The use of these checklists with current learners in the Latch-On™ program facilitated the development of several principles for selecting software for this particular population. First and of prime importance is the need to conduct an analysis of the group of learners for whom the software is intended. This could include initial assessments of language, literacy and computer skills. Results for these when combined with checklists used here may ensure that learners and teachers emerge from the trough of disillusionment to climb the slope of enlightenment.
However more research is needed to investigate learners' interactions with technology. The second phase of the study was to develop, implement and evaluate teaching strategies designed to enable young adults to work independently with selected software. The data has been collected for this phase and is in the process of being analysed.