Links to good examples of digital content

Here, the Team share some of their favourite sites and say why they feel they are good examples of digital content. They are in no particular order and our choice is entirely subjective, but we hope gives a flavour of the rich variety of "stuff" out there.

The section brings together best practice examples of electronic content and finding aids to both electronic and other learning resources; organisations concerned with the processes and standards for content creation and management, sources of good advice and other background information.

• Ancient Egypt - A British Museum site, aimed at Key stage 2. Note the use of two contrasting points of view, interactive games and activities (especially the virtual senet game). It demonstrates through technology more effectively than print and more economically than face-to-face sessions. And of course adults learn through games too!
• Branching Out - This service is developing imaginative outreach projects which take the pleasure of reading to audiences outside the library through the imaginative exploitation of new technology. Their exemplar project is called Whichbook.net (formerly known as Book Forager).
• Public Record Office Learning Curve - The electronic content service providing material for the NGfL drawing on the riches of the PRO's archives.
• SCRAN - SCRAN is a searchable archive of Scotland's history and culture and is part of the National Grid for Learning.
• Darwin Country - This shows a theme driven place-based approach which uses a simple GIS system and demonstrates that creative thinking is possible despite budget constraints.
• Knowsley Local History - This site builds on the sense of place embodied in its local history collections. Imaginative use of ICT is made to offer "virtual tours" of the area, and to explore ideas using famous local people such as Edward Lear.
• Stories from the Web - A long-running favourite of all of us, with its attractive site design, clear target audience and purpose (using the web to encourage children to read and to share their reactions to what they have read).
• Powys Digital History Project - Represents a genuine collaboration between libraries, museums and archives in Powys and has over 500 pages of digital content on-line; and is now being developed as an educational resource for Key Stage 2.
• The cave of Lascaux - A truly innovative approach in providing a virtual tour of this important prehistoric site which is no longer open because of increasing environmental pollution. The cave paintings are shown together with interpretation, and background materials on wider aspects such as climate damage. At a technical level is presents perfect Dublin Core metadata in 4 languages.
• Cresswell Crags Virtually the Ice Age - This is similar in purpose to Lascaux but built on a very limited budget. It presents complex ideas and concepts to a general audience, and plays an important role in community regeneration.