Tablets 'improving' learning in schools

Independent learning offered by tablet technology in schools is having a positive effect on pupils' education.

This is according to the second phase of a national study carried out by Tablets for Schools, which showed that using the gadgets encourages children to collaborate with their peers and improves engagement.

Indeed, 69 per cent of kids questioned said they are more motivated to work because of the tablets, and 87 per cent claimed they made learning easier.

Furthermore, almost three-quarters (72 per cent) of respondents believed the standard of their work had improved since using the devices, and 88 per cent stated they thought they would do better in their exams thanks to the technology.

Andrew Harrison from Tablets for Schools, who is also chief executive officer of Carphone Warehouse, said the research shows that both pupils and staff are reaping the rewards of using tablets in school and at home.

"We believe one-to-one devices offer a once-in-a-generation opportunity to help all UK pupils transform the way they learn," he added.

The study discovered that the two main factors in the success of tablets in education are adequate infrastructure and teacher knowledge.

Pupils themselves were also key drivers, with the project finding that in all of the schools researched, the technical skills of the children were more advanced than those of their teachers. Tablets allow students to exercise their abilities and engage in learning materials in a more interactive way.

However, before faculties start implementing the technology in classrooms, they need to ensure each of the devices has protection, insurance and zero access to inappropriate content.

Mr Harrison said that Tablets for Schools is currently working on a blueprint for institutions to use among pupils and adapt to their individual needs.

This comes after recent research from the Scottish government revealed that handheld devices are boosting uptake of physical education in the nation's schools, as an increasing number of classes incorporate video training.