Some students have already been given handheld devices

Researchers said they believed wider use of new technology could vastly improve teaching methods.

Some students have already been given handheld devices to help them access course material and seminars.

Others have been given equipment in class so that they can answer questions by pushing buttons.

The study was carried out by staff at the Caledonian Academy, which was recently created by the university to develop new teaching methods.

Professor Allison Littlejohn, director of the academy, said the university had already used podcasts to complement, but not replace, lectures by providing background information intended to put the lectures in context.

"It is important students know how to make proper use of the technology both inside and outside the classroom to maximise their time and improve their learning Prof Allison Littlejohn Academy director

She added that most students already communicate through the likes of Bebo and MSN messaging in their spare time, but are unaware of the benefits it could have in their learning at university.

Prof Littlejohn hopes the technology will help to make learning more accessible to the internet generation.

She said: "It is important we do proper research into what works and what doesn't work because we don't want to be using technology in lectures simply for the sake of it.

"But we have moved to a point where there are loads of different ways of communicating, whether it is by instant messaging, text or websites like Bebo and MySpace.

"It is important students know how to make proper use of the technology both inside and outside the classroom to maximise their time and improve their learning."

Prof Littlejohn added that it was "unlikely" students would eventually be able to desert the university campus and do all their learning from home.

The university is due to publish a series of recommendations

She added: "What we are trying to do is actually making it easier for students to communicate with other students and lecturers both face to face and by using the internet and other technologies."

As part of the academy's research, it will publish a set of recommendations in August, which will be sent to every UK university and describe what kinds of e-tools could be implemented by lecturers.

James Alexander, president of the National Union of Students Scotland, warned that some students might be alienated by the increasing use of technology.

He said: "There is a danger that trying to encourage these kinds of things might leave some students feeling left out.

"Not all students are computer literate or even own a computer at home because they can't afford it. It can't be done just to cut costs, it has to be done to improve learning."