A set of some 16 programs on one cassette which aim to help a student at Physics 'O'-Level standard understand optical science. They take much the same form as a book, being divided into sections with relevant diagrams within the chapter.

The graphics are no substitute for good practical demonstrations. The quality of the diagrams is not high and the choice of colours leaves something to be desired - white on yellow does not show up well - and little use has been made of animation.

Whilst the subject matter is there, its presentation is not stunning. I noticed several spelling mistakes and some of the screen layouts need de-bugging. I particularly disliked a screen reply that pronounced: "You did bad".

Teaching by computer should be innovative and refreshing, use should be made of colour, sound, animation - all the things you can't get from the printed page. Why write a book and then show it on the screen? That is all this set of programs has really achieved.

J.G.W.