Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 435: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the reason there is such a price variance between distance education courses offered here compared with those in the UK; if there has been a review of the information technology distance learning third level educational establishments and courses offered here; if he is satisfied that IT third level distance learning establishments provide the best service at the best value for students here; and if he has reviewed the benefits of Government investment in this sector for the future of the IT industry here. [45027/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Higher Education institutions are conscious of the need to develop more flexible modes of learning and my Department is working with the Higher Education Authority (HEA) to support the expansion of opportunities in this area. Developmental funding has already been allocated under the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF). One key activity funded by the SIF is the Supported Flexible Learning project. The aim of this project is to establish mainstream flexible learning at the Institutes of Technology, to meet learner and workforce development needs. The Institutes of Technology and Dublin Institute of Technology are collaborating in this project. Successful implementation will result in mainstreaming supported flexible learning within and across the Institutes.

The HEA recently carried out a review of Oscail, the National Distance Education centre hosted by DCU. The review looked at areas such as funding and new patterns of competition. The results of the Oscail review will feed in to the current review of Open and Distance Learning in Ireland, which is also being conducted by the HEA. This review will address:

Best practices internationally for the provision of Open and Distance Learning with regard to increasing lifelong learning participation,

The extent to which lifelong learning participation is supported by current policies and funding frameworks

Potential demand for Open and Distance Learning in Ireland

The views of higher education providers

The basis for a national strategy for Open and Distance Learning

The future development of Open and Distance Learning in Ireland will have regard to the recommendations of the review, which is expected to be finalised in the spring.