Participation in projects not only requires the use and development of certain technology skills such as the use of email and the WWW, but also requires the teacher to reflect on classroom management, teaching strategies and learning styles.
Projects tend to be ongoing and hence provide substantial and meaningful professional development.
In regards to the development of technology based skills, teachers tend to acquire these when they need them - in other words 'just in time learning', which is for a very real need and purpose. Involvement in ICP ensures that the teacher considers and reflects on the changes that occur at the classroom level. This is an area which is often neglected in technology based professional development. When teachers address the issues of classroom management and teaching and learning issues, the professional development is much more likely to have an effect on student learning outcomes. Access to technology resources vary from school to school, and indeed, from classroom to classroom.