Farmer Courses on the Internet

19 February, 2003

Distance learning courses via the internet are to become an increasing feature of farmer training in the future, a Teagasc conference was told.

This development is part of a radical new approach by Teagasc to meet the ongoing training needs of farmers.

Addressing the Teagasc National Education Conference in Dublin Castle, Paddy Browne Head of Education with Teagasc, said the key to survival in farming will be continuous training in areas such as environmental protection, food safety, business management, new technologies and global markets.

"The increasing prevalence of part-time farming will also demand flexibility and easy access to training. This is where e-learning can play a key role", he said.

A number of Teagasc teaching staff have already been equipped with the skills to tutor distance-learning students over the internet. The first course for adult farmers is scheduled to take place later this year and participants will be able to communicate with their tutor and with each other via a dedicated web-based system.

The pilot course is part of an expanded training programme for adult farmers nationwide. Farmers will be able to choose from a range of training modules and can accumulate credits leading to a nationally accredited award.

"Lifelong learning and continuous training are now a feature of all professions. Farmers and rural dwellers are no different. Each year, over 8,000 farmers attend special courses run by Teagasc. Our intention is to greatly expand the number of participants, the range of courses and the methods of delivery in order to meet the increased challenges facing farmers and the changing structure of the industry," said Paddy Browne.

The full conference proceedings can be found in National Conference in Agricultural Education