Students opting for digital hub

A GAELTACHT digital hub is beginning to attract third level students who are concerned about the return to full time education as COVID-19 numbers increase with the added likeliehood of further restrictions being imposed to limit the spread of the virus.

A number of students have already made enquiries to G-Teic Béal Átha’n Gaorthaidh manager Caroline Nolan over the availability of a desk and high speed broadband for the coming term.

“They and their parents are checking the available options as colleges and universities re-open but there’s no timetable or there’s a possiblity that lectures and tutorials will be mostly if not exclusively online,” said Caroline who is the manager of Comharchumann Forbartha Mhúscraí, the local development co-operative for the Múscraí Uí Fhloinn.

“We will work with families in these uncertain times and we will respond as best we can to students’ needs. It will be a tough year for them but the Gteic will at least let them meet other students - adding a whole new meaning to smart villages!”

The G-teic in Béal Átha’n Gaorthaidh has been open since Summer of last year and offers users a desk plus access to high speed broadband.

Student interest in the facility reflects a great uncertainty regarding what going – or returning – to third level education will entail in the coming year.

Despite the fact that UCC, CIT and other third level institutes of education are offering blended learning options, with significantly reduced hours for actual attendance on campus and more remote learning, the rent being sought for accommodation in the vicinity of these institutions is sky high – up to €1,800 per month for a three bedroom house close to college.

This has prompted a growing number of students to purchase secondhand cars to travel in and out to their education provider for the coming year, as reported in last week’s edition of The Corkman.