BBC Schools

E.learning Age, Sep 2005 by Yee, Rachel

WWW.BBC.CO.UK/SCHOOLS

The BBC Homepage overall is like an empire, with TV and radio guides, news, weather, music, lifestyle, the list goes on. However the 'schools' section of the web site is arguably the one of the most useful sections of them all.

It may surprise some people to know that this web site is not just strictly aimed at school students; there are games and activities for children under four, web pages with resources for any Key Stage teacher, and even parents in need of help can visit the web site for tips on subjects such as how to help with school work and what to do if their child is being bullied. Each area is perfectly suited to its audience, from message boards to 'SOS teacher', and you won't find the advice patronising.

BBC Schools is repeatedly used as a lesson resource in school, especially 'Bitesize Revision', because it tells you everything you need to know - in a way that, as the web site says, is "easier to digest". Also, with more and more schools becoming equipped with new technology such as interactive whiteboards, pupils can study from the same resources as a class. You can even press play and repeat on the animated graphics which is a really effective way of representing information and more importantly, remembering it. Furthermore, students can complete short tests at the end of revision to check that they remember everything, and if they make mistakes, they are not just handed the correct answer. They have to go back and work it out themselves, which means they learn more successfully.

Navigation is simple and it is eye-catching as well. It is because of essential websites such as BBC Schools that e-learning is on the increase. In addition, as you can log onto the internet almost anywhere nowadays, e-learning could not be made more accessible. The BBC deserves applause.

RACHEL YEE (Work Experience Student)