First some background. While ideally all learning activities should provide these stages, in reality, many do not. The software that you will examine should provide these stages, if it does it is potentially very useful, even if some are provided it may be useful under some circumstances. As I said earlier, there are five categories of CAI Software, you will find that some may include more then one category, typically most does not do more than one.
Simulations attempt to replicate the key elements of an actual experience.
Games emphasize competition and entertainment oftent referred to as edutainment. Exploratory Environments permit students to approach learning on their own in a specific domain.