Online, a student can watch a short explanation, check a revision page or practise with a quiz, often for free. The same screen also offers games, messaging and plenty of unreliable content. Knowing both sides helps families decide how the internet fits into homework.
How the internet can help
Videos, diagrams, quizzes and animations can offer different ways to explain and practise a topic, and some students who find long passages of text hard going feel more confident working this way. Captions, transcripts, read aloud tools and adjustable display settings can also help, though not every resource is fully accessible.
Using the internet for schoolwork can build skills, including:
- finding and comparing information from different sources
- judging whether a source is trustworthy
- presenting work digitally
- managing their own learning
BBC Bitesize offers free revision and learning resources for a range of ages, subjects and qualifications across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Choose the relevant nation, qualification and, where applicable, exam board. Oak National Academy offers free lessons and resources, primarily designed around the curriculum in England.
Not every household has reliable broadband, enough data, a suitable device or a quiet place to work. If that is a problem, ask the school about offline alternatives, loans or other support. Many public libraries offer free computer and internet access, so check local booking arrangements and any charges.
Turn your subjects, deadlines and free time into a clear, realistic homework and revision timetable so nothing gets left to the last minute.
Try our Homework Timetable Builder free, here on this site →The drawbacks to watch for
Distraction is a common problem. Social media, games and messaging sit a click away, and notifications can stretch a short task into a long evening.
Anyone can publish online, so material may be out of date, biased or wrong. Search results are not ranked by accuracy, and a confident tone proves nothing.
Presenting someone else's words or ideas as your own can be plagiarism, even when the wording has been changed. A clearly marked, attributed quotation may be fine if the task allows it.
AI tools can produce whole answers in seconds, but may invent facts, sources or quotations. Submitting an answer without understanding it can undermine learning and may break school or assessment rules. Schools usually set their own rules on AI for homework. For coursework and other assessed work, students must also follow the relevant awarding body's rules, so they should ask their teacher before using AI. They should never enter personal details, information about other pupils or sensitive school material, and should stick to tools the school approves.
Students may also meet inappropriate content, share personal details without thinking or be contacted by strangers.
Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.
Keeping children safe online
Check whether your broadband provider offers parental controls or content filters, and use the settings on phones, tablets and consoles. Home filters do not necessarily cover mobile data or other networks, and none are foolproof, so talking openly with children matters just as much.
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