Increasing flexible provision in adult education by harnessing the potential of educational technology

The Higher Education sector in Ireland is expanding, and is expected to have grown by 40% between 2009 and 2029. Student demographics are also changing, with an increased level of lifelong learners; who require flexibility in education while developing and updating their skills. In addition to the challenges presented by these changes, the sector is facing increasing resourcing pressures.

In this paper it is suggested that harnessing educational technologies to deliver flexible lifelong learning programmes is key to preparing the Irish Higher Education sector for the challenges of the future.

The proposed research aims to develop a framework to guide and support practitioners in implementing educational technologies, in a pedagogically effective manner; ensuring that learners develop digital skills in addition to developing work skills. This paper outlines the proposed conceptual framework and methodology for this research.