A recent study of classroom laptop use, conducted by Berlin's Humboldt University with support from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research and Deutsche Telekom, argues that laptop learning helps students learn everything from reading to independence. A project called 1,000 Times 1,000: Notebooks in Backpacks, which was part of the N-21 initiative of the German state of Lower Saxony, gave laptops to 13 continuing education schools in the state. Participating schools used the computers in German class and sometimes in math class.

While students using laptops fared no better than other students when measured using traditional grading, the study found the computers had a positive effect. Heike Schaumburg of the university explains: "According to the teachers, less classroom teaching was needed. Instead, there was more individual and group work, which let the students work more independently,"

The laptop program helped student in German class master writing and editing skills faster, said Schaumburg, who added, "It was especially interesting that students in vocational schools could [also] improve their reading skills.” A third benefit is that the students found the lessons more interesting and were more motivated.

Wireless connections in most classrooms allowed the internet to be integrated into lessons. Additionally, PCs were used in math classes for drawing geometric figures.

Source : The Earth Times, Study shows classroom laptops can improve reading skills