Laptops support the writing process by making it easier. Students can organize, develop and strategize the information in a document and change it as often they would like since there is no waste of paper or rewriting of pages. This encourages students to revise and go through several drafts of writing assignments as the process of revising is painless because it is electronic.
Teachers who use laptops in the classroom assign more collaborative projects than teachers who do not. This leads to increased social development and greater involvement in a project or lesson results in more information retention. As the group begins to research and process information, students help each other understand concepts and in the process learn as well.
Students who use laptops are more involved in the learning process as the laptops are used to explore and learn independently. Learning at your own pace is important as each person learns differently, and using laptops allows the student to set the pace. Engaging students by allowing them to define the method of learning is possible with laptops as students can do this independently, whereas with traditional teaching, the teacher does not have enough time to tend to each student's needs individually.
Teachers who use laptops in the classroom applied a constructivist approach, which entails the belief that students learn the most when actively involved in the process rather than passively listening to information being repeated. Empowerment is also an effect of laptop use; teachers who use laptops feel empowered to integrate technology in the classroom and the sense of control over the teaching role is reported to be higher with laptop use. All laptop initiatives require that teachers are trained in techniques unique to the integration of technology. New and innovative approaches revitalize the enthusiasm and empowerment of teachers.
Laptops can be distractions in the classroom. In a study conducted by Carrie B. Fried, it was shown that students used laptops inappropriately during class lessons to chat with friends or browse the Internet. This led to confusion as student attention was compromised. While using technology in the classroom is indicated to be positive, it is important to remember to pre-emptively address issues such as inappropriate use of the technology with tracking or blocking software installed on the laptops.