State schools spent £1 billion on cutting-edge information technology last year but 80 per cent of them are failing to make full use of it, according to experts.

Pupils now handle equipment worth thousands of pounds, with some using laptops, interactive whiteboards or hand-held smartphones. The Government claims that Britain is a European leader in installing IT in the classroom.

However, Becta, the Government’s adviser on IT in schools, says that many teachers are intimidated by the equipment and struggle to cope, and that children have a better understanding of how it works.

Britain is one of the biggest spenders per head on technology in schools worldwide, according to Becta — formerly the British Educational Communications and Technology Agency — and the amount is growing each year. Yet Andrew Pinder, its chairman, said: “We are achieving nothing like the impact that we should from this technology. We spend more than other countries but not enough schools are using technology effectively.”

The Government is determined to make every child computer-literate and it has two ministers addressing the issue at separate events this week.

Jim Knight, the Schools Minister, wants every pupil to have home broadband access, subsidised by big communications businesses. IT companies, MPs and teachers are investigating how this can be funded. Ed Balls, the Schools Secretary, will address an international conference tomorrow on IT standards for teachers.

Mr Pinder said that only a fifth of schools were making the most of the equipment. Up to 40 per cent used it well in some areas, but not across the board, he said. He said some schools were buying the wrong software, and support was often amateurish.

Stephen Crowne, the agency’s chief executive, said: “The challenge of what constitutes world-class is getting steeper. We have made great strides in using technology for education and skills. But this pales when set against the rest of our lives, where technology has moved further and faster. We cannot always expect our schools and colleges to be at the cutting edge, but our learners shouldn’t be asked to step back in time.”

Schools in England spent £1 billion last year on computers, interactive whiteboards that link to teachers’ laptops, and electronic home access for children.

Mr Crowne said that technology “could be used to teach hard-to-reach children such as travellers or those in hospital”. He added: “But we think only about 20 per cent of schools and colleges are bringing it all together and delivering the full benefit. Some need further training for a shared understanding of how to use it. It’s quite intimidating technology for some teachers, and more so when children know more about it than they do.”

Teacher training in IT has to meet only vague criteria. Teachers must pass an IT test at GCSE level before qualifying. It covers basic skills such as using e-mails, spreadsheets and a word-processor. The Department for Children, Schools and Families said: “The majority of schools are making good use of technology in the classroom. There is always more that can be done, which is why Becta is tasked to support schools in making the best use of technology.”

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