The Diploma in IFRSs is now a truly international qualification, currently involving participants from the USA, Canada and several European countries. This is an exciting development but as they are unable to attend the tutorial sessions in Dublin a different approach was required.
Online
The answer was the development of a number of online tutorial sessions which were introduced for the first time in 2009. One of the course tutors Gavin Aspden agreed to design and deliver monthly these online sessions for the distance participants. On a monthly basis participants receive an email inviting them to join the session online. Speaking about the benefits Aspden said, "we address the key topics for each module on the course, helping the participants to understand the main concepts, it helps them to engage with the materials and to feel part of a wider class."
Email
The use of email remains an important aspect of the course, allowing participants to contact the course tutors with questions as they arise. Aspden explains, "sometimes people when completing their home assignments will encounter issues and email allows them to reach out and clarify a point quickly and easily."
The future
The response to date from those on the course had been overwhelmingly positive. The intention is that we will build on this success and enhance the online aspect of the course. The upcoming move by ICAI to new training facilities and HQ on Dublin's Pearse St will offer us a range of options, including live online delivery of classes. These are exciting developments and we will seek to incorporate them into both the IFRS and other diploma programmes.
More information on the IFRS Dilploma can be found on the ICAI website.