British review finds fault with computers in Scottish schools

Despite a large infusion of money for computers and other technology in Scottish schools, a new report found "no evidence of increased attainment ... could be directly attributed" to the increased presence of technology, reports The Scotsman.

The report published today by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education found that the expansion of computer use in Scotland's classrooms hasn't improved academic performance.

Over the last five years, the Scottish Executive has spent approximately 30 million pounds to increase computer availability in Scottish schools, but the report found that that, along with problems of outdated equipment and budgetary restraints, teachers were reticent to use the equipment -- mostly due to lack of confidence about its use.

The report went on to say that computer technology needs to be integrated curriculum-wide and not just for computer-related subjects.

"Budgetary restraints can mean that the money schools have is targeted to key areas such as business studies or graphic communication, which means money doesn't exist for other departments," said Bill McGregor, the general secretary of the Headteachers' Association of Scotland.

The agency has made improving the information and communication technology in Scotland's schools one of its key priorities.