Ripple Effects field tested its social learning software at all stages of its development, and continues to incorporate feedback from research findings, and users, into its content and design.

Field testing of the flag ship teen product, during development, included evaluation of the program by more than 50 administrators and teachers, and about the same number of students.

What Worked

"Incredible," "amazing," "unbelievable" have been the three most common responses to seeing the prototype, from teachers, administrators, counselors, nurses and health educators.

The ability to customize the content of the program and leave out material considered inappropriate in a particular school or community are a huge plus.

The navigation structure has tested extremely well among all groups of users, ranging from special education sixth graders, to honors twelfth graders.

What Didn't Work

The original content areas for the teen product (drugs, alcohol, violence, basic social skills) reflected educators concerns well, but not those of adolescents. So the content base was expanded to include almost a hundred additional topics, many connected with appearance and other identity-related issues.

The design of the journal was dramatically altered. The notebook interface was too school-ish for most kids. That interface has been scrapped and the current one - an animated, opening brain - substituted. In the new design, users still perform the functions of identifying, analyzing and recording experience, but it feels much different.

The very short tee shirt on the teen girl guide (leaving midriff bared) offended some parents and violated dress codes for several districts, but kids loved it. The look was modified, but not changed completely.

Since its release, Ripple Effects has continually incorporated customer feedback into the program.

The Result: Ripple Effects Social Learning Software Application

The result is a groundbreaking model for social learning that has been shaped by the wisdom of hundreds of people. To see the response it has generated, take a look at the awards its won, the research showing it works, the things people are saying about it, and the press coverage it has received. Contact Ripple Effects for access to an online walkthrough of this exciting program.