What is Curriculum Online?

Launched by the DfES in January 2003, Curriculum Online is a highly searchable, online catalogue of thousands of multimedia resources, all linked to the curriculum of subjects taught in schools in England. It enables schools to search for and purchase online materials and other digital resources from approved suppliers. Cambridge-Hitachi is an approved content provider and retailer for Curriculum Online products; additionally, all products can be purchased through Cambridge University Press, who is registered as a Curriculum Online retailer.

The Curriculum Online website and catalogue, which has been managed by Becta since January 2005, gives teaching professionals access to digital learning resources that can be bought using eLCs – e-learning credits. This year's £50m allocation of eLCs will bring the overall total of funding to over £500m since the Curriculum Online Project started.

Curriculum Online will continue to support the use of eLC funding until the end of August 2008, when the service will cease, in line with the ending of eLCs. Until then, Becta aims to maintain an optimum service for both teachers and suppliers.

Website: www.curriculumonline.gov.uk

eLearning Credits

Schools have been given money in the form of eLearning Credits (eLCs) specifically to spend on multimedia resources to support the teaching and learning of subjects right across the curriculum. eLCs are distributed via LEAs to all Government-funded nursery, primary and secondary schools in England , up to and including Key Stage 4, as well as Foundation and SEN.

For the academic year 2007-2008 an extra £50 million of eLearning Credits was distributed for schools to purchase educational software.

Curriculum Online has provided ring-fenced funding of more than £500 million since it began in 2001 and, once the eLC funding comes to an end in August 2008, many teachers may wonder where the funding will come from for future purchases. In fact, funding for the purchase of digital learning content will continue to be available via the schools devolved formula capital budget.

Consequently, it is worthwhile asking Headteachers or Local Authorities how to access the funding that will be available after August 2008. Additional funding information can be found in a Becta publication for schools and Local Authorities which aims to support teachers in making effective use of the specific grants for learning, teaching and managing with ICT in 2007–08.

How to spend eLCs

Schools may only spend their eLCs on certified Curriculum Online digital learning products. Look out for the Curriculum Online logo on the promotional materials and websites of registered providers and retailers. Schools should buy directly from Registered Retailers and notify them when eLCs are being used for a purchase or part purchase of Curriculum Online products. This will enable Registered Retailers to provide the DCFS with information on eLC spend.

You can use your eLCs to purchase Cambridge-Hitachi products.