Lord David Puttnam to launch ground-breaking online education initiative

An Cosán Virtual Community College (VCC), an innovative education initiative, which aims to increase access to further and higher education nationwide and address social inequality through the latest online and mobile technology, will be launched at 12.45pm on Tuesday, 11th October at the National Concert Hall, Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2.

VCC’s patron, renowned film-maker and Ireland’s Digital Champion, Lord David Puttnam will officially launch the initiative.

VCC caters for adult learners who have not benefitted from mainstream education, and for others who wish to continue their education in an accessible and affordable way. Its unique model of blended learning leverages the latest online and mobile technologies and combines a virtual classroom and online live lectures with independent online activities, assignments and face-to-face sessions in community partner settings.

Speaking ahead of the event, Director of VCC, Liz Waters said: “There are many barriers for people across Ireland in accessing further and higher education, ranging from rural isolation and lack of institutional access, to childcare considerations and financial issues. VCC has the power to break down these barriers and offers a unique opportunity for anyone wishing to develop their skills and achieve their full potential.”

To date, more than 150 students have engaged with VCC in its pilot phase. For most students it was their first experience of both higher education and blended online learning. Earlier this month, 74 students graduated from VCC after successfully completing higher education courses.

A podcast interview with Liz Waters will be published on the day of the VCC launch.