This paper discusses some basic aspects of computer-based education in Sweden. Reporting the results of three ongoing studies conducted at the University of Jšnkšping, the central roles played by the teachers in computer-based education is thoroughly analysed. The studies reported in this paper were all conducted at the comprehensive school level. In the first one, studentsÕ communicative interactions in front of the computer were compared to the interaction occurring in other forms of activities. The second study is concerned with the analysis of how students communicate between themselves when working with different types of software. Finally the third study is related to the analysis of teachersÕ Social representations of information technology in educational settings. In all three studies, we found evidence for the central roles teachers are playing in the process of monitoring communicative interactions in front of the computer. Our discussion will particularly address this aspect of IT-based learning. We furthermore find evidence for teachers ambivalence and confused representations of the computer as a technological teaching device. From these empirical evidence we discuss, in this paper, some possible outcomes for computer based learning in the future. We will particularly pay attention to the necessity of a better understanding and enhancing of teachersÕ preparedness for the roles they are expected to play in this important educational issue.