At the ETBI annual education conference in Cork City Hall were, Colin Whyte, teacher in Mullingar Community College, Longford and Westmeath ETB Board Member; Liz Lavery, chief executive of Longford and Westmeath ETB; and Colm Harte, former principal at St Teresa’s National School, Killoe and Longford and Westmeath ETB representative. Photo: Jim Coughlan

Delegates debate what learners of 2033 will need and want

LWETB representatives attend Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI) education conference in Cork

Published: Wed 4 Oct 2023, 8:48 PM

Delegates from Longford and Westmeath, Education and Training Board (ETB) discussed what learners want for the class of 2033 with others who attended the annual Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI) education conference in Cork City Hall last week.

The theme, ‘The ETB of the Future’, explored topics such as the role of AI and technology in education, the importance of inclusion and diversity, as well as looking ahead by 10 years, to 2033.

The event brought together more than 300 representatives from across the sector and featured a line-up of 40-plus speakers.

Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Niall Collins, TD, opened the conference on Wednesday of last week, September 27, and gave the official ministerial conference address.

Commenting of the future of education, the general secretary of the ETBI, Paddy Lavelle, said: “As we reflect on 10 years of ETBs in Ireland, it’s time for us now to look to the future and focus on what lies ahead for our sector.

“Ireland is changing, and it’s important that we move to adapt with it. We need to plan ahead and give real thought to who our learners of the future are: the skills they will need; how will they need or want to be taught; and how we can ensure we are delivering education to learners of all levels in Longford and Westmeath and across the country that meets their needs, and the needs of their future employers.

“It will come as no surprise that we have heard throughout the conference of the potential for technology to revolutionise education – for both the teacher and the learner – it’s important, however, that we also highlight other key considerations that will be vital in the future of education.

“As Ireland continues to become a more diverse and inclusive country, it is essential to ensure we have the infrastructure in place to support all learners, regardless of any disability, race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation.

“ETBs are already providing multidenominational, coeducational and equality-based services, so are well placed to expand on this delivery and meet potential increased demand.

“The learners of the future are tech-savvy, culturally diverse, environmentally conscious, and adaptable. It is our responsibility now to ensure that the classroom of the future evolves to support them.”