Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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1822. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the steps he is taking to ensure that all third level education institutions operate blended learning models; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17373/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Higher education institutions have taken significant steps to ensure that teaching and learning is enhanced by the integrated use of digital technologies, both on-campus and remotely. This is in line with the their statutory academic independence which includes the mode of delivery of programmes of study.

Many HEIs have been developing new blended learning programmes for validation. Such programmes need to be designed, delivered and assessed within an approved quality assurance framework developed by HEIs with reference to the Statutory Quality Assurance Guidelines for Providers of Blended Learning Programmes. Programmes that are delivered partially or fully online, need to be developed with that mode of delivery in mind rather than merely being translated or transferred from the original face-to-face programme model.

HEIs are being supported in the operation of blended learning models through various initiatives and programmes. In 2022/23 the National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education has provided €7.7m in funding through the Strategic Alignment of Teaching and Learning Enhancement (SATLE) Fund to drive teaching and learning innovation and enhancement in three priority areas, one of which is digital transformation in higher education, including blended learning.

In addition to funding, the National Forum provides guidance and resources to support the implementation of blended learning models and fosters collaboration and sharing of best practice across the sector. The Forum's website features a range of resources and case studies, including guidance on the use of digital technologies in teaching and learning, guidance on assessment and feedback in blended learning, and guidance on designing and delivering effective online courses. The National Forum plays a critical role in supporting HEIs in Ireland to operate effective and sustainable blended learning models that meet the needs of their students and staff.

The fourth National Access Plan, 2022 to 2028, places an emphasis on student- centred goals, including flexibility. It aims to support students to study on a flexible basis including part-time and blended learning, and identifies connectivity supports for remote learning. This is a seven-year plan with an additional dedicated investment of €35 million over the course of the plan.