AS schools go online, the benefits of applying to the CAO electronically should become more obvious to students. It's quick and easy and you are less likely to make mistakes. In fact, many errors are detected on screen so you can correct them before submission.

Last year, only 5 per cent of applications were sent electronically. This year, the application system has been redesigned and is available at www.scoilnet.ie. Sean Dower of the National Centre for Technology in Education, says: "This system allows current Leaving Certificate students to submit their applications securely over the Internet, using their Department of Education pupil-ID number and date of birth to access the system (no need for registration).

"Students can avail of this facility in the school, at home, or even in a cyber cafe. Guidance counsellors can register in order to view a running total of applications submitted by applicants in their school." The NCTE informs us that the system is completely secure and only applicants can view and amend their own applications.

To make an application, you must pay the fee in advance through the normal process. Then you simply log on, fill out the form on screen (including the bank giro number). You will then receive both an on-screen and a postal acknowledgement.

The centre is confident that, with the implementation of the Schools IT2000 initiative, online forms will become the predominant method of application in the next two years, says Dower.