At a minimum, each user's computer should be on a high-speed local area network with dedicated connection to the Internet. Contact your school's technology coordinator to determine if you have the necessary hardware and Internet connectivity. I have heard that computer-assisted instruction is not a very effective method for improving students' reading skills. In addition, research on computer-assisted instruction with ESL students also supports the use of computers with students new to English. Computers help lower students' affective filters by eliminating the fear that somebody is going to call on them and they won't have the right answer.
Students can also work at their own pace and receive feedback privately.
Meskill's research provides additional support for the importance of the teachers who use computers and e-texts to orchestrate language and literacy conversations among students. This helps children develop academic language competencies necessary for greater participation in school literacy activities. It is important for educators to be knowledgeable about other reading programs, to be aware of not only the differences but also the advantages and disadvantages of those created for native English speakers and those created for students who are new to English. Meaning is secondary to skill development because the materials assume native-language English fluency and understanding of English prior to coming to the task of reading in English. Meaning is primary.