Computers are one way Julia Olsen sparks an interest in learning for her students. I use inquiry learning. I want my students to learn how to ask questions and find out how the world works. I use a combination of direct instruction, lab activities, and computer-based instruction and investigation. So I try to light fires in any way I can.
Technology works well because it is inherently interesting.
I run my own website which students can access from anywhere and it has all the links to the sites we use in class. Several kids use it to make up missed work and parents use it to keep up with what their students are learning. I also have my students make their own web pages based on essay writing to help integrate literacy into my classroom. They do the writing, then use Microsoft Publisher to create and add to their own set of web pages. They can access their work to show it off via my classroom website also.