This paper examines themes from a cross case analysis of the Buddy System Project, a program that loans students and teachers in selected elementary classes in Indiana a networked home computer and provides schools with additional classroom computers. Qualitative data were collected from 28 homes and 19 classrooms at 4 participating schools. The three themes examined are the impact on the school's learning environments; the impact and use of the telecommunications functions; and the impact of home computers on the home environment. Buddy was considered a success in all of the schools. Computers were used extensively, and teachers noted that the project had a renewal effect on their careers and a positive impact on the culture of the classroom. They also reported that the majority of their current class computer activities were only possible because there were computers at school and at home. The Buddy home computers contributed to a general dissemination of computer knowledge. Teachers and parents reported that the written format of the electronic communications functions had a positive influence on students' reading, writing, and typing proficiency. A significant factor in successful implementation was the presence of innovators, i.e, teachers or administrators ready to take chances and lead the way for others. (Contains 17 references.) (KRN)