New Connections - Department of Taoiseach

(6.1.3) Industry Advisory GroupES• Establish an IT Industry Advisory Group to formalise links between the IT industryand schools at national level in the development and implementation of innovative ITprojects and in the process extend the boundaries of traditional education through theuse of ICTUpdateThe composition of this group and its terms of reference is under consideration by theDepartment.(6.2) Second chance, Further and Higher education(6.2.1) ICT TrainingESExpansion of the opportunities for Basic ICT Skills Training for adults is a key component ofthe Back to Education initiative.• Expansion of the opportunities for Basic ICT Skills Training for adults offering parttimeflexible options in Further Education• Increase the number of adults availing of ICT training at modest cost under theschemes in second level/further education schools and colleges, and in trainingcentres, which support adult self-funded learningUpdateThe first phase of the Back to Education Initiative incorporating an adult ICT skillsprogramme, was implemented in 2002, providing 6,000 part-time options in FurtherEducation. This will increase on a phased basis with a view to having 20,000 extra placeseach year by 2006.(6.2.2) eLearning• Examine the potential for e-learning to contribute to the education and trainingsectors, at further and higher levelsES• Develop a national collaborative e-learning framework51