For the full ASIC article please visit http://www.asic.gov.au/ and follow the links to 2006 media releases.

The ATA's response is this:

All consumers are advised to be very careful when engaging the services of educational software sellers who offer only on-line or over the telephone support. They also need to be wary of companies that insist on coming into the home and applying high pressure selling tactics including the offering of finance (over a period of up to three years, which can cost up to $2500 in addition to the nearly $6000 asked by some companies for the software). The Association is of the view that students can benefit from educational software when it is coupled with face-to-face from an experienced tutor. It is not appropriate to expect a child to initiate a phone call or on-line support in order to be able to get the full use of the software.

Some key questions to ask include:

"How much will this software cost, in total?"

"What is the relationship between the content and the curriculum as set down by the Board of Studies in this State/Territory?"

"Where was the content of the software written and by whom?"

"If I buy the software can I purchase only the units that are relevant for my child?" (ie not units of work relating to Years K - 6 if my child is in Year 9, for example)

"What refunds will I get if the software does not adequately match the syllabus that my child is undertaking?"

"Why would you recommend this software instead of face-to-face tutoring with a tutor who could assist the student directly - why is over the phone or on-line support what you offer?"

Moreover, many companies offer an "Assessment" prior to the selling of software and on-line or telephone support. Parents need to ask the following questions about the assessment:

"Is the assessor a qualified educator or a salesperson?"

"What are the assessor's academic qualifications?"

"What level of individualised design will the program you suggest have for my child?"

"How much time and support will my child need from me (the parent or guardian) to utilise the software to its fullest capacity?"