Higher Ed 4.0 is not just about technology to digitise existing approached to education. With technology we can now enable new models of higher education, that can be better, cheaper and easier to access.

1. Higher Education 4.0!
Addressing the STEM talent shortage
through new digitally enabled models
of higher education.
Brian Mulligan, BE, MEng Design,
Head of Online Learning Innovation
Centre for Online Learning,
Institute of Technology Sligo
mulligan.brian@itsligo.ie

2. Digitisation of Continuing Education
• Nineties – “interactive multimedia”
• Expensive (boring?)
• Noughties – “YouTube” and “Live Online Education”
• DIY – anyone can do it – “user generated content”
• 2002 IT Sligo Online starts
• “live online evening classes”
• 5 students in BSc in Quality Management
• 2012 “Year of the MOOC”
• Free, online, no accreditation
• 2020 – IT Sligo reaches 4,500 online learners
• COVID!!! – everyone’s evening classes go online
• no way back???
Digitisation NOT Digitalisation

3. Emerging Business and Teaching Models

4. Digital Transformation
Traditional
• Classes
• Practicals
• Assignments
• Exams
Digitisation
• Zoom classes
• Recordings
• Simulations
• Electronic submission
• Online Quizzes and
exams
Digitalisation
• Low-cost/scale
• AI / “adaptive”
• Micro-credentials
• Competencies
• Work-based
• Project-based

5. • Stackable “Microcredentials”
• Project Based Degrees
• Work Based Degrees
We need your help!

6. A new work-based degree
BEng Mechatronic Systems
• 3 days paid per week
• 2 days studying online
3 years in the
workplace
• Income
• Live at home
More
affordable
• In the workplace
• In their studies
Better
performance

7. If interested,
get in touch.
Thank you!
Brian Mulligan BE, M Eng Design
Head of Online Learning Innovation
Centre for Online Learning
Institute of Technology Sligo
mulligan.brian@itsligo.ie