http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/science/education/the-run-up-to-london-2012-how-now-could-be-the-best-time-to-study-business.html http://www.articletrader.com/science/education/the-run-up-to-london-2012-how-now-could-be-the-best-time-to-study-business.html Mon, 28 Sep 2009 06:08:31 -0500
You'd be forgiven for thinking the tone of this article a little over-optimistic, what with the recession still very much a reality. But as each new structure is completed for the Olympics we are seeing an incredible amount of jobs being generated. The latest news came from the scene of the International Broadcast Centre which is set to be the hub of around 20,000 broadcasters, photographers and journalists. Consequently, the 90,000 square metres development is likely to generate thousands of jobs.

The arrival of the Olympics also stimulates the launch of organisations which will benefit from private funding such as sponsorship. For example, British Gas have begun a marketing campaign which allows free swimming vouchers to be obtained through an a website - in order to promote a healthy lifestyle and to help produce a strong swimming team for 2012. Additionally, EDF Energy have struck up a sponsorship deal with the Olympic Committee alongside McDonalds and BT.

But how will the Olympics benefit those just starting out, perhaps those who have just enrolled upon - or graduating from - the numerous business courses offered around the country. For those interested working for sports related companies, such as gyms, clubs and other facilities, there is understandably a drive at the moment to ensure all the above are up to scratch and a great deal are hiring in all areas. Of course, being able to demonstrate a love and passion for sport and healthy living will be worth almost as much as your business acumen.

Also, apprenticeships are available to help you earn while you learn. Organisations such as UK Athletics run courses to train officials for the event, while Lifetime are regarded as the biggest training provider in the industry - and will give you an even better chance at getting a job.


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Sarah Maple is writing about distance learning and degree courses.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/science/education/higher-education-in-2009-what-is-a-degree-course-actually-worth.html http://www.articletrader.com/science/education/higher-education-in-2009-what-is-a-degree-course-actually-worth.html Fri, 25 Sep 2009 09:03:14 -0500
As research published by push.co.uk shows, students starting degree courses. this year will be likely finish with the biggest graduate debts we have known - with the average amount being around £23,000 per person. The research and other pressures have since caused the UK government to set aside £5 billion to help students who find themselves during financial troubles during their studies.

However, further data published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development is helping clarify the actual financial worth of university degrees - across a number of countries - by calculating the return on investment by weighing up education costs and foregone earnings with earnings made in the future.

The research found that across all OECD countries (including the UK, US, Japan and France), an average male student who has obtained a university degree will benefit from more than $186,000 more over his lifetime compared to that if he had left education after high/secondary school. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the average for women is slightly lower - a statistic that is affected by the lacking equality between earnings for women and men. Yet, the earnings still average £134,000 more for a female student with a university degree.

However, aside from the projected financial worth for individuals, the report also highlights the benefits to the economy per person who is put through higher education - with the average male earning $52,000 over his lifetime.

The OECD report is no doubt positive at a time when many students are fearing the financial impact of further education. Yet, the research also does well to highlight the importance of distance learning and how it will have a significant impact on global higher education. Graduation rates across all OECD countries have increased by 20 percent, whilst - surprisingly - the UK has ‘levelled off' to a 2 percent increase over the last seven years, whilst the US sees more people leaving education before university.

Of course, both of these countries that have seen a dramatic influx of students entering higher education due to the recession and are subsequently seeing a saturation of facilities. Could we soon see the developing countries (Ireland, Poland and Portugal have seen an increase of 7 percent between 1998 and 2006) helping where the UK and US can't accommodate?


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Sarah Maple is writing for Kaplan Open Learning about home study courses.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/science/education/education-2009-the-importance-of-integrating-business-with-higher-education.html http://www.articletrader.com/science/education/education-2009-the-importance-of-integrating-business-with-higher-education.html Fri, 25 Sep 2009 08:52:25 -0500
This sudden saturation of the education system (and the decline in jobs available for those who leave it) has caused the latest report by the Confederation of British Industry to call for both students and businesses to invest more in higher education. For the former this means higher interest rates, fees, and fewer grants to go round, whilst businesses themselves are being urged to integrate completely with institutions to ease the financial burden suffered recession-hit universities.

Unsurprisingly, many students will find the proposals hard to accept - and accusations that they are ‘offensive' and ‘retrograde' have already been heard. But whether or not the integration of business and higher education is embraced by the UK government, institutions and companies - individuals considering a further education course should not be put of by the notion that business may have a more significant implication on their studies. And that it does not necessarily mean that they will have to pay more.

The benefits of home study courses are worth a mention here, and are relevant not because they are controlled by private funding any more than traditional courses are - but because they can aid students in ways that the CBI are proposing better integration between institutions and private business can - and more.

Distance learning courses are not only cheaper for each individual student, but time is far more flexible meaning that students can remain in work while they complete their studies. This gives students ongoing skills development that is unique to the workplace, as well as continuing academic study - and there may even be room for integration between study and work depending on their subject and job. This will no doubt lead to an impressive and wide-ranging development of skills for students - as well as the obvious ability to time-manage independently in a busy and fast moving environment.


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Sarah Maple is writing about distance learning and online degree courses.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/science/education/doing-it-for-the-adults-adult-education-and-lifelong-learning-in-2009.html http://www.articletrader.com/science/education/doing-it-for-the-adults-adult-education-and-lifelong-learning-in-2009.html Fri, 25 Sep 2009 08:30:22 -0500 adult education have been increasingly discussed in the press over the last year. Of course, there are numerous reasons for this growing interest - the most obvious being the many sudden recession-fuelled enrolments to universities by adults over the last six months - as older learners seek to spruce up their CVs and to make themselves more employable.

Another factor (which is highlighted by the latest report from Professor Tom Schueller and the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education) is the gradual aging of the UK population - which is perhaps best exemplified by the notion that the first woman to reach the age of 120 is alive and approaching 60. In 2007, the average UK life expectancy at birth (according to the Office of National Statistics) is just over 79 years, an age that has increased by around five years since the early eighties - and that has led to projections that the life expectancy of those born in 2006 is 88.1 years for males and 91.5 years for females.

These are the factors which led to the report by Schueller and NIACE, which highlighted that whilst the average amount spent on the education of an 18 to 24 year old is £8,000 by the government, the numbers are drastically different for older learners - with 25 to 50 year olds receiving just £300, 50 to 75 years olds receiving £86, and those over 75 receiving just £60.

Unsurprisingly, the report calls for change in this respect - and particularly investment in education that is less front loaded and more equally steered toward promoting lifelong learning. The report, and much of the press that surrounded its release, discussed the three significant benefits to individuals in lifelong learning (these are particularly visible amongst those educated in prison): Human Capital, Identity Capital and Social Capital.

Human Capital refers to the ‘learning' part that is the primary reason for education at all ages: to gain skills and knowledge that are both academic and practical - weather to make the individual more employable or better suited to a particular job or profession.

The latter two, Identity Capital and Social Capital are of particular importance to older people. Identity Capital refers to the self-worth gained from learning, i.e. being challenged, overcoming obstacles and achieving - all aspects of life that are perhaps overlooked especially as an individual reaches retirement age. Additionally, Social Capital refers to the development of a social network through education, those friends and peers who can support and help during times of need.

The importance of the above to adults of all ages is gradually being realised both by institutions, the government and the public at large, and it seems that 2009 is likely to herald an intriguing development in how we view adult education and its worth to everyone throughout their lives.


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Sarah Maple is writing about distance learning courses and online degree courses.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/science/education/a-college-education-can-help-keep-you-off-the-dole.html http://www.articletrader.com/science/education/a-college-education-can-help-keep-you-off-the-dole.html Wed, 23 Sep 2009 10:04:40 -0500
At a time when college education is such a vital part of procuring a job, college attendance has been down enough that the Queen's Ministry is busily reducing jobs within the educational sector in order to keep the funding and the attendance balanced. This means that many good quality instructors are now also out of a job when the public could be better served with them working to train people.

If more unemployed people registered themselves in college to begin a new career path, a multitude of things could be accomplished. With the number of enrollees up, the amount of instructors needed would rise and the Queen's Ministry would stop reducing and start adding instructors to the college rosters. With people learning new skills and new trades, more fully educated job seekers would enter the market.

What this means on the individual level is that if you are out of work, are unsuccessful in trying to get a new job in your chosen profession, going to college might be just the right choice for you. Do some research, find out what areas of the employment world are growing and what out of those areas you believe you would be best at. Then work out your college schedule in order to achieve the goal you set for yourself. When you come out of college, you will have a much better chance of getting a good job and it will take you off of the government assistance program, making room for that money to go elsewhere where it might be needed.


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This article was written by Tom Sangers on behalf of Northampton College who offer a Northampton Education, full and part time courses including A level in Northampton.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/science/education/more-students-are-applying-to-university.html http://www.articletrader.com/science/education/more-students-are-applying-to-university.html Wed, 23 Sep 2009 09:48:01 -0500
The percentages for 2009 are expected to continue to rise as young students try to build their ability to get a job in the changing workplace. Joining these young students both coming out of high school and leaving the job market to rejoin school,l are the older students who have lost their career and are going back to school in order to learn new skills to start a new career.

Many of the sciences are seeing a rise in student applications, chemists are on the rise and students looking to get into the energy field. Physics and Biology are also showing a growth period. People are seeing more and more worth in higher education as an investment in their futures. Even families that are lower income are registering their teen-agers fresh out of high school. These students that before might not have had a chance to explore their potential and their talent are being registered due to the state of the economy and the family's wishes to give them a better chance at making it in the world.

Colleges and Universities also attribute their rises in registration to their aggressive marketing schedules that they have recently undertaken. This marketing is done through many different medias including television and internet. With these medias the colleges and universities are able to tout what their school can do for it's students and invite them to see for themselves through visitations to the schools and talks with the schools advisory teams.

One thing is for certain, as the world economy keeps quaking with instability, more and more individuals are going to be looking to higher education for the remedy to their financial dilemmas. Registration will likely continue to rise and more and more students will be entering the workplace with higher levels of knowledge and skills.


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This article was written by Tom Sangers on behalf of Northampton College who offer a Northampton Education and full and Part Time Courses in Northampton.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/science/education/is-propane-safe-to-use-in-an-outdoor-fire-pit-or-patio-heater.html http://www.articletrader.com/science/education/is-propane-safe-to-use-in-an-outdoor-fire-pit-or-patio-heater.html Mon, 21 Sep 2009 09:24:03 -0500
Of course, if you smoke when handling a propane cylinder, or use matches or lighters to check for leaks, or pour lighter fluid or gasoline on your gas fire pit or outdoor patio heater, all that safeness may go up in smoke, along with a few other things.

Storing propane cylinders indoors or subjecting them to very high temperatures also is a no-no. For instance, if propane leaks from a cylinder stored in a basement, the gas can drift across the floor to a pilot light on a furnace or water heater and cause an explosion or fire. Propane is heavier than air and accumulates at the lowest point in an enclosed area.

Repairing connections and other mechanisms on a propane cylinder, outdoor fire pit, or patio heater without adequate training, or allowing children to mess with any such mechanisms, also truncates safety.

That said, millions use propane safely in a growing number of ways in homes, industry, farming, and transportation. More than 14 million families use propane to fuel their furnaces, appliances, air conditioners, water heaters, outdoor fire pits, grills, and patio heaters.

Since propane gives off minimal emissions, it is often used indoors to power vehicles, such as forklifts and ice resurfacing machines. In large cities, millions more use this clean-burning alternative for buses, taxis, and other service vehicles. Propane is one of the lightest, simplest hydrocarbons in existence.

700,000 farms use propane in a variety of ways, including irrigation pumps, standby generators, and grain dryers.

Point is, many people use propane in many ways and do so safely. Compared to other petroleum products, propane has a narrow range of flammability. To ignite, the propane-air mix must contain from 2.2% to 9.6% propane vapor. If less than 2.2%, too sparse to burn. More than 9.6%, too rich.

Also, propane will not ignite when mixed with air unless the ignition source reaches 940 degrees Fahrenheit. Contrast that with gasoline, which can ignite at 430 degrees.

Especially when observing common sense safety precautions, similar to what are presented here or in outdoor fire pit or patio heater operating manuals, the chances of injury or death as a direct result of a propane accident are extremely remote.

Why? When liquid propane leaks out, it vaporizes and disintegrates into the air. Because it is released from a pressurized cylinder as a vapor, it cannot be ingested like gasoline or alcohol fuels. Rigorous safety standards now govern the manufacture of propane equipment and appliances. Propane tanks do not explode, implode, rupture or come apart on their own. In fact, it takes a lot of time and effort to make a propane tank explode.

A key advancement was the creation and regulation of the "overfilling prevention device" (OPD), which is easily recognizable by the triangular hand wheel at the top of the valve. The hand wheel connected to the valve stem is tamperproof and not interchangeable with a container not fitted with the overfill prevention equipment.

This backup safety device helps ensure that the filling process shuts off when the cylinder reaches 80% liquid capacity. This allows room in the cylinder for changes in fuel volume due to changes in temperature. These cylinders are used with an outdoor fire pit or patio heater fueled by propane.

Unlike other petroleum products, propane is nontoxic, so it does not harm soil and water. Since it does not endanger our environment, the EPA does not regulate the placement of propane tanks above or below ground.

All in all, you can have confidence using an outdoor fire pit or patio heater fueled by propane. As with any hazardous material or activity, human error is an important factor we cannot always control or predict. However, applying common sense guidelines in using and storing propane should eliminate about any chance of accident or injury.


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Chris Basher is the owner of FirePitNow.com , a unique online source for outdoor fire pits, outdoor fireplaces, gel bowls, patio heaters, wood racks and holders, mosquito traps and other backyard products. FirePitNow.com features both wood burning and gas fire pits in a number of styles from reputable manufacturers. With core values that focus on customer service and quality products, shopping at FirePitNow.com is a pleasure. Mr. Basher's interest and knowledge relating to safe use of outdoor fire pits and related products stem from years of camping in the Adirondack Mountains of New York and his passion for backyard landscaping and development. Additional information regarding selection and use of outdoor fire pits and related products may be found at FirePitNow.com .

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/science/education/is-a-degree-from-an-online-college-just-as-good.html http://www.articletrader.com/science/education/is-a-degree-from-an-online-college-just-as-good.html Wed, 09 Sep 2009 11:57:51 -0500 First, there is no need to worry about being on time to class or commuting. You can just jump on your computer to view presentations, participate in discussions, and submit assignments each week at a time that is convenient for you. Your studies can be worked into your busy schedule, even with job and family responsibilities. All schedule deadlines and expectations are published in advance so you know exactly what and when to do them.
Second, when your online college is accredited, you will have no worries or doubts about the quality of your education. You are assured that your education meets the highest standards. In addition, when you earn your degree through an accredited online college, your degree and the credits you have earned will be accepted by your future employer, the military, or even another college or university if you wish to pursue another degree.

You'll enjoy learning in a vigorous online environment that connects you with your instructor and fellow students. You will be working with students around the world through group discussion, document sharing, and e-mail. Even though the platform is a virtual one - you'll experience community in a personal way. Courses are structured and interactive so you know what to expect.

The best news is that you will receive all of these benefits without cutting corners. When you choose to pursue your continuing education from an accredited online college, you will be assured that the education you receive will be the very best.


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Johney Maron is a part time author who has an interest in college student ministries. Colorado Christian University (CCU) provides students with the education they need to make it in today's growing business world. Arming students with the proper tools to be competitive in today's workforce, CCU offers both undergraduate, and masters degrees. CCU offers online education programs to make it easier for students to obtain an online bachelors degreein their own time, from the convenience of their own home.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/science/education/unsure-about-university-consider-a-distance-learning-course.html http://www.articletrader.com/science/education/unsure-about-university-consider-a-distance-learning-course.html Mon, 07 Sep 2009 10:18:47 -0500
Of course, you could do what so many successful individuals have done and get a full-time job. But a full time job with training will be even better, and more fulfilling in the long term. An increasing number of companies are introducing comprehensive training schemes for their workers even if they had initially not intended to offer them to those who weren't really interested. However, after the credit crunch and the subsequent recession, more and more businesses are understanding the need for a stimulated and dedicated workforce - and at-work training is a great means to achieving this, and easier to roll out with the advent of online learning technologies.

If you are eager to start work but cannot find a job with decent training, a distance learning course is likely to be your best bet. More and more universities, colleges, and independent providers are offering distance learning degree courses ranging from foundation to MA level - and the best thing is that they allow you to keep working while you study. This is typically achieved by offering more asynchronous study than is available on a traditional university course, meaning that you don't have to attend lectures in real time, and you can study when it fits you.

Despite the importance of asynchronous study on online and distance learning courses, it does not mean that such courses allow for any less interaction between students and lecturers. Online technologies such as chat rooms, forums, and seminars mean that there are plenty of opportunities for real time conversation should you want it. Such technologies make online learning very quick and efficient should you have a question or query about the course, or if you want work marked or critiqued.

Aside from increased flexibility and the money you can save by working on the side, distance learning courses are typically cheaper than university degrees. Whereas a traditional university course will cost around £5,000 a year, a distance learning degree will cost about the same amount for three years worth of study - giving you better value for money, and less debt upon graduation.



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Sarah Maple is writing about distance learning courses and Kaplan adult education.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/science/education/lifelong-learning-in-the-uk-the-next-logical-step.html http://www.articletrader.com/science/education/lifelong-learning-in-the-uk-the-next-logical-step.html Mon, 07 Sep 2009 10:07:31 -0500
First we must clarify exactly what we mean when we speak of changing education standards. With a particular focus on the developments of 2009 (i.e. against a backdrop of recession and a subsequent hike in the number of applicants to universities), August has seen more than one in four students (26.7 percent) receive A or A* grades, with a huge 97.5 percent passing and ensuring that they have the chance of a university career ahead of them.

Yet, with so many students receiving good grades and going on to receive 1st class and 2.1 honours from uni, the worth of such grades are often argued to have been diluted. Meaning that further education such as MAs and PhDs become a better signifier of academic achievement.

In a recent article on the subject from Bob Brecher, of the University of Brighton, he highlights how this is in keeping with how education has evolved over the last century. He states: "Where once most children didn't go to school at all, they later left at 14; where once they left at 14, they now leave at 18, and half of them for university. So of course what was once marked by a first at undergraduate level is today not achieved until master's level, or even beyond."

Brecher essentially calls for a reassessment of whether education standards are delivering what we need to be delivering - instead of dwelling on whether or not a degree is worth as much today as it was 40 years ago. It seems we must first observe the economy and how it has changed, not only in the last year (i.e. in regards to how the recession has forced many mature students back to university and distance learning courses), but also how it has developed to become more of a knowledge economy - dependent on teaching, high-tech services, and the creative industries - as opposed to a traditional product-based economy.

As a result of this fast advancing knowledge economy (according to data from non-profit, The Work Foundation, 50 percent of workers are employed in the knowledge industry today as opposed to 25 percent in 1970), it seems that a bigger time investment in education - eventually to the point of lifelong learning - will be needed to sustain this. And what we are seeing, with adults returning to university and a larger proportion of educated youngsters, is the true beginnings of this reassessment of the worth of learning - and a change in education standards for the better.


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Sarah Maple is writing for Kaplanadult education about degree courses.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>