There are many thousands of computer software items for children. Many of these claim to have educational value. However, research throughout the past two decades suggests that less than10% of these programs might be described as effective.

Software evaluators have determined that the most common weaknesses in many programs are:
- a lack of any clear theoretical base;
- a lack on appropriate instructional design;
- technical weaknesses;
- presentational weaknesses, particularly in graphics, sound, color and animation;
- textual weaknesses; and
- lack of useful interactivity.

Computer software can be expensive and teachers and parents who purchase items are often disappointed.

It is possible for a teacher to provide a useful service to a school and to students' parents, by evaluating software before it is integrated into instruction.

Following is a software evaluation template that educators may use to determine whether or not a software item has value to the instructional process.