True instructional software includes interactive tutorials, exercises, engaging simulations, and assessment. Lessons should contain both instruction and forms of interactions that allow students to apply what they've learned. Ideally, the course's structure will be tailored to the students, either by allowing them to control the flow or by having the software adapt to a series of interactions. If the software is designed to provide only practice exercises, make sure that the exercises relate to the topic and that supporting feedback and resources provide instruction when students don't answer correctly. In all cases, software should clearly reinforce correct answers and provide feedback for incorrect answers.
Software frequently is designed to include a combination of information and instruction.
Often, the result is screen clutter. Look for screens that use colors that enhance the material and don't use too many different font types and sizes. Graphics should enhance content. Using spinning globes or other glitzy graphics because they are cool just doesn't cut it. The graphics need to be relevant to the subject matter as well as to the learner, and they should be well-designed and displayed in an uncluttered format.