We need to recognize that if students are writing about what they are learning, if they are investigating and asking questions, if they are doing it in an authentic context, then clearly they are learning how to read and write and think. The biggest difference, the one that might scare us, is that when students explore there is no one right answer. Now, that does not mean that we all just run around doing what we want and end up who knows where. Activities must be carefully guided and structured, but having the technology available in a ubiquitous manner makes the difference. By that I mean that technology is the means not the end.
Technology merely provides the tools to be used for authentic learning.
One of the things that we do know is that when students have technology available, they tend to move faster than we expected. So we have sixth and seventh graders doing complex systems analysis. The possibilities are endless. Students who really are excelling in a particular area can take courses online or through distance education. They can continue to learn even if their community has limited resources.