Using a computer should be an important part of children's education. Some guidelines are provided to help parents evaluate the value of computer use in their children's school. School policies should provide for a well-equipped laboratory, a variety of appropriate software, and a way for students to network with other students. All students, regardless of gender, should use the computers, and teachers should be knowledgeable. In addition, students should be using technology to increase problem-solving skills and to learn important life skills through simulated computer software. Cooperative learning should be part of school computer use, and teachers and students should work together at the computer. It is also important that computers be used across the curriculum to address all, or at least several, academic subjects. Parents can encourage computer use by letting schools know that they consider it a priority. They can offer practical help in trying to obtain low-cost resources and looking for partnership programs to benefit the school. (SLD)