Brian Mulligan, Head of Online Learning Innovation in Institute of Technology Sligo, is an engineer whose early career was in simulation and the application of information technology in engineering.  Since the mid-nineties he has been a key innovator in the application of IT in teaching in Ireland, most notably initiating Online Distance Learning from the Institute in 2002, growing it to over 4,800 students, making it Ireland’s largest provider of online education and a world leader in online education in engineering and manufacturing.  He is currently working on developing self-directed learning, work-based and project-based degrees.