Research by the NUS and HSBC shows that information and communication technology (ICT) is fast becoming as ubiquitous as the traditional textbook. The level of sophistication with which students use such resources is growing so rapidly that four in ten think that mobiles and PDAs should be used in learning. Almost half (46%) of the students queried said the use of ICT has enhanced their studies.

Research into how ICT can be used to support learning across the ability range is considerable. Many projects are funded by the HEA (Higher Education Academy), such as Bradford's Mobile Enhanced Disabled Students system looking at how mobile technology can be used to support learning.

However, separate research for the NUS also reveals that almost half of students - 49.8% - think their lecturers' ICT skills are adequate, however more than one in five - 21.4% - say that they should receive more training.

In a keynote speech at the ALT-C conference, Alex Bols, Head of Education and Quality at the NUS, says, "It is this area of providing support to staff that is crucial - to both equip them with the skills but also to highlight the ways in which it can enhance their teaching rather than simply being seen as a burden." Comments by students interviewed during the research included: "Some of the tutors aren't very good with computers, but I can usually help them" or "Teachers use PowerPoint far too much and don't know how to do anything else on the computer."

The students surveyed by NUS/HSBC were pretty evenly split on how far they thought universities should be allowed to pry into their use of the internet. Whilst 41% of students strongly disagreed that the university had a right to monitor their internet use, more than a third of students (34.4%) agreed that they did have the right.

But one consistent message from the research carried out was that universities and colleges need to give tutors and lecturers much more training and support in the educational use of ICT.

Seb Schmoller, ALT Chief executive, says, "Alex's speech gave our delegates plenty to think about. The point is that students are the key end users, and it is their needs that learning technology should serve. For this reason ALT is keen to work with NUS to shape the future agenda for technology in learning in colleges and universities."