What's so "new" about "new media?": comparing effective features of children's educational software, television, and magazines

Often, researchers use data from past studies to inform the design of current products, However, whereas these "past studies" typically include prior usability tests and other formative research on interactive technology, they often do not include existing formative research in other media. The present literature review identifies some of the features that have been found to contribute to the educational effectiveness of magazines, television programs, and interactive media for children. Although each medium certainly poses its own unique issues, the review demonstrates that, in fact, many of the same features contribute to educational effectiveness across media.

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