i beleive kidspiration is a useful tool not because i looked at it, but because i experimented with it.   i download the free trial and allow my neice and nephews to use it to help wtih their homework and math and it work out perfectly.  they were more enthusiastic t see that learning can be colorful an fun.  it improve their understanding and also was so user friendly i spend little or no time explaing to them what to do.