The Scottish Government will consider whether pupils across Scotland would benefit from having access to portable technology like the iPad in class, based on the experience of a number of pilots across the country.

Pilots are underway in ten local authorities, putting iPads into the hands of pupils at 20 schools across Scotland. Education Secretary Michael Russell today visited one of those pilots, at Sciennes Primary School in Edinburgh, where dozens of students in P5 and P6 classes are trialling use of the iPad in class.

In a classroom crowded with pupils, school administrators, Scottish Government officials and journalists, Russell saw students deliver a presentation on the history of games consoles, delivered using iPad apps and including a video produced on the device.

“There are a number of pilots already underway around the country, including the use of iPads here at Sciennes. I have asked Education Scotland for recommendations on how we can realise the benefits of mobile technology for all learners in Scotland, including ensuring how we get the best possible value for our schools, and whether national guidance is needed for the sector,” said Russell.

In some of the Sciennes pilot classes, students get to keep the iPads throughout the day, taking them home to complete assignments. Other classes are keeping the devices in school.

Students at Sciennes showed visiting adults not only their astounding ease with technology that most of their elders have yet to get to grips with, but also the ways the technology is being used to enrich the learning experience. Classes have set up their own ‘wiki’ pages to share information and research; can be set work by their teacher in a blog format, and return it for correction; and can use a variety of free educational applications. Over the school’s wifi network, the students also have free access to the digital collection of the City of Edinburgh Libraries.