BBC HELP TO DELIVER LEARNING SOCIETY OF 21ST CENTURY

THE BBC have the opportunity to play a central role in the development and introduction of the world’s first comprehensive ‘Curriculum Online’ service, which was announced by the government.
The announcement has opened the way for the BBC to supply a ‘backbone’ of digital content across all core subjects and key stages using interactive digital technology and compelling multi-media content. It would be adapted to the different curricula of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Two years ago the BBC set out their vision for a digital curriculum delivered ultimately by broadband to every child in the UK. Following the licence fee review early last year the BBC’s governors earmarked funding over five years for the project. Since then the BBC have worked with government and other providers to develop the thinking and the announcement opens the way for a comprehensive service in which both the BBC and other providers contribute to teaching and learning online.
The BBC will now be putting its plans to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). Subject to approval from the Secretary of State, the BBC proposes to launch the first of their materials in September 2002. The full service would be rolled out gradually, covering more subjects and age groups.
The corporation expects to spend £150 million from their licence fee income on the project over the next five years, delivering original content to children, teachers and parents at school, at home and in the community. The BBC would work closely with other industry providers to deliver the new service, commissioning half the content from the external market.
The overall Curriculum Online initiative announced by the government aims to transform learning in schools. The Department for Education and Skills has described it as a ‘ground-breaking service’ and ‘the world’s first partnership between the government, leading public/private broadcasters and innovative software producers to provide materials for every curriculum subject’
In developing the service the BBC would work closely with teachers in schools with the most advanced infrastructures to get feedback on its use. The experience gained during this launch period would inform further developments.
The BBC’s offering would draw not only on its tradition of formal educational programme-making and wealth of programming content, but also on its expertise in online learning. (CD)