Everyone knows about greenfield sites. But, anyone who has visited the new institute of technology at Blanchardstown knows that the grass has long since vanished. Surrounded by acres of drenched bare mud, the temporary college edifice looks like some kind of silver mirage, tiny and isolated. The obstacle course - sorry, road - wending its way to the college is littered with JCBs, tractors, and men in hard hats.
Inside, it's warm, bright and surprisingly spacious. The building is designed to accommodate 400 students so the 240 first-years have plenty of space, easy access to lecturers and almost individual attention. It is hoped that the futuristic-looking permanent college, which will accommodate 900 full-time students, will be completed by September of 2001.
For the present, the classroom and lab facilities are excellent, probably better than those available in most third-level colleges. The library has 80 places with many online journals accessible through its networked PCs. The multimedia language lab is the first of its kind in the Republic, according to Pat McGarty, head of the school of business and languages. Unfortunately, the on-site sports and social facilities come down to a pool table in the corner of the canteen but students use the facilities of local clubs and schools. The site comprises 45 acres with an optional 15 acres for playing pitches so a few years should make a big difference sportswise.
Four full-time courses got under way in September. In all, 5,268 students mentioned Blanchardstown IT on their CAO form with 2,447 placing it as their first, second or third preference. There was an equally large demand for accelerated technician programme, which began this month, with 218 applicants competing for the places.
The mission of the college is to increase levels of participation in third-level education in north-west Dublin. It also encourages non-standard applicants with a target of 30 per cent non-standards. This year, mature students make up 6 per cent of the student body with NCVA level 2 applicants accounting for more than 10 per cent of students.
Larry McNutt, head of the school of informatics and engineering, says there are two national certificates on offer - engineering (electronics and computer engineering) and computing (information technology). "The primary role of the engineering certificate is to produce electronics technician who can also work in hardware maintenance," he explains.
The computing course will produce IT technicians who may work in a support role or a network management capacity. The course includes modules on the Internet and on multi-media.
McGarty says the school will be offering four full-time courses this September. The two-year national certificate in business studies, has a strong emphasis on IT, including e-commerce and Internet applications. There are three national diplomas in business studies with a language (French, German or Spanish). Applicants for the French and German options must have a minimum of a higher D3 or an ordinary-level B3 in the relevant language. Spanish is offered ab-initio with no requirement for a continental language at Leaving Cert.
McGarty says the course comprises one-third (eight hours a week) business, one-third IT and one-third languages. "The course will produce a very flexible graduate," he says. The college plans to introduce add-on diplomas and degrees so that there is a pathway to degree from all entry-level programmes.
First-year computing student Christina O'Connor from Leixlip, Co Kildare, says she chose the college because it was new and would have up-to-date facilities. Travelling by train and bus, it takes her an hour and a quarter to reach college each day. All students complete a European Computer Driving Licence, following a self-paced course. Christina says it is easy to use and can be done in her own time.
"I like the fact that the college is so small. Everybody knows everybody and the social life is brilliant," she adds. Fellow student Donal McCarron has, at the age of 28, returned to full-time education. It was "pretty tough initially but I'm starting to get into it", he says. Both he and Christina hope to continue their studies to degree level.
Suzanne McElhinney and Neil Curry are students on the business studies and French course. Both students say they are happy with the course, especially the multimedia parts. "Using headphones means you're not embarrassed at your pronunciation and you can go at your own pace," Suzanne says. The computer is producing a visual voice pattern as the tape plays a recording of a native French speaker. Students have to try to produce the same pattern.
Neil came to Blanchardstown IT as the cut-off points were reasonable. "The course is brilliant . . . you really do get individual attention. You can be sure you will get to speak to your lecturers . . . and the soccer team is going strong (having just beaten DIT Bolton Street)."
Unfortunately for their Christmas festivities, all courses at Blanchardstown IT were modularised and semesterised. So, the millennium meant it was exam time in west Dublin.
