The ELSPA announced today that Learning and Teaching Scotland has issued the results of an analysis of Brain Training on pupils' maths skills. This study of over 600 student in 32 schools showed that the game improved pupils' mathematical ability, in addition to their concentration and behavior levels. These results were revealed today during The Scottish Learning Festival.

"This was a rigorous academic study which offers us clear evidence for the first time that targeted and informed use of the game can have real impact on pupil's attainment," said Derek Robertson, LTS's National Adviser for Emerging Technologies and Learning. "Computer games help flatten out the hierarchy that exists in schools – they are in the domain of the learner as opposed to the domain of the school and the added likelihood of learner place in their own learning being decided for them. This intervention encouraged all children to engage and get success in a different contextual framework; one in which they don't know their place."

"It shows teachers needn't be afraid to use technology in the classroom. They are paramount to delivering confident and successful learners but good resources, such as these, are one way of engaging and inspiring children within dynamic and culturally relevant contexts which have real benefits to their learning – Curriculum for Excellence in action," he continues. "I hope these results inspire teachers to continue to embrace technology and to reflect on how they can use non-traditional ICT in their classrooms."

"ELSPA welcomes the findings presented today by Derek Robertson at the Scottish Learning Festival, which further underpin ELSPA's long-held belief that games are not only a means to entertain but mustn't be underestimated as educational tools," said Paul Jackson, director general of ELSPA.

"This was an interesting and exciting project," said David Miller, of the School of Education, Social Work and Community Education at the University of Dundee. "We feel two things are particularly important for those with an interest in Scottish education. The first is that even the control group children showed measurable improvements in performance; this reflects very well on hard-working Scottish class teachers. The second point is important when thinking about the implications of our finding, because of the research design, we can feel confident that these findings are likely to be typical of what we can realistically expect across the board in Scotland."