Professor Timothy Savage:

I would also like to comment on the same issues.

On funding the initiative within Trinity College Dublin, we are coming to the end of our two year pilot programme, for which we had to find the money internally. This reverts to questions raised by Deputies and Senators about cost. This is not a cheap option. Done properly, with interaction and high quality content to provide a good educational experience for online or blended learners, it will not save anyone money; rather, it will be costly. We are not looking to make a profit; rather, we are striving to be viable, grow our postgraduate numbers and access new students, to whom we can provide for good participation in this type of education programme at postgraduate level. However, it must be viable for us to do so. We put the money up-front to cover the cost of production.

In regard to MOOC costs, we have received a small amount from the statements on participation and completion. However, we still have not received our moneys from the Open University, but we do not expect them to be substantial.

On foundation courses and access for those who have not had an undergraduate education, we see this very much as a broad initiative, both on campus and working closely with the Trinity access programme and the postgraduate certificate process in STEM education which is being run in conjunction with the Bridge21 initiative in Trinity College Dublin. We are trying to develop new models of technology enhanced learning in STEM subjects with secondary and primary school teachers through the school sector, as well as providing clear pathways.

I have had discussions about the potential of online education programmes to provide pre-foundation and foundation courses for those who want to attend Trinity College Dublin. It is an issue on my agenda, although a little down the line. In the first instance, we have to get up and running. We need to get our models in place before looking at where the additional opportunities lie.