6.3.5 Implications for the Technical Contexts of Future Projects
[Refer to Technical Characteristics column in Table 6.1.]
The ultimate in software functionality would be the seamless usability of
multiple functions that are adaptable and stable over time. Unfortunately,
the directors of projects in todays advanced computing environments still
need to plan to compensate for the fact that we do not have such tools for
building rich learning environments freeing us from distracting, technical concerns.
It is necessary to take into consideration the functionality, usability,
and adaptability of software tools before selecting or creating courseware
and to make informed tradeoffs among these factors. This requires a great
deal of continuous attention and effort because the field is changing rapidly,
and the information that is needed to decide between options changes on a daily basis.
Educators might be able to improve their situation by cooperating among themselves
to apply pressure to software manufacturers to create tools that incorporate a
number of well integrated functions with usability by learner and author,
while being constructed to withstand change while being widely available.