The i-Pads are being used for learning and teaching as part a pilot program in 14 schools across the diocese which aims to determine if they are a useful tool to engage children in learning.

The program also aims to determine the relevance, appropriateness and educational value of various applications. Students and teachers are also investigating the possibilities for creative uses of the technology.

Schools have been using the i-Pads to help students' reading and teachers and students are also trialling Scramble to improve word skills.

Many schools are also using the i-Pads to record music and to create shows with animated characters, backdrops and audio scripts. John XXIII Kindergarten teacher Sarah Liddicoat said the students had taken easily to the technology, possibly because they were used to playing with i-Phones.

"We're finding a high level of engagement," she said.

"It's really captivated them, especially the boys.

"The hardest thing is we have only got two [i-Pads]."