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Another 17,000 laptops have been ordered to assist students with online and blended learning, minister Simon Harris said.<\/p>\nAnother 17,000 laptops have been ordered to assist students with online and blended learning, minister Simon Harris said.<\/p>\n
A fund for devices worth 15 million euros was part of a package helping further and higher education to deal with the impact of Covid-19.<\/p>\n
The minister for further and higher education, research, innovation, and science said: \u201cCovid-19 has disrupted many aspects of our lives.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor students in third level, it has resulted in a changed college experience.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis new academic year will mean many students will be attending courses online and will need access to devices.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis investment will allow us to help 16,700 students access laptops and will ensure they can keep up to date with their studies.\u201d<\/p>\n
The cash has already allowed higher education institutions and further education institutions place a bulk order of 16,700 devices for students across third level and further devices are also being procured individually by some institutions.<\/p>\n
The minister added: \u201cIt will also go some way to bridging the digital divide, support students and ensure equality of access to education.\u201d<\/p>\n