MICHAEL HALLISSY & JOHN HURLEY

The challenge

Currently 40% of Irish adults have difficulty with everyday maths calculations, affecting their self esteem, employability and even the education of their children. Many adult education providers experience difficulty in engaging reluctant learners who are uncomfortable returning to a traditional 'school' setting, places they may associate with failure.

The vision

Building on years of e-learning experience, Michael Hallissy and John Hurley set up H2 Learning, a supported online learning community, in response to this need. Their AdultMaths programme offers adult participants face-to-face classroom sessions, as well as access to an innovative mix of online tutorials, videos, activities, assessment and tutor support. Social networking tools will connect learners with their peers, tutors and maths experts.

Goals and objectives

The Arthur Guinness Fund award helped H2 Learning set up AdultMaths and spread their reach to education providers all over the country. It will also provide 'train the trainer' courses and support to ensure maths tutors use the range of interactive e-learning resources. By re-imagining maths education for a generation of adults, the course will enable learners to gain experience and confidence to find employment, as well as helping the next generation learn maths.

Website: www.h2learning.ie