The use of connected computers as interactive tools in the creation and presentation of media-rich content for teaching is increasing rapidly. However, while it is technically possible to create or use digital materials, a number of issues must be explored before teachers can confidently reuse them. Teachers need to know whether the digitally-created content works effectively in their teaching. Institutions need to assure that the content is of the highest standards and fit for educational purpose. This paper outlines the process and procedures used in the development of an instrument to investigate students’ perceptions of digital materials presented in an English language course at a college in Japan. It also describes how a perceptual measure can be used to evaluate whether the content presented meets the learners’ needs.