National Grid for Learning to Close

In a very confusing move Becta have announced (in a similarly confusing statement) that the National Grid for Learning portal site is to close.

Becta writes:

Our aim is to work towards a position where teachers should be able to work from any internet access point at any time, linked to the tools and learning services they need in order to plan, prepare, manage and follow up learning experiences for their students. We will also work with a number of other sites provided by the DfES, its agencies, and local authorities to co-ordinate search services.

To achieve this, Becta is rationalising its services and integrating them into the national digital infrastructure that it is working with partners to establish, to reduce duplication and co-ordinate access and searching for content and supporting material. A key component of this is to reduce the number of sites people have to visit as well as simplifying the names and brands. As a result, over the coming months you will see changes to Becta’s online presence.

The National Grid for Learning (NGfL) portal is part of this rationalisation process. Over the coming months we will work to improve the search services currently offered within the NGfL portal so we can offer more effective search of online resources as well as link users to related information.

As part of this programme of work, on the 13 April 2006, the search element and schools focused resources of the NGfL will relocate to the Becta Schools website. The other elements of the NGfL portal will undergo a closure.

I've been saying for years that there have are too many different government sites. While I agree with the move to provide teachers with a single focal point for information when it comes to government sponsored resources and services , I'm surprised that the NGfL brand is being dropped.

It'll be interesting how Becta see independent resource sites like this one fitting in two their new 'national digital infrastructure'. In the past we've been a badged member of the NGfL (our badge now needs to be removed apparently.) I wonder what opportunities for collaboration will exist in the future.