Educators, business and industry, the government, and the general public believe our most able students must be computer literate for our nation to be competitive in the next generation. The disparity between theory and practice is attributed to many causes, ranging from a lack of educational focus to a shortage of funding. Gifted students are benefitting from increased use of computers because their special needs are being met through informed use of technology. Most agree, however, that the talents of gifted youngsters are dynamic rather than static or fixed, and that the youngsters and their talents must be nurtured. How schools nurture and the effects of various practices are the focus of much research.
Instruction recognizes students' unique learning styles.
Students progress at a rate most appropriate for them. Structured opportunities are provided for individual and small group investigations of real problems. Students are encouraged to develop and practice higher level thinking skills. Opportunities are provided for students to establish goals and determine objectives. Students learn with and from each other.