Political Intervention might lead to a great Christmas Gift For Scottish Students

As per tradition, higher education in Scotland is supposed to be free for Scottish citizens but as politics interfered with the system, under the previous Labour-Lib Dem alliance at Holyrood, Scottish students paid money after graduating as “back-end tuition fees”. SNP leader, Alex Salmond questioned the need for the debate called by Labour leader Johann Lamont, on whether the students should pay tuition fees for higher education.

Image Courtesy : The Guardian, UK

He also pointed out that the website of the Scottish Labour still retained the commitment that no Scottish student should have to pay up-front or back-end tuition fees for higher education. He compared Labour to the Liberal Democrats. The party broke the promise to oppose raise in tuition fees ‘south of the border, which made leader Nick Clegg apologise.

Salmond also asked politicians to take a look at the happenings in England where students have to pay a minimum of £9000, per annum for tuition fees. He has asked them to "maintain the commitment that they made in this chamber by huge majority to not have up-front or back-end tuition fees in Scotland".

"They bear a remarkable resemblance to the pledge Nick Clegg signed before his party nose-dived." - The First Minister

Ms. Lamont was challenged by Salmond to,

"actually return to the roots not just of the Labour Party and the SNP, but the Scottish tradition of free education, so we can say with confidence to the students of Scotland, not just next year but for all time, that free education will be part of the Scottish tradition - not just for Christmas but for all time."

This political repartee led to Lamont telling Salmond,

"The price that the First Minister denies of his education choices is cuts in college places and our schools with a growing gap between the rich and the poor. He knows that and perhaps in the New Year he might want to confront the reality of it."

The political battle between the parties members reached a point to where Lamont accused Salmond of spending £500,000 to “watch a game of golf” in America where Salmond was “promoting” Scotland. So, basically now as the two parties are trying to outdo the other, the only beneficial outcome can be free education for Scottish students. After things are sorted out the ‘Christmas gift’ might just turn out to be a permanent solution to education funding issues for Scottish citizens.

Play and Learn with Modern Tech Toys

Parents across the globe are known to lay a special emphasis when it comes to the intellectual growth and skill building of their children. These wishes are fulfilled by the best level of academic practices in schools across the world. However there are steps which need to be taken by the guardians as well to ensure the growth process is not disrupted. Hence during their leisure time, ideas are to be implemented so as to help them learn while they play, without making it seem so.

Image Courtesy : Examiner.com

The holiday season is the one in which the children tend to stay away from their textbooks and be more engrossed in playing. The idea of making them study turns out to be a failure during this period. Hence the only way to see to it that the learning process continues is by introducing them to toys that are fun as well as educational.

The modern age has provided the parents with multiple options of potentially educational toys and games which children are finding a striking interest in. Gone are the days when an abacus was used to teach numbers to young kids in a playful way. The children today are more advanced when it comes to their choosing their playthings, therefore making it all the more necessary for the guardians to make their picks wisely.

Image Courtesy : FabWeb.com

The market has a lot to offer in the segment for toys that help in learning for different ages which are available in various price ranges as well. The younger kids would obviously love items which have a flashy outlook and can be actively played with. There happen to be items such as electronic learning robots and digitized board games which would certainly appeal to them and serve the educational purpose as well. The older kids however are much more tech savvy and can be approached in a different manner, the most popular method being through digital applications and software which can be used on computers or tablets. The apps are based on quizzes and ideas revolving around mechanics, science, history etc and are considerably useful in sparking their interest in the mentioned fields.

Due to busy schedule and extra work pressure it is not always possible for the parents to spend long hours helping or playing with their children. In such cases, toys that help in learning for different ages come in handy. It is true that the quality of time spent with the children matters rather than the quantity, so making complete use of the educational toys during such session can help a great deal in sparking their interest towards them.

Educational Reforms set to change the course of Education in Mississippi

Image Courtesy : mde.k12.ms.us

The Mississippi government has passed different reforms in the education sector over the years many of which have met with varying degrees of legislative success. Out of the so many educational reforms passed Mississippi Adequate Education Program passed in 1997 has been the most effective.

The MAEP passed over the veto of then-Gov. Kirk Fordice, guaranteed state funding so as to ensure that all children received proper education irrespective of whether they lived in poor or prosperous school district.

In the 1990’s, efforts were made by the legislature to give health care coverage to teachers. Infact in 2000, $392 million was spent on teacher pay rise that made Mississippi at least compete with other neighboring states.
These initiatives “was a continuing constructive process of sustaining the momentum that came out of the 1982 Education Reform Act,” said former Gov. William Winter, architect of the 1982 legislation. “I think they are all essential blocks in our never-ending quest to bring education in Mississippi up to an acceptable level. And it is a never-ending quest.”

Former Gov. Ronnie Musgrove, a chief MAEP architect while lieutenant governor, said focus put on education by such things as teacher pay raises, MAEP and others “encouraged teachers, administrators and students because it told them that the state believed education was important. It is important to let them know we are behind them.”

Facing Obstacles:

However each of these educational reforms met with obstacles before they could make any impact.

• After MAEP was passed by both the houses of the Legislature, the then Gov. Kirk Fordice vetoed it. However they took a corrective measure and called upon the Legislature to override and nullify his veto.
  
  
• Like MAEP, the Education Enhancement Act – the 1-cent sales tax – was also passed five years back.

“The bill passed because the people were for it,” Wicker said recently. “Paying for buildings, buses, and books – together with property tax relief – amounted to a powerful argument in favor of the one-cent increase.”

Teacher Pay:

In the year 2000, it looked like that the Musgrove campaign on teacher’s pay rise was going to fall apart but both McCoy, a key member of the House Leadership supported the issue and following his support the Senate leaders introduced their own bill supporting the raising of teacher’s salary.

Falling Short:

Though some of the educational reforms could be applied, there were many which could not be passed and implemented due to various reasons. Some of them are mentioned below:

• Ray Mabus was unsuccessful in his Better Education for Success Tomorrow (BEST) proposal which wanted to establish early child education, pay rise of teachers and even merit pay raises for all the high performing schools.
  
  
• Fordice tried to introduce PRIME that will give the residents the opportunity of placing their proposals on ballot but he failed to garner enough legislative support and the reform fell through.
  
  

Since those days, education in Mississippi has made a lot of progress. In 2012, terms like “Star,” “High-performing,” and “Low-Performing” were removed and its place the grading system has come into effect like the A-F grading system. At present efforts are made to introduce charter schools and scholarships for students so that they can go to private school. Its best to keep the fingers crossed and wish that the required reforms come about so that the education system can progress and shine.

Reality of Higher Education in Botswana

One of the most sparsely populated countries in the world, Botswana has a history of poor economic condition. Though it picked up the pace in the middle but in the current scenario, the country’s economy is again on the decline affecting another major sector namely the Education Field.

For the past few years, Botswana has repeatedly failed in establishing a tertiary education system due to lack of finances and human resource. But the recent tensions have imposed constraints and have affected the overall development of higher education.

Image Courtesy : tec.org.bw

Efforts have been made by the Tertiary Education Council or TEC for the promotion of higher education in the country since 2003 but so far no proper measures have been taken. The various economic, political and administrative issues have affected the growth of a proper education system in the country. 

The overall goal is to increase the tertiary education gross enrolment ratio from 11.4% in 2007-08 to at least 17% by 2016 – the 50th anniversary of independence – and to 25% by 2026.

Problems that are holding higher education back in Botswana:

• Botswana is going through an economic recession as the country mainly depends on the sale of Diamonds which have deteriorated in the recent times.
  
  
• Many of the students who are studying in South Africa has been asked to return as they cannot pay the stipend anymore, only the high achievers education costs are born by the state.
  
  
• State Surveillance has led to the growth of a feeling that many fellow colleagues or students may be a part of the state’s intelligence service.
  
  
• Moreover lack of financial help and human resources have delayed educational projects like the University of Botswana’s academic hospital dream. Even the star project BIUST is lagging behind and there are rumours of corruption surrounding it.

Contributions of the private sector:

• Contributions from the private sector had a modest beginning some 15 years ago with contributions by NIIT in India which is now called Botho College with campuses in Gaborone, Maun and Francistown.
  
  
• Both BA ISAGO University College and the Gaborone Institute of Professional Studies have spanned over 7 campuses having grown from a small institution.

• Malaysia-based Limkokwing University of Creative Technology is the 4^th institute whereas ABM University College has become the 5^th one with now more than 12 private educational institutes.

Vision versus reality:

• The peak in tertiary enrolments for private and public institutions combined was in 2008-09, when there were 47,889 students altogether. Of these 54.6% (26,130) were in public institutions, including 15,036 at the University of Botswana (58% of the public enrolment), with others in colleges of education, health science, agriculture and others, and the Botswana College of Distance and Open Learning. Since 2009, public institutions have experienced a small decline in enrolment of a few thousand students, while private institutions declined by 38% to 13,345 students in 2010-11. Last year, of 36,859 students, 35% were in private and 65% in public institutions.

• The plan is to attract more private institutions to improve the tertiary education in the country. Several institutions, such as Monash University and Mancosa from South Africa have already started their operations and are offering 3 undergraduate courses and an MBA.
  
  
• The ministry has thought of a ‘Back to School’ initiative so as to provide higher education for school teachers.
  
  
• Moreover steps should be taken to recollect the loans as more than 120,000 students had their education sponsored by the state. Collection of the loan will improve the country financial condition to a certain level.

2012's New Innovations in Education Sector

2012 is a crucial year in the field of education as it will witness 5 big trends that are going to shape the future of education for the next decade. In the current scenario we cannot undermine the role education plays in shaping the growth of a country.

By now you must be wondering and anticipating what those five trends are going to be? The 5 big trends are explained below for your better understanding.

• State policy matters more. With federal devolution like ESEA waivers and state aggregation of control of the six levers, the education sector is bound to get affected. Just like NCLB, the Common Core State Standards will define the state of education for the coming decade.

In most states, the online administration of new state tests in May of 2015 will be the most important event of the decade; preparation for and responding to the results will be among the most important leadership tasks.

• Viral adoption of affordable web and mobile applications are changing the course of education. Unlike the previous generation, the current generation is not waiting for things to happen. They are using software applications available on the net and on the mobile phone to pursue higher education. This generation has witnessed the use of iPad, Ruby and softwares where the candidates are going through their study materials on the go i.e. while travelling, waiting for someone and so on.

• More Online learning: The explosion of MOOCs onto the education scene in 2012 along with the access to OER (e.g. Khan Academy, CK12, Gooru, PowerMyLearning) to has started a new mega trend whereby online learning is becoming easy, affordable and efficient.

• Blended learning: Although one can access online classes from anywhere anytime but most universities are planning to adopt the “Blended Learning” procedure whereby the candidates will be able to easy the benefits of both traditional classroom experience as well as the online experience. In the near future the courses are going to be a mix of both the learning procedure so that the benefits of learning increases and the candidates don’t miss out on anything.

• Data: The availability of data driven platforms like knowledge maps, achievement recognition systems (dashboards/badges to name a few) and profile driven playlists are going to make the procedure of “Teach to One” Recommendations more feasible and active.

China adapting Online Learning on a large scale Facilities to Educate its Citizens

China prides in its education system. The Chinese government promotes State Run Public Education for all its citizens. It is compulsory for all citizens to attend school for a minimum of 9 years. According to the Ministry of Education, primary school has a 99% attendance rate whereas primary and middle schools boast of 80% attendance.

In 1985, the government of China went ahead and did away with tax – funded higher education o that the candidates applying in Universities compete for scholarships depending on their academic performance. Private Education was introduced for the first time in China in the early 1980’s.

Chinese spending has grown by 20% per year since 1999, now reaching over $100bn, and as many as 1.5 million science and engineering students graduated from Chinese universities in 2006. China published 184,080 papers as of 2008.

{Source: Su, Xiaohuan (28 March 2011), China 'to overtake US on science' in two years, BBC World News}

Image Courtesy : Reuters

History of Online Education in China:

With the contribution from big investors in the field of Online Education, the education industry is booming right now. The candidates staying in far off places and under developed areas are the ones who have benefitted the most from Online Education. Even all the working people who could not pursue their higher education, online learning proved to be a boon for them.

The Ministry of Education has approved 68 ordinary schools of higher learning and the Central Radio and TV University to pilot modern distance education. By the end of 2003, these schools had established 2,027 off-campus learning centers around China, offering 140 majors in ten disciplines, and had a total enrollment of 1.373 million.

The gradual spread of broadband technology has also helped online education. The China Education and Research Network (CERNET), started in 1994, is now China's second largest Internet network, covering all major cities of China. The high-speed connection between it and the China Education Broadband Satellite Net, opened in 2000, established a "space to earth" transmission platform for modern distance education, and provided an all-round network supporting environment for distance education.

{Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Education_in_the_People%27s_Republic_of_China#Adult_and_online_education}

2011 has marked the rise of Online education and training in China which reached CNY60 billion. And if we are to go by the trend then it will reach CNY72.3 billion in 2012.

By the end of 2011, the number of China education enterprises listed in America is 11 (including Global Education & Technology Co., Ltd. which acquired by Pearson Education Group and is about to cease trading). China Cast Education Corporation logins OTCBB via SPAC then turns to NasdaqGS; CEU belongs to backdoor listing; the rest nine education enterprises belong to IPO and the total financing is $ 915 million, the total market capitalization is approximate $ 5.3 billion. China Edu Corporation, China Cast Education Corporation, CEU, China Distance Education Holding Ltd., GEDU, New Oriental, Xueersi, Ambow and ATA have opened online education and training business except for Xueda and Noah. The former nine enterprises' businesses also cover parenting education, entrance examination coaching, language training, network higher education, vocational certification training, corporate E-learning and online education services.

{Source: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/12/03/5026792/research-on-online-education-and.html}

According to statistics, in China, over 90% of primary and secondary school students and their parents have an urgent demand for education service with low-cost, high-quality and sustainable development. More than 75% of the workers are under various degrees of continued training; more than 50% of enterprises managers take initiatively participate in professional learning and training; 45 % of young people are learning foreign language. The total number of people who need high-quality education and training resources across the country reached 380 million. If 30% of them have the online education training conditions, the annual per capita consumption of online education and training is CNY600, the total market space is CNY70 billion.

{Source: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/12/03/5026792/research-on-online-education-and.html}

The current prevailing scenario in China is ideal for online education. It is an era where education plays a pivotal role in shaping and changing the future of a country. And China regards Online Education as an important means to promote the overall development of the country.

What are these Online Learning Platforms?

Online education has its share of naysayers and all those people who are an ardent supporter of how good online education is considering all the benefits it offers. Naysayers opine that there is a high chance that the university is fake and the degrees offered by them are not worth it and the candidate will end up wasting money. In this age of internet, it is very easy to create a fake website with appealing pictures and information to attract the candidates to get enrolled and invest money. Infact there have been reports, where it was found after investigation that the so called university never existed in the first place and it was a cyber scam to which many people became victims.

But then that is so with everything that is done online. It may happen that we log into a site, purchase something and pay the money online but the product is never delivered. Inspite of repeated calls and follow ups we still lose our money.

Same way we cannot completely accept and believe what the naysayers are saying. What we need to do, is do a thorough research on the university, call upon the number provided and talk to university officials and in case we come across anyone who has passed out from that university we can have a talk with them and clarify our doubts. We have to gather information on two vital points i.e. whether the university is properly accredited and whether the degree offered by them are globally known and acknowledged.

Image courtesy : indalytics

The main aim of online learning is to train the candidates and develop their skills and expertise from entry level jobs to high end jobs so that the candidates can apply their skills wherever they join. In online learning the classes are imparted through audio video clips which in turn make the candidates tech savvy. Different universities use different softwares. Some use softwares like iNoodle, some use Blackboard Learner and many more.

Currently Wellesley College has become the first arts college to join edX, the online learning software developed by Harvard and MIT. Wellesley has joined edX with the intention of using all means available in order to make undergraduate courses interesting and fun.

Wellesley College wants to provide its students the benefits of both traditional courses and online courses at the same time and hence they opted for this edX model because it provides both the experience. Using such a powerful platform Wellesley wants to provide the candidates with the experience of blended learning so that they don’t miss out on the best of education that can be achieved.