make the software invisible as much as possible. In other words the focus is on the curriculum, not on the software.
Software woven into the classroom experience can best meet the goals of the lesson.
No matter how exciting the software may appear to be it will not add to the learning environment unless it has been chosen to meet a curricular application or provide an experience that adds to the goal of the lesson such as cooperative learning or peer collaboration. It is key that the software be evaluated and considered in light of the learning experiences in each particular context. Using Inspiration for brainstorming. Such generic descriptions sound very good but do not help students became aware of the particular thinking skills or problem solving strategies they are being asked to use. When a cognitive strategy is being introduced to be used with the particular technology , provide the student with a name for it.