From my experience - early 80s, the school had probably a dozen computers. This limitation allowed us kids a very limited time to work on the computers, during

From my experience - early 80s, the school had probably a dozen computers. This limitation allowed us kids a very limited time to work on the computers, during that down time I and those who "got it" would be scribbling away on paper, reading books, magazines or whatever to plan what to do next when we had computer time. If there was some programming that needed fixing, we'd be working on solving these problems. Back then it was BASIC and assembly code on paper. Now its some pseudocode, simple flowcharts, and wireframes I pen down. This similar might be a good thing for todays' students is to also limit computer time, (some will work at home, but the schools have a computer lab for those that don't) in the down-time (most of the school, day), they would be working using traditional methods with the final being word processed or whatever. Now they would be taking notes, and as they get to enter it in, during the downtime they'd be editing whatever they've written and printed out. Would make them more aware of what a great tool the computer is, afford them time to plan their projects the resources to maximize what access they have. This also gives them time to actually think of about what their project will be without some errant web sites distracting them along the way.