Communication

• Perhaps the most obvious benefit that comes from having computers in the classroom is the capacity for students to communicate online. With computers, students can take notes, ask questions and send emails. This makes it possible for students to communicate with people outside of the classroom, allowing collaborative learning projects between students in separate schools. Computers also improve teacher-student interaction. According to a survey of teachers using GenevaLogic "Vision" classroom software, 83 percent of teachers who implemented the computer-assisted learning system reported increased interaction with their students.
  
  

Research

• Computers are very useful in research. A computer with Internet access provides students access to multiple research tools, such as search engines, encyclopedias, educational websites and academic databases. Having access to these tools in class helps students with in-class assignments and group projects, by giving them the ability to check sources for information they need.
  
  

Instruction

• Computers can be used to aid classroom instruction. Computer-assisted learning is a rapidly growing field in education. With computer-assisted learning, teachers can supplement lectures with slide shows, video clips and tutorials. The use of click-through slide shows in the classroom allows students to feel like they are participants in the lecture rather than passive viewers, which may contribute to students' interest in class activities.
  
  

Interactivity

• Computers facilitate the use of interactive learning tools like games, discussion forums, and multimedia. Websites like Fun Brain have libraries of games intended to teach concepts to young kids in a fun, interactive way (see resources). Many sites have discussion forums where kids can register and participate in discussions with other users. Many PC programs, such as Photoshop and Power Point, allow students to produce creative content through technology. Having computers in the classroom gives students easy access to these resources.
  
  

Skills

• Perhaps the most significant benefit of having computers in the classroom is the ability to teach kids how to use their computer skills in a productive way. While many kids are adept at using computers for recreation and communication, relatively few understand how computers are used by adults at work. Familiarizing kids with the practical uses of computers can prepare them for the adult world, where computer skills are essential for success in many professions.