Irish colleges were not, in general, quick off the mark when it came to the Internet revolution. It may simply a case of moving with the times - or perhaps it is due to recognising the reality of now having to, at least sometimes, compete with each other for students - but the situation is changing.
Over the coming months, this column will try to cover as many college websites as possible, but will start off today with six institutes of technology.
The Athlone IT (www.ait.ie) homepage is the most basic of all the institutes' websites. Apart from the college crest it is just a series of links, some of which don't work, to other sections. The information browsers are likely to be looking for is there, it's just a bit difficult to find. It is mostly text heavy and often difficult to read, apart from the library section, which is at least bright and colourful.
Blanchardstown's website (www.itb.ie) has an out-of-focus picture on its home page, as well as a visitor counter - something usually reserved for amateurish one-man websites surprised to have anyone other than themselves look at the page. The layout is perfunctory, but some of the content, particularly the section on choosing a third-level course, is well thought out and useful. Having a map of how to get there is also a great idea.
Carlow's homepage (www.itcarlow.ie) is bright and colourful, but, when last checked, bore the legend that all browsers hate to see: "Our site is currently being redeveloped." We will return in the future to see how they are coming along.
Cork IT's homepage (www.cit.ie) is one of those annoying ones that won't let you back to where you linked from once you are there. Beyond that though, it is a busy site with lots of information. The section on what some graduates are doing is a good idea which could, and should, be expanded upon. Cork IT also deserves praise for allowing its site to be used to help trace missing persons, with information on the unfortunate people in five languages. Well done to Cork IT for not just having a social conscience, but for doing something about it.
The Dublin Institute of Technology website is covered in the "Site of the week" section on this page.
Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology (www.iadt-dl.ie) has a homepage that looks like a storyboard for a futuristic crime-thriller movie. Considering the courses that are on offer, this is actually a great way to greet the likely browsers. It can be a bit too annoyingly clever for its own good at times, but most of the information you could want is there, with the Frequently Asked Questions section being particularly good.
Overall, none of these sites provides everything you need in an easy-to-find manner, but they all, apart from Carlow, have some good points. It will be interesting to watch their development.
