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Continuing Professional Development Student Experiences of Online Learning

Frances Doherty,

MSc in Biopharmaceutical Science, IT Sligo 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 Master’s 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 a course or not.” The lectures are very interactive. If you email lecturers or other students in your course, they are more than willing to help. I have a whole community of support, most of whom I have never met!

Craig Field,

Emerging Technologies for Industry Program, LYIT I was fortunate to be accepted on the LYIT Emerging Technologies for Industry program. I have always had a keen interest in technology and working in the Tech industry has been a dream of mine. Having been out of studies for a few years I was apprehensive as to how it would go being fully remote and twice per week in the evenings. It was a wonderful experience, the content and subjects covered were of the highest quality. The online learning portal worked flawlessly. All of our lecturers were knowledgeable, supportive and engaging. Completing this course gave me the opportunity to change careers by giving me the knowledge I needed to work in the Tech industry.

Online learning is an effective way to offer flexible and accessible higher education to meet the needs of employers and employees, and to attract inward investment to the region. Alongside the continued growth and innovation in our on-campus sites and provision, an effective and innovative online learning strategy is key to the success of our new TU.

Anne Conlon,

MSc in Digital Media, GMIT I was lucky to have just started a Master’s in Science Digital Media and Marketing two months before the first Covid lockdown came into place. I got to meet my classmates and lecturers in the ‘real world’ and then we moved online for all our lectures. We were already using online lectures as we had a mix of live and on-demand lectures. I thought I would miss some experiences because we were online however the lecturers created online breakout rooms for us to meet and to collaborate on projects. For anyone who is self-employed and worried about juggling work and college - you will find the time to do both. I have implemented new learning from this course which has had a positive impact on my business. I found the lecturers very supportive and knowledgeable in their field. It is one of the best things I have done for my business.

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