Computer classroom time is needed for doing writing workshops, reading and responding to email, and doing information retrieval projects. Likewise, students need to have access to open computer labs for assignments that are done outside of the classroom. The computer systems administrator can answer your questions about network access. If you have the hardware and software resources and the access to the network, you are ready for the computer-connected classroom. Classroom applications for email are limited only by the imagination of the teacher.
Email requires writing, thus is an excellent tool for improving written communications.
A description of some language classroom activities that use email follows. General Announcements Class and program announcements, the variety that a teacher usually makes at the beginning of class can be sent to the students via email. This can reinforce and shorten what is announced in the classroom and is available for students who are absent on the day of the announcement. The teacher in the computer-connected classroom can have students maintain an electronic journal. The teacher can give journal assignments that can be collected and responded to via email.