A computer system that lets schoolchildren work from home is being used by a council to lessen the effects of school closures – much to the dismay of kids looking forward to sledging or snowball fights.

Aberdeenshire Council first began to use the Glow intranet in the winter of 2009-2010, when up to 800 children logged on each day to carry out a variety of educational tasks.

Teachers used the system to set up a series of snow related tasks to aid their pupils' learning while schools were closed.

Kids were given virtual science lessons - measuring the amount of snow falling in their garden using a cup, weighing it at different times of day, then putting forward theories as to why it changes.

Other tasks included writing and uploading stories and weather reports, a gallery of the area’s snowmen and a competition to find the longest icicle.

Now the system is set to be used again as cold weather and snow descends across the north-east.

Anna Rossvoll, the local authority's Glow project leader, said that every teacher and most pupils in the area had signed on to the system.

She said: "It has helped to minimise disruption during adverse weather but is also used to enhance learning and teaching on a daily basis.”

"Children from across Aberdeenshire visited this online space last winter and contributed - and there were up to 800 hits a day.”

Ms Rossvoll added that the system could be used further in schools given forthcoming budget cuts.

"It has helped minimise the disruption to pupils' education but they are not just learning about literacy or numeracy or science; they are learning the ICT skills they need to make the most of Glow.

"Children are showing they can use Glow independently and responsibly.

"This is an opportunity for the pupils to continue with their learning and also to start building a community online."

FURTHER INFORMATION

• Learning and Teaching Scotland's Glow website