Cognitive Effects of Educational Software on Children's Learning

The article describes some of the instructional advantages of the software applications by reference to the most active learning principles. Active learning is known, in terms of applied teaching theory, as an explorative approach which allows the use of errors and progress phases in outcomes achieving. Digital learning allows an immersive experience through exploration of phenomena, relationships, changing parameters/entering variables in a continuous dynamic of reconstruction. As an example, the paper presents the results of an experimental research, measuring the cognitive impact of using software on children's competences. The study was conducted through identical assessment tests in initial, formative and final stages, applied on experimental and control groups. Study will sustain some evidences of the advantages of using software applications, in particular on the development of children's mathematical skills. However, learning success is conditioned by an optimal instructional design of software based on active learning principles: learning through trial and error, and constructivist learning.