Just over half of teachers believe that Web 2.0 applications can be valuable educational tools, but the rest see them as a mere distraction, according to research by ntl: Telewest Business.

Twenty per cent of teachers said they lacked the knowledge or training to integrate Web 2.0 into the classroom, and 23 per cent worry about students disclosing too much information when using social networking sites.

Parents and pupils were much more enthusiastic, with 66 per cent of parents saying that Web 2.0 tools are useful.

Most of those (36 per cent) were in favour because the tools encourage creativity, while 35 per cent said they improve communications skills.

Wikipedia was deemed useful by 44 per cent of pupils while 35 per cent cited instant messaging and 34 per cent chose YouTube, which was used recreationally by 54 per cent of respondents.

And while 49 per cent of pupils use social networking in their spare time, only 18 per cent recognised the potential educational benefits.

Dave Alderson, public sector specialist at ntl:Telewest Business, maintained that schools need to keep up with the latest trends if they want to offer children the best opportunities.

"Schools and colleges need to ask themselves whether they are living up to the expectations of the digital generation," he said.

"The interactive and collaborative nature of Web 2.0 tools is ideal for engaging children in the classroom and nurtures the skills and enthusiasm they have developed at home."

The study also revealed that there is a "Web 2.0 chasm" between the tools that children would like to see in the classroom and those teachers are actually using.

"Some schools and colleges are in the early stages of adoption and it is only a matter of time before Web 2.0 takes on a more extensive role in the classroom, " said Alderson.

The survey polled 1,500 respondents split equally between parents, teachers and pupils.