Three innovative e-learning projects have been shortlisted for EU support worth upwards of €1 million in research funding, according to the Higher Education Authority (HEA).
To the fore of the research projects shortlisted is a mobile- learning project which hopes to adapt existing e-learning methods for people with disabilities.
The project, by Ericsson of Dún Laoghaire, is perceived as a timely entry into the competition for funding.
An estimated 1.6 billion mobile phones are in use worldwide and penetration rates in most European countries are now at 90 per cent.
To date, education providers have not been to the fore in using the technology to deliver learning, according to the HEA. Also shortlisted is a numbers game project based on e-learning for numeracy and basic mathematical skills by Cork Institute of Technology and a multiple intelligences instructional design framework for virtual classes by Multimedia Instructional Design Ltd, Waterford.
Cork Institute of Technology's project attempts to build on the popularity of traditional video games toward the creation of new tools to improve levels of numeracy and basic mathematical skills.
The Waterford entry which has been submitted in partnership with Waterford Institute of Technology seeks to examine Prof Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences, which up to now has been based on traditional classroom methodology.
All three projects must now submit an extensive overview of their proposed research by March in order to be considered for funding which is expected to be in the order of €250,000 each.
Last year, Ireland received funding for three projects.