Trainee teachers oppose new on-line course

HUNDREDS of primary teaching students marched on the Department of Education to protest against the approval of an on-line teacher training course yesterday.

The 18-month Hibernia College postgraduate course began last month for 180 students, who will learn on-line content and have live tutorials over the internet along with regular regional class sessions.

Education Minister Noel Dempsey recognised the college’s Graduate Diploma in Primary Education as a suitable qualification for teaching jobs in August.