Online survey, conducted on behalf of education website BlueBrick.ie, coincides with a complete refresh of the website to enhance user-friendliness. 65% of respondents have considered flexible learning as a way to strengthen job prospects.

Dublin, Sunday 14th August 2011 BlueBrick.ie, the revolutionary education website allowing users to compare courses conveniently and register online, has announced a complete site “refresh” in order to improve user-friendliness.  This refresh coincides with a survey conducted on behalf of BlueBrick.ie, focusing on people’s attitudes to flexible learning.  The website recently registered a 15-fold increase in traffic since courses on the Springboard initiative were made available.  There were over 57,000 visitors to the site in July, with an additional 25,000 in the second week of August alone. 

The survey found that 65% of respondents had considered flexible learning as a way to strengthen their job prospects, showing that the general public is acutely aware of the importance of upskilling in the current employment market.  The survey also found that 37% of respondents cited family commitments as a constraint in any decision to pursue flexible learning, while 36% cited financial constraints.  Just over 50% of respondents stated that they would prefer a mixture of classroom and online learning should they pursue further education, showing that flexibility is a key consideration for those interested in further education. 

BlueBrick.ie is a unique information tool which allows visitors to find a course to best fit their life and work schedule, and offers hundreds of courses from a variety of higher education providers.  The site will include an increased number of courses in the coming months from higher education providers nationwide, and the refreshed site will allow visitors to navigate, search and compare courses with ease.  The graphic design has been updated to add a fresh new look to the site, while an improved layout will allow for easier access to the course search and listing features.  Increased usability features have been added to the application process which makes it even easier to apply for courses online.  The website currently facilitates the Springboard initiative, the government-funded scheme offering free higher education courses to long-term unemployed.

Dr. Richard Thorn, Director of Flexible Learning from the Institutes of Technology Ireland who are a key driving force behind the site commented “We’re confident that the newly refreshed BlueBrick.ie will make it even more attractive to those interested in flexible learning to come visit the site and see if there is a flexible learning course that’s suitable to them.  We’ve put a considerable amount of time into conducting research among users as to how the site could be improved, and have incorporated these changes.  The newly improved site will also make it easier for visitors to choose from a significantly increased number of courses available from a variety of higher education providers.”

He continued, “With the survey showing that a majority of people are considering flexible learning to improve their job prospects, we believe that the improved BlueBrick.ie will be an invaluable tool for the public who wish to upskill and develop their qualifications in order to progress through a very challenging employment market feeling more secure and confident.  Flexible learning offers a practical way for people to learn at their own pace and at their own place of choice, and with an even greater choice of courses available on BlueBrick.ie, we feel this is the first port of call for people to build a better future for themselves.”

BlueBrick.ie includes information on hundreds courses which either allows the individual to continue in their chosen career path by upskilling, or to change career completely through reskilling opportunities.  The site has won numerous accolades and user acclaim for being extremely user-friendly, with the focus being on part-time and flexible learning courses, allowing learners the opportunity to study at a time and place that suits them, as opposed to traditional classroom learning.

For further information please contact Glenn Hogarty, Limelight Communications, 087 790 9670

BlueBrick.ie has welcomed the recently released Hunt Report and the comments contained within in relation to flexible learning.  The website views the publication of the report as heralding a new era for flexible learning, which it views as vital to ensuring that adults can access upskilling and further learning opportunities.  Recommendations in the Hunt Report, combined with new funding mechanisms coming on stream, will see the Irish education system redress its poor record in this regard compared to other EU countries.  The report pays particular attention to the need for “flexibility of provision” so as to meet the needs of adult learners, a key objective of BlueBrick.ie.

“We are seeing a paradigm shift in attitudes towards the needs of part-time, adult learners,” commented Dr. Richard Thorn, Director of Flexible Learning at the Institutes of Technology Ireland, who developed the BlueBrick.ie website as their centralised portal.  The website allows users to easily compare courses and register for them online, including a substantial amount of part-time, flexible courses.  “For several decades,” continued Dr. Thorn, “our education system has concentrated on a model of learning delivery that has primarily met the needs of school leavers, with only a token acknowledgement of adult and part-time learners.  It is becoming clear in higher education and particularly through the Hunt Report strategy, that greater attention is being focused on part-time learners, a development which BlueBrick.ie wholeheartedly welcomes.”

Commenting on performance funding, as recommended in the Hunt Report, Dr. Thorn noted that “The Higher Education Authority (HEA) has signalled a move that performance funding will be introduced in coming years.  This will result in institutions which provide flexible learning opportunities being rewarded when excellent performance in this regard is achieved.  We believe that this will encourage institutions to excel in this area, and will provide enhanced learning opportunities for prospective learners.”

“We also welcome the recently announced ‘Springboard’ fund which will be available for part time higher education learners.  This initiative will go some way towards redressing the inequity in the existing student funding model, whereby only those who study full time are eligible for fees and supports,” concluded Dr. Thorn.

BlueBrick.ie offers a user-friendly method of researching, comparing and registering for hundreds of courses available at the 14 Institutes of Technology across the country.  All learning options are catered for, including distance learning, online learning, and classroom learning.  This unique resource was launched to the public by the Institutes of Technology in early 2010, and saw its traffic grow tenfold over an eight month period.  The site registered 40,000 unique visitors in 2010, and anticipates traffic will increase significantly in 2011.

There are many who will argue that the wait for the ‘Hunt’ report has not been worthwhile in that there is nothing of real significance in the plan.  Such a view could not be further from the truth for those who are and have been interested in promoting the needs of adult and part time learners.   When the recommendations in the strategy are combined with recent and going changes to the funding mechanisms used by the HEA and the government commitment to a 3 year fund for part time learners then we are, I believe, seeing a paradigm shift in attitudes towards part time, adult learners.

First, consider the frequency with which ‘flexibility of provision’, so as to meet the needs of adult learners, is mentioned in Hunt.  For several decades we have concentrated on a model of delivery that has met the needs, primarily, of school leavers with only token acknowledgement of the needs of adult and part time learners.   It is abundantly clear that from a policy perspective this approach is no longer the only game in town.

Second, the HEA have already initiated significant changes to the way in which the core grant is allocated to the Institutes of Technology.  In the past part time student numbers were not, by and large, included in the calculation of the grant but from now on these numbers will be included.  Thus making it clear, if it was not already, that, from a student services perspective, these students are part of the institutes as far as services planning is concerned.  Additionally, the HEA has signalled a move, on foot of a Hunt recommendation, that performance funding will be introduced in coming years.  It is quite clear that where the mission of an institution is to provide flexible learning opportunities then excellent performance in this regard is likely to be rewarded

Third,  the recent announcement that the Labour Market Activation fund will once again operate,.  This time the fund will be for three years and for higher education only.  This initiative goes some way towards redressing the inequity in the current student funding model whereby only those who study full time are eligible for fees, maintenance etc.

So, to argue that there is nothing new in Hunt overlooks the considerable developments ongoing and heralded in respect of flexible, part time education.  We may at long last be able to address our very poor record in this area when compared to our northern European neighbours.

Zolk C is an Irish company that provides hand held technology solutions to tourism and heritage sites in Ireland, UK and North America. In Ireland, the company is behind the interactive experience of the New Ross tapestries.

3CS (Centre for Converged IP [Internet Protocol] Based Communications Services) is an Applied Research Enhancement (ARE) Centre, based at Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) and funded by Enterprise Ireland. 3CS expertise is in converged internet and telecommunications services which it translates to market through industry partnerships.

Audio, hand-held devices are commonly used in the tourism sector to provide interactive visitor experiences. Collaborating with 3CS, Zolk C had previously developed technology that enabled a user-friendly, interpretative experience for visitors to the Culloden Battlefield in Scotland. Following from this award-winning, innovative project, the company recognised that the wide-spread adoption of “smart phones” could provide an opportunity for an enhanced tourism experience. Zolk C approached 3CS to develop a framework that would allow companies to create tours that visitors could access from mobile phones. Through an Enterprise Ireland-funded Innovation Partnership, Zolk C can provide the hardware on the tourist site along with a personal solution that can be accessed directly by tourists and is sufficiently cost-effective for small tourism enterprises. The project has assisted Zolk C in developing an R&D strategy for end-user device based interpretation. It has given the company a clear technical advantage and a significant market advantage by offering a solution that will serve a new section of the tourism market.

Testimonials

Tom Curran

Product Centre Manager, TSSG, WIT

"The Innovation Partnership with Zolk C provides 3CS with a conduit to technology users who can validate the work of the research team. This validation is essential to ground and direct the research efforts into the most commercially rewarding sectors of the tourism and heritage market. Feedback from the market and the individual users of the technology gives the research team a clear focus on where the market sector is going, provides an immediate test and deployment arena for the technology under development and provides current, accurate information on the latest technologies being deployed by competing research bodies."

Paul Savage

Managing Director, Zolk C

"Being able to access the powerful research capability of WIT has enabled Zolk C to stay one step ahead of it’s competitors on the world stage. Through WIT’s indepth understanding of emerging mobile technologies, Zolk C has been able to establish a strong foothold in the tourism and heritage sector marketplace and create amazing visitor experiences across the UK and Ireland. By harnessing the power of the latest mobile technologies, Zolk C are able to offer clients cost-effective interpretation solutions which would have previously been out-of-reach for a large number of visitor sites."

Contact details

Source:

ZolkC Case Study.pdf (187.00 kb)

VascoCare Medical Ltd. is a start-up company based at the Enterprise and Research Incubation Centre at the Institute of Technology, Carlow (IT Carlow). Established in 2008, Vascocare’s mission is to develop innovative products for the prevention of pressure sores. Pressure sores are caused by an obstruction of blood supply to the skin after prolonged pressure. Left untreated, pressure sores can quickly become ulcers. Up to 4% of the UK healthcare budget is spent on aftercare of pressure sores.

Pressure sores can be prevented through the use of cushions or gel pads. These “patient-positioning products” relieve pressure on vulnerable areas of the body. However, products currently available on the market have limitations such as the uneven redistribution of pressure, leaking of the gel contents or hygiene risk. VascoCare Medical Ltd. was working on the identification and development of new materials and novel designs for improved treatment of pressure sores. As part of the enterprise support service provided by IT Carlow, the company was given access to a range of state-of-theart industrial design research facilities and equipment. This allowed the company to develop a range of lightweight, hygienic
prototype patient positioning products. The prototypes were shown to distribute pressure evenly from the affected area in patients. They have helped the company to identify a wide range of medical applications such as in hospital and trolley mattresses, wheelchair cushions and operating tables. In addition, the technology has potential applications beyond the prevention of pressure sores, including use in veterinary, dental and beauty environments.

The enterprise support provided by IT Carlow enabled VascoCare Medical Ltd. to access private investment that is supporting the development and manufacture of new, innovative patient positioning products. It is anticipated that the production of these innovative positioning devices will contribute to the future sustainability of the company and lead to a number of employment opportunities for industrial design graduates.

Testimonials

Michael Lawler

Director of Design & Business Development, VascoCare Medical Limited

"There are huge benefits from setting up your business in the Enterprise & Research Centre at the IT Carlow, knowledge base and information you have access to in expert personnel, information technology and specialised resources goes a long way to achieving excellence in your business model."

Contact details

Source:

VascoCare Medical Case Study.pdf (259.50 kb)

Transitions Optical Ltd. was formed in 1990 as a joint venture by leading chemicals and coatings group, PPG Industries (USA) and one of the world’s largest lenses producers, Essilor International (France). It is a market leader in ophthalmic lenses and has manufacturing facilities on five continents. The Irish site in Tuam, Co. Galway is the manufacturing facility for Europe.

Transitions Optical Ltd. creates eyewear solutions that offer flexibility, while protecting the wearer’s eyes from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. To date, the core product for the company has been photochromic ophthalmic lenses. These are lenses that become darker or lighter, depending on exposure to sunlight. They eliminate the need for prescription sunglasses when moving into sunlight.

Headed by Dr. Clement Higginbotham, the Materials Research Institute is based at Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT) and is a leader in the development, synthesis and characterisation of novel polymer materials. Transitions Optical Ltd. collaborated with the Materials Research Institute to improve the process and materials used in the manufacture of their photochromic lenses.

Using facilities and equipment available at AIT, researchers generated a polymeric material that has excellent photochromic properties combined with optimum protection from glare. Further process development work took the technology from laboratory scale to full equipment identification and sourcing. Industrial-scale trials were completed with equipment manufacturers. This allowed the researchers to prove the technology. The research was funded by Enterprise Ireland, initially through a Feasibility Study and later, through two Innovation Partnership projects. The results of the research are patent-protected. However, as a result of the collaboration, an employee of Transitions Optical who was involved in the research is now working towards a PhD based on the work carried out.

Testimonials

David Park

Transitions Optical Ltd

"The research work carried out during this project was technically challenging and involved the development of a new-to-the-world product. AIT have been critical in securing funding and assisting in the research required to move the project through the various stages, from a concept to the manufacture of a demonstrable lab sample through to the identification of a viable manufacturing process. The AIT team of 3 researchers working on the project were enthusiastic about the project at all stages and their innovation combined with their extensive experience with polymer technologies enabled us to develop this novel technology."

Contact Details

Source:

Transitions Optical Case Study.pdf (205.50 kb)

Novate Medical Ltd. is a Galway-based medical device company that develops innovative products for the treatment of vascular disease. Novate Medical was established in 2006 and was based at the Innovation in Business Centre (IiBC) at the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT). GMedTech is an applied research centre, also based at GMIT, and serving the medical device sector. In 2007, Novate Medical undertook a two-year collaborative research project with GMedTech, funded through Enterprise Ireland’s Innovation Partnership programme.

The Innovation Partnership concerned advancements in filter devices for the prevention of Pulmonary Embolism (PE). PE is a condition that involves blood clots travelling to the lungs from deep veins in the legs. It accounts for 10% of in-hospital deaths in Europe and North America each year. It can be prevented by placing a filter in the large vein (the inferior vena cava) that carries blood from the lower half of the body to the lungs.

Novate Medical wanted to develop a novel technology aimed at expanding the market for inferior vena cava (IVC) filters for the prevention of PE. Pre-clinical testing is a key stage of the technology development process. The Innovation Partnership addressed the development of a simulation system that could be used in the pre-clinical stage of testing for new filter designs. By providing a simulated environment, the time, cost and quality of the pre-clinical testing phase could be improved by testing product design in an environment that closely mimics the clinical situation. As a result of the project, Novate Medical has gained significant market advantage. The company has saved in R&D and product development costs and achieved opportunities for product improvement. The company uses the system as a marketing and training tool, particularly enabling clinicians to test the product and provide feedback on their experience.

Testimonials

Steven Horan

R&D Director, Novate Medical

"Novate Medical found the Innovation Partnership scheme run by Enterprise Ireland very valuable. It allowed us as the industry sponsor to carry out research using the capabilities of GMedTech to create an anatomically correct model. This included the hiring of a specialist engineer and using the contacts of employees of GMedTech in both academic institutions and hospitals. The work carried out in this partnership has supported the development of a novel medical device used to protect patients from blood clots created as a result of Deep Vein Thrombosis."

George McCourt

Manager, Innovation in Business Centre, GMIT, Galway

"At the Innovation in Business Centre in GMIT Galway we are continually linking client companies with the research and equipment capabilities of the host institute. We have several examples of synergy between industry and academia and one of these is an Innovation Partnership which was completed between Novate Medical and GMedTech to develop testing capabilities for a new medical device product. These research partnerships allow emerging companies to get access to postgraduate researchers, specialised equipment and dedicated

services to create added value products and services which can compete on a global scale."

Contact details

Source

Novate Medical Case Study.pdf (102.50 kb)

Limavady Gear Company Ltd. was established in Northern Ireland in 1979 as a fully-equipped facility specialising in the manufacture of replacement gears for the marine, industrial and heavy plant sectors. A recent relocation and the expansion of its product range has allowed Limavady Gear Company Ltd. to become a onestop manufacturing facility specialising in the complete manufacture of gears and gearing systems.

During the manufacturing process, the surfaces of the gear components are heated and cooled to extreme temperatures to induce desired qualities such as strength, hardness and toughness. The method for heat treatment used by Limavady Gear Company Ltd. is pack-carburising, where carbon is added to the surface of the gear components to induce resistance to fatigue and wear of surface hardness. This method can be unpredictable, giving different results for identical components undergoing the same process. This presents a major manufacturing challenge, with a relatively high proportion of finished gear products failing to meet quality standards.

Limavady Gear Company Ltd. wished to reduce the incidence of distortion of gear components in their manufacturing process. Through InterTrade Ireland’s “Fusion” Programme, they received funding to carry out a project in collaboration with the Institute of Technology Tallaght, Dublin (ITT Dublin). The aim of the project was to improve the control of the carburising process and thereby increase the predictability of the heat treatment process at the company. James Dwan, a senior lecturer in mechanical engineering at ITT Dublin, designed and led the project on behalf of the institute. He also managed the relationship between the institute and company. A graduate engineer with experience in CNC Machining was assigned to the company to carry out the research. Working between the company and the engineering laboratories at ITT Dublin, the graduate undertook the technical research required of the project. Faults in the original carburising process at Limavady Gear Company Ltd. were identified and resolved, resulting in an improved heat treatment process, a safer working environment and immediate cost savings for the company. The project succeeded as a result of knowledge transfer between ITT Dublin, the graduate engineer and Limavady Gear Company Ltd. The graduate has since become an employee of the company.

Testimonials

Ian Kinstrie

Limavady Gear Company Ltd.

"The expertise and advice provided by Jim Dwan throughout this project has resulted in improved and more accurate control of the heat treatment process at LGC. The use of the laboratories at ITT Dublin for analysis has aided in the investigation of other gear materials."

Jim Dwan

Institute of Technology Tallaght, Dublin

"Limavady Gear Company was a proactive company to work with, their mission was to grow and develop as a successful industrial gear and related services company. The management put in place opportunities for the graduate engineer to learn and grow as an expert in gear manufacturing including its heat treatment."

Contact details

Source:

Limavady Gear Company Case Study.pdf (112.50 kb)

Kelsius designs, manufactures and delivers temperature and task management systems for food and healthcare sectors in Ireland and UK. The company produces a wireless HACCP solution that allows companies to comply with regulatory requirements in a paper-free environment. Their wireless solution also allows companies to respond quickly to changes in regulation. The Kelsius system is installed and operational in over 300 sites throughout the UK and Ireland.

The EpiCentre at Letterkenny Institute of Technology (LYIT) is a technology and innovation centre for the North West cross border region. Established in 2005, the EpiCentre works in partnership with regional companies and higher education institutions to address practical industrial challenges.

With an ongoing relationship already in place, Kelsius engaged the EpiCentre to assist in developing a new, more functional and aesthetically pleasing enclosure, graphics and user interface redesign of their wireless HACCP product. The objective of the project was to develop design specifications that would include an easy, wipe-clean design; antibacterial properties and specific ergonomic functionality and aesthetics. The project was privately financed by the company and involved product design, integration of capacitance sensing touch technology and embedding silver nanoparticles into the front PET cover.

EpiCentre delivered the redesign and prototyping of two Kelsius products. They also remained involved with the company up to the manufacture stage. New product design features have allowed a leaner, in-house assembly process, thereby delivering new efficiencies. The integration of a capacitance touch sensor for human-machine interaction (HMI) has allowed a cleanable front cover to be incorporated. This has eliminated opportunity for bacterial contamination and resulted in an unforeseen Unique Selling Point for the company.

The partnership has improved Kelsius’s product innovation, productivity, and the integrated design and technology has reduced the number of returns (increased reliability), complimenting the current growth of the company and its entry into new markets.

Testimonials

Dr. David Gray

COO, Kelsius

"Having a partner that you can trust to work with and achieve project deliverables, ultimately has a direct impact both on business and company success, which is critical for effective growth. LYIT EpiCentre offers this level of partnership and we have already begun discussions for future potential collaboration and look forward to strengthening our ongoing good working relationship."

Simon Peter Johnston

LYIT EpiCentre Engineering Manager

"Kelsius is a dynamic company which is working hard to achieve their aims in their respective food, medical and healthcare sectors. The project presented both challenging and rewarding aspects and has helped to develop an excellent rapport between the company and ourselves. Not only did it allow us to be involved and contribute to delivering a leading cutting-edge technology project, it further enabled us to work on an international basis with other technology companies in order to realise the best achievable solution, effective turn around time and the opportunity to embrace the latest technologies available."

Contact details

Source:

Kelsius Case Study.pdf (111.00 kb)

For over 20 years Inagh Farmhouse Cheese Ltd. has been producing organic goat’s cheese in Inagh, Co. Clare. The company has invested in state-of-the-art cheese rooms that conform to EU regulations. The company’s leading cheese products are St. Tola and Crottin cheeses which are marketed in Ireland and the UK. In 2001, St. Tola became a registered organic producer with the Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association.

The Waste Management Act of 1996 addresses the disposal of farm waste including animal slurry and by-products of the food production process. Bio-processing can be used to convert waste material into hygienic, relatively stable products that have the added-value that they can be used as fertilisers. There are currently many different systems available for use in bio-processing of farm waste, including composting, anaerobic treatments and aerobic systems.

Cheese whey is a liquid waste product of the cheese making process. It has the potential to cause serious environmental pollution if not properly treated before disposal. To properly manage the organic waste from the goat farm and the cheese-making process, Inagh Farmhouse Cheese Ltd. wished to convert it into a form that is permissible for disposal by land-spreading. The company invested in an Aerobic and Agitation System for the bio-conversion of the combined whey and animal slurry waste. It was important to assess the efficiency of the bioprocessing of this waste in order for the company to maintain its organic status.

Inagh Farmhouse Cheese Ltd. engaged with the Shannon Applied Biotechnology Centre (Shannon ABC) through the Enterprise Ireland Innovation Voucher scheme. The purpose was to confirm the efficiency of the bio-conversion of waste by the Aerobic and Agitation System. Shannon ABC is a collaboration between the Limerick Institute of Technology and the Institute of Technology, Tralee. It is an applied research centre that combines research strengths in, among others, natural product utilisation and bio-processing. Shannon ABC conducted a monitoring and processing protocol over a five day period. This entailed optimisation of the system operation, sampling of waste streams, interpretation of analytical results and generation of a report outlining the outcomes of the research supported by legislative requirements. As a result of this work, the company have an optimised energy efficient process for waste stream processing with acceptable organic classification and a product with the potential to be exploited as an organic fertiliser. This has given the company the confidence that they have made the correct investment in a waste processing system which can be operated efficiently and appropriately. Successful operation of the system means that the company is effectively managing its waste and continues to operate within the organic guidelines.

Testimonials

Mr. John Harrington

Inagh Farmhouse Cheese Ltd.

"We are delighted we did this project and fortunately it confirms that our investment was a valid investment. I believe we are well positioned to maximise the use of the aeration system and the tank, and we are also in a strong position to robustly defend our waste management system which may become of vital importance in all farming activities in the very near future."

Dr. Daniel J. Walsh

Shannon Applied Biotechnology Centre, Limerick Institute of Technology

"This was a very interesting project for us as it directly related to supporting a company in the better utilisation of their waste. Following on from this project we have now started looking into future projects on the applications of other waste streams from this organic goat cheese producing farm business."

Contact details

Source:

Inagh Farmhouse Cheese Case study.pdf (185.50 kb)