Learning platforms can offer a range of benefits for all those involved in learning both inside and outside the classroom.

These benefits extend to teachers, pupils, parents and the process of school administration and management.

For Teachers:

• The online sharing of teaching materials and resources in school and at home ready for printing out or use with an interactive whiteboard
• Resources can be put online as they are created - page by page or lesson plan by lesson plan
• Learning materials can customised and adapted for the exact needs of pupils
• Lesson plans can be easily accessed online from colleagues to support supply cover
• Individual and group progress can be assessed, monitored and tracked
• Pupils can submit work to one easily managed area
• Individual management of timetables, diary, email and discussions via a personal desktop space
• Increased ICT competence and confidence.

For Children:

• Online access and sharing of learning materials outside lesson time and from other locations such as the library and home
• Online storage of work and notes for use in assignments, homework and revision outside school hours
• Work can be carried out at an individual pace and with a wider choice of learning styles through a more personalised curriculum
• Online portfolios can be created using digital photos and videos as well as text
• ICT and online skills can be improved
• Homework and assignments can be submitted online for marking and assessment
• Online communication with other students and teachers via email and through live discussions and forums.

For parents:

• Home access allowing them to play a greater part in a child's learning
• Support for a child's in learning which takes place outside school
• Access to a child's personal homepage to keep track of their work and curriculum
• Viewing of a child's reports, attendance data and scores in assessment activities
• Effective communication with teachers, school administrators and others supporting their child's learning
• Engagement with wider school issues through online communication tools and become active partners with the school.

The Next Generation Learning Website contains lots of useful information for parents on a range of issues including 'Getting Involved', 'Home Access', 'E-safety' and 'Technology use at School'. The Think u Know Website is the e-safety resource every parent should know about.

For management:

• Up-to-date management information on attendance and attainment
• Tracking of individual and group progress
• Collation of summative and formative assessments
• Reduction in administrative burdens for teachers by using transferable data
• Communication within a school and beyond on a one-to-one, one-to-many or many-to-many basis
• Increased communication with parents.