THE introduction of tablet computers such as iPads and smartphones in schools is pointless unless it is accompanied by a major training programme for teachers, an expert has warned.

David Cameron, head of career management skills at Skills Development Scotland (SDS), the national body that trains workers, said classrooms were already littered with the failed technologies of the past.

He warned any use of the technology would simply be window dressing unless teachers and pupils understood the potential of the devices for a new type of learning.

Last year, the Scottish Government announced moves to expand the use of mobile devices and tablet computers in classrooms.

Some pupils are already using iPads and Android technology and Government agency Education Scotland is to consider how digital devices could be used on a wider scale.

In January, the final report of the Scottish Government's ICT Excellence Group said pupils should also be allowed to use their own smartphones and tablet computers during lessons.

However, Mr Cameron told the Learning Through Technology 2013 conference in Glasgow, organised by Holyrood Magazine, more needed to be done.

In particular, he wants teachers to be given the time to explore the new devices for themselves to see the benefits of educational apps and how technology can engage pupils in a different way, either independently or with guidance.

He said: "When I see the new technology being used in Scottish schools it is often not being used to transform the learning experience.

"They are teaching the same things they have always taught, but with a different piece of equipment, and that is not realising the potential of these devices by transforming the nature of learning.

"Countries that are successful in their education systems are those that give time to train teachers and we need to let them explore these devices for themselves to see their potential.

"There is a massive risk the tablet computer could be the interactive compact disc of the future unless we ensure it has a real impact on learning."

The call from Mr Cameron echoes the concerns of a leading international computing expert, who told The Herald last year that computing science should be given the same prominence as physics, chemistry and mathematics in Scotland's schools.

Ian Livingstone said teaching all Scottish pupils how to programme computers would be of huge benefit to the economy.

He said countries such as Scotland needed to give new skills to teachers as part of their training to ensure classroom learning was successful.

The call follows concerns that too many schools teach information technology in a passive way and do not make students aware of the available career opportunities.

Last August, Google chief executive Eric Schmidt publicly attacked the UK for failing to capitalise on its record of innovation in science and engineering, saying the country was throwing away its "great computer heritage" by failing to teach programming in schools.

Andrew Denholm