The annual Netd@ys week is designed to show the benefits of new media in education.

In the UK, there will be a "virtual conference" about the use of new media in learning.

Netd@ys, which is organised by the European Commission, runs from 19-25 November.

The UK's virtual conference is on 20-22 November.

Virtual conference

The virtual conference involves about a thousand delegates - from schools and other organisations - who will share their expertise on how they have used new technology.

There will be online seminars where delegates have the chance to ask questions of others who have developed expertise in new technology.

One school which is showcasing its award-winning website and hosting a "virtual workshop" is Southwold Primary in Nottingham.

The website features pupils' work - including an electronic book written and illustrated by them - and a research section which has links to useful sites which the school has checked for safety.

It is run by teacher and ICT co-ordinator Simon Widdowson.

Web showcase

He says his main aim when setting up the site was to use it as a showcase for the children's work.

"The children have benefited a lot from the project.

"They have the satisfaction of seeing their work - and those with access to a computer at home can show it to their parents.

"It is also a good way of motivating the children - especially the boys.

"They all put in that extra bit of effort when they know it can go up on the site."

He said the children's participation in the site had also improved their literacy skills.

During the virtual conference, delegates can e-mail Mr Widdowson and ask for advice or swap information.

"We hope Netd@ys Week will raise awareness about the benefits of using the internet and that it will help create networks of people who can learn to use the internet for its educational and cultural content and plan future strategies," he said.

Last year there were 10 million hits on the Netd@ys website and the organisers hope this year's event will be even more popular.

Terry Grant said the campaign was one of the European Commission's biggest - second only to that for the Euro.