After a year that flipped all forms of education to remote teaching, Institutions across the globe are taking a more strategic view of online learning. Whilst for many learners the on-campus experience is the preferred pathway, for others the prospect of attaining a qualification through online learning seems more achievable in the new era of remote working. This is particularly relevant to those seeking to progress in their chosen career by upskilling or retraining, while balancing other life commitments such as family, work or caring responsibilities.
With uncertainty around the future of work across several sectors, many are assessing their options and looking at how the world of work has evolved. Digital transformation is a dominant theme, with industry requiring enhanced skills in data analytics, automation, artificial intelligence, robotics ... etc, just to stay competitive. Employers are seeking out flexible courses to help retain talent and develop in-house capacity to meet market demands.
“Industry across all sectors are becoming more data-driven and there is a lack of skills in areas like Data Science. If someone would like to follow that career path, but doesn’t have the luxury of taking 4 years out to go back and study full-time, then an online course means that person can still do their job, study part-time in the evenings and apply the learnings to their current role,” says David Kenny, VP of software development at Overstock.com
For IT Sligo, online learning has been at the heart of the Institution since it commenced teaching online back in 2002. The drive for online learning came from a single student, Neil Warnock, who wanted to attend an evening class, but due to work commitments was finding it difficult to attend on campus lectures. Facilitating remote access, IT Sligo started the gradual process of moving part-time evening classes to online learning classes. Now IT Sligo is ranked number one for Most Flexible Learning students by the Sunday Times Good University Guide 2021 with the largest cohort of online learners in Ireland.
Amid this surge in demand for online learning, IT Sligo is looking to the future. The Institute is driven by the strategic goal to make higher education accessible and to support students to achieve their academic goals. GMIT, LYIT and IT Sligo, collaboratively known as the Connacht Ulster Alliance (CUA) are working together towards becoming Ireland’s next Technological University. IT Sligo, along with the CUA partners, is leading a €12.3m HCI funded project called Higher Education 4.0, where the core aim is to improve agility, access, and collaboration in the part-time online learning space.
“This multi-disciplinary project consists of a set of inter-linked innovations underpinned by a series of demonstration sub-projects to build and prove lean systems necessary to respond rapidly and effectively to training and education needs of employers and individuals and in addition will cost-effectively develop new flexible modes of Higher Education (HE) to engage younger and lifelong learners.
“Our overarching goal is alignment of Higher Education to industry needs and to make education more responsive to the rapidly changing world of work. We see the demand from both sides – industry and students – and we want to facilitate the best outcomes for both,” says professor Jacqueline McCormack, VP for online development at IT Sligo.
As we enter a new academic year, with optimism for the months ahead, IT Sligo encourages anyone considering their options to “Make your Future Happen” with online learning.
Here, IT Sligo share a small selection of stories from current students and graduates of online learning:
Sarah O’ Keefe, class representative, BA (Hons) Writing and Literature
As a first-year student of the online Writing & Literature course I am delighted to have become part of a new virtual community of classmates, and friends. Despite being unable to physically be together on campus, we formed an almost immediate bond. We created chats on WhatsApp and Teams, along with frequent “coffee breaks” on Zoom. We utilised technology to support each other; a classmate was only a click away. With passing papers around a classroom not an option, shared files or even shared screens became commonplace. The online format of the course provides accessibility from afar, being in different locations in Ireland, and even Europe. This allows for a more diverse group, bringing fresh perspectives. I am proud to be a part of such an innovative course, it is a wonderful opportunity to further our academic practices in a safe, adaptable environment, whilst learning alongside extremely talented classmates.
Find out more about the full-time online BA(Hons) in Writing & Literature
Terry Byrne, Level 6 Certificate in Introduction to Counselling Skills
I am 62 years old and I have just completed my two-year certificate course in the 'Introduction to Counselling Skills' at IT Sligo. I joined the Sligo Samaritans in 2018, and it is my work with them that led to a change in career direction. The course sounded like the right choice for me. The venue at IT Sligo was perfect. Forty years have passed since I took part in any formal education. The course was going to test me beyond my limits. However, the more information about the course I received, the more determined I was to succeed. I started my journey in September 2019; it was a mixture of online learning and experiential days in college. It was the perfect blend, and I never felt intimidated by my surroundings.
Amy O’Callaghan, Level 8 Higher Diploma in Computing
Returning to college, having not been there for some time was challenging. I learned a lot about myself, as it required a lot of self-discipline and time management, but once I started all my apprehensions went away. I have developed that learning mindset and recognise now, especially in the word of tech, that I’ll always be learning and I am looking forward to that. I was very lucky, I finished my exams in May and started working on my internship in June, which lead me into a graduate programme opportunity with the same company.
Frances Doherty (current student), MSc in Biopharmaceutical Science
It was unbelievably rewarding doing an online course after being out of education for a few years. I found I had a renewed thirst for learning. After one year I didn’t have enough, so I signed up for the Level 9 Diploma, and in the autumn of this year I hope to graduate with a Masters in Biopharmaceutical Science. For anyone thinking one, two or three years is too long, the best advice I got was; “the time passes by anyway, whether you are doing the course or not.” And for anyone thinking; "online is not for me", the lectures are so interactive, if you email lectures or other students in your course, they are more than willing to help out. I have a whole community of support, most of whom I have never met!
Find out more about the MSc in Biopharmaceutical Science
Eugene Laverty, Level 8 Certificate in Medical Technology Regulatory Affairs and Quality
In 2018, when circumstances changed in my professional life, I decided to return to college. I had achieved a Level 7 degree in Quality for Industry and had extensive professional experience in the medical device industry, but I did not have a Level 8 qualification. For that reason, I was not eligible to apply for several roles being advertised at the time.
On reviewing options on the Springboard+ programme, I applied for an online course with IT Sligo. The admissions team, lecturers and resources available online at the Yeats Library have all been fantastic. I am now working for a small medical device firm and I would not be where I am today without having taken that step.
Find out more about funded Springboard+ programmes at IT Sligo
Download Online Learning Prospectus 2021/22
View 150+ Online Learning programmes at IT Sligo
Find out more about Online Learning at IT Sligo
For more information, visit itsligo.ie/onlinelearning
Email: admissions@itsligo.ie
Facebook: IT Sligo