I am delighted to be here today to launch the eLearning Research and Development: Roadmap for Ireland report and to officially open the National College of Ireland’s Learn 3K Research Centre.
The launch of both of these initiatives is testimony to the National College of Ireland’s ability to be at the forefront in driving new models of research and learning in the third-level sector today. As the eLearning Research Agenda Forum recognises, information communication technologies (ICTs) have the potential to enrich and empower learning in the 21st century. Given our success to date in the eLearning industry, the challenge now is to underpin that success with excellence in eLearning research. Today’s event marks an important step forward in that regard.
I would like to pay tribute to the Research Agenda Forum, initiated by the National College of Ireland, for its work in bringing together this report. The value of the report lies in the vast range of expertise and insight that was brought to the process by all involved. From learners and industry representatives, to researchers, academics and policy makers you have ensured that all of the key stakeholders have contributed to this evolving research area.
As we are all aware, the software industry has been one of the major growth areas in the Irish ICT sector over the past decade and more. eLearning is, in fact, one of the longest established software sectors in Ireland. Some of the first major global eLearning players have emerged from Ireland, including Smartforce – now Skillsoft – and Riverdeep. The turnover for 2003 represented some €300 million, with approximately 700 people employed in the sector.
As with all evolving sectors however, it is critical that the eLearning industry is supported by groundbreaking research and innovation. In that context, the Enterprise Strategy Report published last July stated that, “Irish industry needs to build technological research and development capability to support the evolution of high value-products and services.” Research and Development is at the heart of that evolution. In fact, as we strive today to become one of the most vibrant knowledge societies in the world, our future economic development will depend to a large degree on our ability to generate new knowledge and to innovate.
In this context, it is particularly appropriate that Science Foundation Ireland supported this eLearning Research and Development Roadmap. SFI’s focus today is on bringing forward and supporting initiatives that will enable Ireland to capitalise on its growing research base. In this way, it is transforming the research culture at Irish third-level institutions, providing an opportunity to link innovative business sectors with cutting-edge research.
And what better place than the National College of Ireland to ensure that the eLearning research agenda is driven forward. Here at the College, you have long been to the forefront in providing learning opportunities at all of life’s stages. You have developed a wide range of programmes to enable students who might traditionally have faced obstacles in accessing third level education learn in a way that suits them best.
And today, that learning process can be further enriched by the vast array of information that is available to us through the use of technology. Furthermore, technology gives people even greater power to learn at a pace and a place that suits them best. And now, due to the location of your new Learn 3K Research Centre here on campus, you will be even better positioned to exploit the full potential of eLearning.
It is particularly appropriate that this new centre is situated in the ICELT facility here at the National College of Ireland. ICELT provides an environment where companies who operate in the e-learning and educational/training sectors can develop and grow.
And this new Learn 3K research centre will add a further dimension to this initiative. It will enable the crucial transfer of knowledge between research and industry that will drive the next generation of innovative eLearning applications.
I am delighted that a researcher of the calibre of Professor Stephen Heppell has agreed to head up this new centre. I believe that the strength of Learn 3K will lie in its collaborative approach. In bringing together international experts, best practice in industry, educationalists and policy makers, you are laying the foundations to enable large-scale, innovative projects drive forward research in eLearning.
If we are to remain at the cutting edge in the global economy, then we must be in a position not only to develop world-class research capacity but also to translate our research excellence into commercial success. That is why, through Enterprise Ireland, we in Government have invested over €43 million in providing for campus-based business incubation centres in Institutes of Technology and Universities across the country. In this way, we can ensure a dynamic partnership between leading academics and innovative business models sectors.
Given that the worldwide eLearning market is expected to reach some 23.7 billion dollars by 2006, it is critical that we in Ireland are in a strong position to tap into this ever-expanding market.
By underpinning our success to date with a vibrant culture of research and innovation, we will be best placed to become a centre of excellence in this area. Both the eLearning Research and Development Roadmap and the establishment of the Learn 3K centre represent two key steps forward in this process.
I wish you every success with this new centre and I congratulate you on the launch of the report.
Thank you
ENDS