Posts Tagged: Course
26
Jul 10
Education and the Price of Crime in the UK
- The government in the UK is calling for better education in prisons. According to the BBC, prisons in England are under review by parliament in an effort to improve the educational programmes in prisons across the country. Skills minister John Hayes told reporters that effective education is vital to the justice system because education improves the chances that an inmate will find employment upon being released. Being able to offer a skill and find a job is “essential” in preventing criminals from committing a second or third crime, and to help them create positive role models for their families. In the UK, half the men and more than 70% of the women have no job qualifications at all. Two-thirds do not have a literacy level above the age of 11.

Complications in effective education plans for prisons in the UK arose in part due to job cuts and pay freezes for education staff. As a result, teachers have more work and less pay which has caused senior leaders to find work elsewhere. This meant the loss of mentoring support for those teachers with less experience.
The price of crime is not only high for the delinquent but also for the state. Functioning prison facilities cost tax- payers roughly £60bn a year in England, with £9bn as a result of re-offending. Mr. Hayes was quoted as saying, ¨the last thing society needs is people reverting to crime because they are, or feel they are, capable of nothing better. That is not good for society and it is not good for the offender. But we must have value for money – the review I am undertaking will look at current courses and where they can be better tailored to social needs.”
Reference | BBC
23
Jul 10
The Joy of Garbage – Course of the Week

Source: Flickr Creative Commons - D'Arcy Norman
Do you get excited about garbage? No? Well, neither do we, and this is not what this course is about either. The Joy of Garbage is actually about consumerism, recycling, ecosystems and politics, but it has a catchy title, doesn´t it?
This course, offered at UC Berkeley in the U.S., addresses current “garbage” policies – from electronic waste, recycling practices, landfills, incinerators, the dumping of hazardous materials, reckless or even unintended pollution of terrestrial and aquatic environments… just to name a few.
The first hour of class is dedicated to the weekly “Garbage in the News,” which will include student presentations, readings and discussion about current trashy topics. The second hour is generally reserved for a guest speaker or the viewing of a documentary.
Most students believe that topics surrounding environmental issues and sustainability are important for universities to address and even act on. To read about the “greenest” universities around the world click here, and to brush up on your garbage knowledge you know what to do.
19
Jul 10
Exercise Said to Improve Grades of College Students

Researchers are saying that college students who exercise tend to have better grades than those who do not exercise. A study done by Saginaw Valley State University in Michigan studied 266 undergraduate students to see if or how exercise influences Grade Point Average (GPA is on a 4 point scale, 4 being the highest grade, an A+). The study took into account the following factors that might also influence GPA apart from exercise; gender, study time, college sports and area of study. The results showed that students who vigorously and habitually exercised had a 0.4 point higher GPA than students who did not exercise.
Now, many argue that exercise and good grades do not have a cause and effect relationship, but are correlated because those who have the discipline to exercise probably have the discipline to study and manage their time better. That may be true, but it is important to note that exercise releases endorphins, which has shown to improve attitude and boost energy, both fundamental in being a successful student.
A similar study was conducted by the American College of Sports Medicine. The purpose of the study was to “assess the association between study time, grade point average (GPA) and meeting current recommendations for vigorous and moderate physical activity in college students.” Results showed that students who spend more time studying are more likely to exercise. A student who studies three or more hours per day is four times more likely to exercise vigorously than students who study less than one hour per day. And students with a GPA of 3.5 or above are three times more likely to exercise vigorously than students with a GPA below 3.0.
Verdict:
Exercise is healthy for both body and mind and may help students get on track to getting better grades.
What do you think?
Read more about this article, here.
12
Jul 10
Fashion Design for Pet Apparel – Course of the Week
This week´s Course of the Week is for those with an eye for fashion and a heart for the furry – Fashion Design for Pet Apparel!! That’s right, with this course on designing, creating and sewing pet garments, you can channel your inner flare for fabrics on models that never complain. This course is offered at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, and will begin with an introduction to body forms of the four-legged, functional needs of pet clothing, as well as safety and ease-of-dressing methods. You will create everything a pet could possible want to wear, from T-shirts to winter coats and couture ensembles.

French Bulldog in Stripes
If fashion is your cup of tea, check out some of our other posts about fashion courses here and here.
Make it work…
16
Jun 10
Natural Health Practitioner – Course of the Week

One of the trends that has been gaining more and more popularity these days is the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle. Maintaining a healthy body is not just about getting enough exercise, it is also about eating right. The Spa & Wellness industry is experiencing rapid growth, which in turn is driving the requirement for professionally trained and experienced practitioners in areas such as: Aromatherapy, Day Spa, Massage, Reflexology, Acupuncture, Reiki, Hypnotherapy and Natural Health Practices. A number of institutions including spas, hotels, medical clinics, schools and hospitals need to have someone trained in natural health and nutrition on hand. Most of the Natural Health programs are based on the principles of traditional naturopathy – that healing will occur naturally in the human body if it is given what it truly needs: fresh air, sunlight, suitable diet, clean water, exercise, rest and relaxation. Naturopathic Medicine is one of the many areas of alternative medicine that emphasizes the healing power of nature, a ‘life force’ which drives the regenerative cure mechanisms of the body.
According to the American Bureau of Labor Statistics, educational requirements for those who would like to start a career in Spa & Wellness can vary but formal education is often a must. In Canada, after completing certificate programs you will be able to get a business license to work in the industry. Professional associations ratify courses and recognize their graduates as legal practitioners. The British Naturopathic Association for example, recommends BSc Health Sciences: Naturopathy at the University of Westminster in London. There are numerous programs that can ensure a good start towards your dream career:
A two year Diploma in Exercise and Wellness at Camosun College in Victoria, Canada prepares you for a career in wellness education, exercise, and physical leadership.
Master of Science in Complementary Alternative Medicine at the American College of Healthcare Sciences in Portland, USA.
Bachelor of Science in Health and Wellness an online study program from Kaplan University, USA.
If you like the idea of promoting a healthy lifestyle, get started on your way to becoming a natural health practitioner today!
26
May 10
10 Steps to Become a Celebrity Personal Assistant

Have you ever thought about how cool it would be to work as a celebrity personal assistant? To enjoy an incredible lifestyle that most people can only dream about, including flying first class, chatting with other celebrities and going to upscale parties? Actually, being a personal assistant to a celebrity also means that you are responsible for that celebrity’s success and career development.
Does this sound like a great job to you?
If so, here are 10 steps to your dream position as a CPA:
1. Pick a Celebrity
You can choose to assist not only actors and rock stars, but also professional athletes, politicians, bestselling authors, wealthy families, business executives etc. Choose the field you’re interested in.
2. Develop Your Skills
Celebrities are currently looking for technologically advanced assistants with strong computer and typing skills. Most of them are also interested in your etiquette knowledge, communication skills and personal shopping abilities.
3. Get Some Training
Currently there are no formal university qualifications (that we know of) to become a celebrity personal assistant, but you can develop many of the necessary skills in related programs, such as: Executive Secretarial Certificate, Personal Assistant Course, Office Administration, or an Events Management Diploma.
4. Get Some Experience
The best way to learn is to practice. Become a non-celebrity PA first.
5. Find a Job Opening
Try to meet celebrities through networking, volunteering or working as a production assistant on a movie set. Look for job openings through word of mouth and via the internet. Advertise yourself in a trade magazine or publication.
6. Get in Touch With the Celebrity
Send your resume to the celebrity and follow it up with a phone call. Get in touch with the celebrity’s agent, attorney, or even their current personal assistant as they may have an opening in the future or know someone who does.
7. Avoid Common Mistakes
Don’t provide too much personal information about yourself. Don’t mention you are hoping to start your own career in show business soon. Instead, focus on what you have to offer the celebrity.
8. Join an Agency
Register yourself in top CPA employment agencies. Network with existing celebrity personal assistants and start filling in when someone is sick or on vacation.
9. Interview
During the interview your personality match with the celebrity is just as important as your CV. Be honest and direct when you speak.
10. Join Professional Organizations
There are professional organizations that assist celebrity personal assistants with their career development. Madonna’s assistant became her manager. Other assistants moved on to executive positions in the film industry. Good luck!
10
May 10
Fashion Illustration – Course of the Week

It´s amazing how some people can just whip out incredible illustrations in only a few minutes. Contestants on the show Project Runway for example, get just 30 minutes or less to think about and sketch out their designs. It must take a lot of practice and skill to be able to do that. Apart from sketching for hours on end, is there a faster way to become the next big illustrator for Vogue magazine? It turns out that there is.
The Australian Institute of Fashion Design has a Fashion Illustration and Portfolio Development course to help you realise your dream. It is designed to improve your fashion drawing and illustration skills, using various rendering mediums (graphite, charcal, paint, etc.). Students will also learn how to professionally layout a portfolio, using techniques to enhance the design’s impact, communicate a design theme or story and create a flow through.
The following is a list of some of the topics that will be covered in this short course:
* Creating Fashion Stories
* Colour Schemes
* Using fashion figure templates/croqui
* Understanding the fashion figure proportions
* Using Various Rendering Techniques and Materials
* Mixed Media Techniques to Create Visually Stunning Presentations
* Using Watercolor Pencils, Gouache and Watercolor Paints, Pantone Marker Pens, Graphite and More
* Creating Different Illustration Styles
* Shading Garments on the Body
* Rendering Fabrics
* Portfolio Layout and Presentation
Your successful career as a fashion designer awaits you!
3
May 10
Parapsychology – Course of the Week

Anyone who has seen the movie Poltergeist knows that paranormal events are difficult to deal with. Should you go into the light? Should you stay away from the light? It is just so confusing, especially when there isn’t always an older psychic woman to come and save the day. What does the family in the movie do? They consult a group of researchers who specialize in parapsychology. How do you specialize in that? Do you have to go to school for it? Well, yes. You do.
Conventry University offers a Master of Science in Parapsychology where students will examine a subject that holds a great fascination for many people – the existence of life after death and psychic abilities. The program provides a thorough empirical, theoretical and methodological introduction to the controversial field of parapsychology. It is delivered entirely online and is based upon existing staff research and teaching expertize in parapsychology within the university’s Psychology Department.
Areas studied on the course will include:
* History and Philosophy of Parapsychology
* Research Methods in Parapsychology
* Anomalous Experiences
* Extrasensory Perception and Psychokinesis Research
* Transpersonal Psychology
* Studies of Evidence for Survival of Bodily Death (Apparitions, Reincarnations, and Cases of Possession)
* A Dissertation Based on Empirical Research
The univeristy says that this program is geared towards individuals who are looking to continue on to get their PhD in the same area. With this degree families might soon be calling you to come fix their poltergeists.



Facebook
Twitter
Flickr
YouTube
Orkut
LinkedIn
Sonico
Wikipedia
5
Jul 10
Sports Commentator – Course of the Week
We are a week away from the FIFA World Cup 2010 finals, an amazing and memorable experience we will never forget. From the early days of radio sports broadcasting, people have watched and listened to games and reacted with various emotions. Depending on the event, the sports commentator’s tone of voice rises and falls creating a great deal of excitement for viewers. The World Cup would be nothing without sports commentators. HA! I dare to say football wouldn’t be successful without sports commentators at all! If you are a sport enthusiast, you have an excellent memory, a strong audio voice and you have an ability to relate to an audience and provide them with interesting comments, this career might just be for you!
Your main responsibility in this job will be to explain the sport to the listeners, engage them by making the game into an exciting event, broadcast live commentary, interview players and coaches and sometimes you may even be required to travel around the world to cover all the games being broadcast (including the FIFA World Cup with a VIP pass!).
Although there is no standard educational route for becoming a sports commentator, most sports commentators have a university or college degree in journalism, physical education or broadcasting.
This might be your exemplary education path:
Bachelor in Broadcast Journalism at Lewis University in Illinois, USA
Graduate Diploma of Broadcasting at Edith Cowan University in Perth , Australia
Post Graduate Diploma in Broadcast Journalism at the Grimsby Institute of Further & Higher Education in Great Grimsby, UK
If you really want this carrer we additionally recommend you to:
Reference : www.schoolsintheusa.com