Two recent studies of schoolwide one-to-one computing initiatives--one in the United States and one in Canada--suggest that using laptops in the classroom can help improve students' writing skills and bolster overall academic success. The studies come as an increasing number of states and school districts are rolling out laptop programs of their own.

In Maine, educators at the Piscataquis Community High School (PCHS) in the rural community of Guilford are touting the results of a survey released last month, which demonstrates that laptops can have a significant positive impact on learning, especially for at-risk and traditionally low-achieving students. Researchers say the results, while unique to Piscataquis, might help sway lawmakers as they consider expanding to high schools the state's current laptop program for middle school students.

And in British Columbia, another one-to-one computing study finds that students who use laptop computers to complete their writing assignments can boost their English scores by an average of 30 percent. According to the report, at least 150 middle school students at the Peace River North School District in northern British Columbia showed "vast improvements" in their writing ability last year after wireless laptops were integrated into the classroom. This year, 90 percent of students who used the machines met the province's writing education standards. Before the laptop program, only 70 percent of students were able to meet the requirements, the study said.

Across the country, one-to-one computing initiatives have been gathering steam as educators and policy makers continue to explore the direct link between technology and student achievement. With this research, many now say the connection is indisputable.

"These studies are vital," said PCHS Principal Kevin Jordan. "You can listen to what other people say ... but this really validates the entire process."

The Maine study, undertaken by the independent Mitchell Institute (named after former U.S. Senator George Mitchell) and conducted by the Great Maine Schools Project with funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, is among the first to examine one-to-one computing in a high school environment. The findings reflect information gleaned from the first two years of the project.

In all, 285 students in grades 9-12 and all 26 teachers were given a laptop computer to use at home and at school. Every machine was outfitted with a wireless access card to provide access to the internet from anywhere on campus.

Seventy-nine percent of the students said laptops make lessons more interesting, and 60 percent said they felt more motivated to complete assignments using a laptop.

What's more, most students agree that laptops have improved the quality of their schoolwork. According to the study, more than half (54 percent) of students say having a laptop has improved their grades, and nearly two-thirds (64 percent) of teachers agree that student achievement in their classes has improved since the laptop program began.