There have been online courses in the US and UK for a number of years - but there has been a recent surge of interest as self-study courses have been put online by some of the world's most famous institutions.

BBC: Online university to charge tuition fees

"Where schools must close, they are advised to consider what distance learning or self-study arrangements can be made for pupils in year 10-13, in order to minimise disruption to examination courses, " a Welsh government spokesman said.

BBC: Wales snow: Neighbouring Caerphilly schools open and shut