It was interesting to read Ted Wragg’s column last week (Last Word, TES 15 June 2001) concerning access to online learning products and technology’s ability to deliver it to the home.

It is our view that Ted’s experience is typical of experiences gained over the last few years. The rush to bring all forms of content to the internet in the past meant that more often than not it was an exercise in simply being the first to market, regardless of content quality.

It is our belief, however, that this cycle has now changed. Now one not only has access to an internet that is more stable and reliable - and becoming faster - but the content, particularly in education, is wholly different.

In the past it was a technology debate, now we have prime educational content available online. Ted may believe that this still has its difficulties, but our view is that children, teachers and parents now have a sophisticated mix of learning, revision and educational aids available to them online.

The computer is the interface and the internet is simply the distribution system for these traditional materials.

These resources are not going to replace existing educational methods but will be complementary support tools that will help students of all ages excel.

The real problem lies with adult society’s willingness to adopt the technology that the young of today have already internalised. It is very much a case of education embracing the new opportunities that innovations in online technology bring to us.

Siobhan Cronin
UK Operations Manager
www.education.comnbsp;