Microsoft surveyed 1,000 16-18 year-olds in education for its research, and found that the majority of students believe they are learning more about IT outside of the classroom.

The Microsoft Education Future Workforce research found that "Generation Five" (16-18 year-olds currently in education) question the approach taken by schools, with 58% believing that they have a greater level of understanding when it comes to IT than those charged with educating them.

The results, said Microsoft, reveal a major concern for businesses if schools are not equipping students with the appropriate skills for future employment. "If the issues are not addressed now they will be felt in years to come as the current students enter the workforce," said Microsoft.

The research also revealed that 56% rate themselves "5 out of 5" in confidence when it comes to basic IT skills, and 71 percent agree that they learn more of what they know about technology outside the classroom.

In addition, 85 percent also believe that the internet outside of their school provides the most important source of information about technology.