A vision of the future

In looking to the future the ILA member companies have identified a number of key research challenges and opportunities as the next generation of Internet devices and technologies emerge. Alongside the new technologies there is a new generation of users emerging who have grown up with the Internet and expect their school and work life to be as ‘connected’ as their social life. 

 The Irish E-Learning companies have also connected with a number of partners from the Multinational community in Ireland that share many of their goals and aspirations in terms of the impact that technology can have in the area of education and learning. They are working in international markets where governments are in the midst of reforming their education systems with the clear aim of improving their global competitiveness.

 A key aspect of this proposal therefore is that there is a business layer that existis between the marketplace and the research teams (see diagram below). The companies within the consortium are focused on three different priority markets Corporate Learning, Adult Education and K12 Education. However all are confident that the core research areas identified are common across each of the their different markets.

The business layer will focus on developing the key market conceptual models and use cases that will shape and drive the core research. A key function of this central business function will be to ensure that the research stays on track and delivers the technology to enable the envisioned market concepts and deliver on the required use cases within these conceptual models. The business function will also deliver the proof points that demonstrate the validity and effectiveness of the conceptual models in each of the market areas. The proof points will consist of pilots, prototypes and demonstrations that will allow the participating companies to see for themselves the market potential of the research and also demonstrate it as needed to customers, investors and other stakeholder.