How to choose an online learning platform
Choosing an online learning platform can be a daunting process. Here we explain some of the features to look out for when choosing an online learning resource.
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Formative assessment is the process of monitoring children's learning progress. Formative assessments are carried out all the way through the learning process. They provide feedback to both the child and the parent or teacher. It helps to identify the areas where the child needs to improve, perhaps due to a gap in the child's understanding or due to a misconception. Formative assessments help teachers adjust their lesson plans to address areas of need. The tests available on the BOFA® platform are an example of formative assessments.
Another type of assessment you might come across online is a summative assessment. A summative assessment is usually carried out at the end of a learning period to show what a child has learnt by a particular point in time. For example SATs, GCSEs and school entrance exams.
BOFA® is the only online learning platform to use formative assessment to identify and then plug gaps in children's understanding. All tests on BOFA®, including Mock Tests, take children through their mistakes with explanations and practice questions to build their understanding ready for success the next time they tackle the topic.
PARENTAL INPUT
Does the platform require a parent, guardian or teacher to direct the child through their learning? Some platforms will require a significant amount input from an adult in order to set tasks for the child, while others will fully automate the process using the child's age and exam date to create a schedule of work. Using a platform which creates a bespoke schedule of work for the child saves you time and leaves you confident that the child is learning in a structured way.
ADAPTIVE
Does the platform adapt to the ability of the child? Many platforms now use AI to monitor the child's progress, adapting the frequency and level of work as is appropriate for the child. Using a platform which adapts to the ability of the child leaves you confident that the child is being appropriately challenged and is learning in a structured way.
MOCK TESTS
Do you need access to mock tests? And if so, does the platform offer mock tests for the ISEB Pre-test, London 11+ Consortium and other bespoke senior school entrance exams?
Some 11+ exams, such as the ISEB Pre-test, have notoriously tricky formats, and some, such as the London 11+ Consortium test, contain less familiar subject tests, taking some mock tests to familiarise with these exam will be very beneficial. However, the majority of 11+ exams such as CEM and GL 11+ exams are quite straightforward and do not require specific mock exams to replicate their format.
If your child is sitting one of the more unusual exams you will want to use a learning platform which offers mock tests. Some platforms will include unlimited access to mock tests within a monthly subscription, others will offer them as a stand alone product. When weighing up the options it is useful to consider what the purpose of a mock test is, and how many mock tests it is appropriate to ask your child to sit.
Many senior school entrance exams are over an hour in length. The ISEB Pre-Test takes 2 hours and 15 minutes, and the London Consortium test takes 2 hours and 10 minutes (including a 30 minute break). Do you want your child to sit a 2 hour mock exam every week, risking fatigue and disinterest, or do you want to keep them engaged with short regular sessions building their subject knowledge before using a few mock exams to develop their exam technique and time management skills, a month or so before the exam?
Mock Tests are not necessary for all children's 11+ preparation so at BOFA® we offer Mock Tests as a stand alone product. Meaning you only pay for the content you need. We believe believe between 3 and 6 mock tests should be sufficient for a child to become familiar with the format of an exam and hone their time management skills.
WILL MY CHILD ENJOY IT?
Finding a platform which engages your child will be a priority. Children enjoy using platforms which enable independent learning, and where they can see the progress they are making. The automated nature of the BOFA® platform means children can log in and go straight to their next task. Children are rewarded for regular time keeping, good results and regular improvement.
Here are some of the comments we have received from children.
"Great for children about to do the 11+. Best app to learn because they make it fun! I've used it the past few months and loved it.", Eva
"FABULOUS, this was an amazing test. I have had lots of fun.", Nirali
Parents love BOFA® too.
"Bofa was incredibly helpful for my son in preparation of the 11+ exam. It helped identify his weaknesses and also improve his time management and he really enjoyed the format online. It's a fantastic resource for families that we cannot recommend highly enough.", Lauren
"I have been exceptionally impressed by the customer service and level of support which Planet Bofa provides – which is extremely refreshing especially when compared to a lot of firms these days! Thank you once again for all your help and assistance.", Nicholas
| BOFA11+ | Atom | Century/Bond |
|---|---|---|
| Age 7-11 | Age 7-11 | Age 9-11 |
| 26,500 unique questions | 90,000 questions | 20,000 questions |
| Formative learning - identifies gaps in learning and improves them. All topics covered, but prioritises spending time covering weaker areas. |
Time is spent covering all topics equally, including those which your child is confident in. | 63% |
| BOFA11+ | Atom | Century/Bond | |
|---|---|---|---|
| KS2 | £9.50 per month | £39.99 per month | £11.99 per month |
| 11+ | £9.50 per month | £59.99 per month | £29.99 per month |
| Mock Tests for ISEB London Consortium City School etc |
£55 for 3 Mock Tests | £69.99 per month | £41.99 per month |
BOFA® is the only online learning platform to use formative assessment to identify gaps in children's understanding and then plug them in preparation for 11+ and senior school entrance exams.
But what does this really mean?
Well, all BOFA® tests come in 3 stages:
- The initial test - where we determine what your child knows, but more importantly we identify what they don't understand.
- The practice stage - where we take your child through the questions they answered incorrectly. The correct answer is shown with a full explanation how to get to the answer.
- The retest - which provides an opportunity for your child to attempt some similar questions a few days later to demonstrate what they have learnt during the practice stage.
At the end of the retest any questions they are still struggling with are put into a report for you so you can see which topics may require further support.
Launching in 2007, BOFA® is the original online formative learning platform, paving the way for the multitude of online learning resources that now exist. If you're looking for a cost effective 11+ platform produced by an established and experienced company, look no further than BOFA11+
You can subscribe to BOFA11+ here.