By the second month of having full-time access to a laptop computer as a personal learning tool, Michael was a key member of the class, participating in discussions and sharing his work with the entire class. With heightened self-esteem, Michael now takes initiative. He does extra homework and in-depth research for class projects. Michael's story supports new research findings revealing that students with full-time access to laptop computers perform better in school. The study, sponsored by Microsoft and Toshiba America Information Systems Inc., is the latest independent evaluation of Anytime Anywhere Learning school laptop programs, in which Windows-based laptops, Microsoft Office Professional edition and the Internet are used as integral teaching tools.
Laptops enhance learning in core academic subjects and increase students' passion for learning.
Laptops lead to higher quality work, especially writing. Students using laptops spend more time on school work than those who do not have laptops, but have desktop computers at home. In the U.S., enthusiasm for laptop computers is high. Anywhere Learning nationwide, a ten-fold increase over the 52 schools that piloted the programs in 1996. Anywhere Learning also has generated interest from educators worldwide.