Is the Internet a good resource for children to use to research homework projects Or does it encourage them to cheat and expect to find their answers without much work

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Asks andrewsinclair

A. The Internet is a fantastic resource for children to use when doing their homework, and they should be encouraged to use it if possible because it helps them develop and hone their research skills. It also helps them become totally immersed in their subjects, encouraging them to learn and participate more in the classroom. Of course there are some websites that offer essay writing services, or exam answers but there are in reality very few of them and your child will usually have to pay for such services, and without a credit card it can be quite difficult - so don't be alarmed by some the of the scare-mongering that surrounds the web.

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Instead treat it like a computerised encyclopaedia. If you are worried about what your child is looking at online then ensure that you install a filter on your PC so they can be prohibited from entering some sites - and steer them in the right direction of the good sites that help them with their homework.

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Q. What sites would you recommend for helping with homework projects

A. Some of the best homework-related sites include the following:

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BBC Schools

The BBC's education site is one of the best in the country as it caters for children from seven upwards (in terms of homework) although it does have many animated features that will lure even younger children. The best part of the site is its focus on GCSE's - covering every subject in the curriculum in detail. It also has some articles and projects for A Level students.

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Homework High

This is a great site, developed in conjunction with Channel 4 that has an excellent and very comprehensive library and a moderated chat room. If you child has a specific question that is not covered on the site they can email it in to a panel of teachers who will help them out - and that doesn't always mean giving them all the answers but rather pointing them in the right direction for more research. The site is very fast and fun to look at and is likely to be a bit hit with children.

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Learning Alive

This site caters for children from age 5 upwards (i.e. when they start school) so covers all aspects of the curriculum. It has some great tips for parents and teachers on how to keep your kids interested in their subjects. It has an awesome library, so well worth checking out.

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Encyclopaedia Britannica

This is the online version of the leather bound books your parents were probably sold on their doorstep when you were a child - it is actually difficult to get hold of the actual books anymore. This site covers all homework topics in detail and allows your child to cut and paste sections for their projects - but as most teachers are familiar with the site out and out plagerism should be discouraged.

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UK Learning

This site is a good resource for older students and yes it does sell essays (for about �90 each!) so it is a good site to be aware of.

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Revise It

This is a good site that helps older students research and structure their essays - and it does has some sample essays that may help them out - and they don't cover exact essay questions covered on the national curriculum, its more for guidance.

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Schools Net

Another site dedicated to the GCSE age-group, it is very easy to use and very structured. It also includes school league tables for parents and teachers alike.

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If you have any other Internet related questions, please click here

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By Karen Anderson