BBC WebWise


BBC WebWise is the BBC's guide to the internet for computer novices. Created in 1998, it consists of a series of articles and videos as well as a computing course accredited by examining body OCR. It also incorporates elements of another BBC website, BBC raw computers. All BBC websites are required to link to WebWise when using content which requires a plug-in.

History

BBC WebWise was created in 1998 to encourage new users to explore the internet, as part of a wider BBC campaign which included TV and radio programmes. By December 1999 it consisted of articles, columns, a blog, message boards and a Q&A section. A wide range of freelance writers were attached to the project, including Charlie Brooker and Bill Thompson.
In 2004, WebWise launched a 10-hour accredited course, called Becoming WebWise.

Current features

WebWise was completely redesigned and relaunched in September 2010, with articles on a variety of computer-related subjects written by well-known technology writers such as Bill Thompson, Wendy M. Grossman and Jack Schofield. It also now contains new courses, a weekly column, and a large A to Z of technical terms.