Open and Distance Learning News Stories
News
|
|
Open and Distance Learning News Stories |
|||
News | ||||
| Home | Accreditation | Learners | Resources | |
| ||||
|
Contact us at
info@odlqc.org.uk Tel: 020 7612 7090 Fax: 020 7612 7092 Search the site Quicklinks  homeaccreditationlearnersresourcesabout ODL QCbuyers guidecoursesprovidersstandardsnewsnewsletterlinks© ODL QC Page updated: 13 October 2006 |
|
News from 2006 For news from previous years, go to 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002 & 2001 The Thomson Corporation has announced that, during 2007, it"intends to sell its Thomson Learning businesses, including those serving the higher education, careers, library reference, corporate e-learning and e-testing markets" The process has already begun, with the sale of NETg to Skillsoft for $285 million at the end of October (Thomson, 29 October)
Success for two more KLC Students For the first time this year, as part of their 25th anniversary celebrations, the Society of Garden Designers (SGD) held a competition for their Student of the year, open to students of horticultural colleges, design schools/colleges, and specialist garden schools. The winners were announced on 18th September, and SGD found the standard of work was so high, apart from the two prize-winners they created 3 runner-up awards. Two of these went to KLC students: one, Johanna Gibbon was on a full-time in-house course (graduated in July); the other was Erika Hunt, an open learning student who also graduated this summer (she received a special commendation for her work at the KLC end of year exhibition and prize-giving in July). (KLC School of Design, 28 September)
German Association named "Association of the Year" The Forum DistanceE-Learning, the main distance learning organisation in Germany, has been named "Association of the Year" by the German DGVM (EADL Newsflash, 19 September)
Competition winners from the Writers Bureau The winners of the Writers Bureau 2006 Poetry and Short Story Competition have just been announced. With a top prize of £1000 in each category and prize money totalling £4000, the number of entries rises each year. If you can write a story (not exceeding 2000 words) or a poem ( 40 lines or less) on any theme, then why not enter for the 2007 competition? To read the winning stories and poems visit www.writersbureau.com/competition An entry form to print off or details of how to enter online are also available there. (Writers Bureau, 25 September 2006)
Distance and private win with students The clear winners in the results from the National Student Survey (NSS) this year, now published on the HEFCE website, are the Open University, which came top, and the University of Buckingham, which came second. As, respectively, the UK's only open and distance learning university, and its only private university, the results clearly show that both open and distance learning, and private education, and satisfy their students more than more traditional alternatives. (National Student Surveys, August 2006)
2007 training in advance from Advance Training Advance Training have release the 2007 editions of their successful Computerised Study Kits for the OSPRE part 1 exams to complement the 2007 edition of the Blackstone’s Police manuals. As well as the OSPRE Kits there are also Kits for the National Investigators’ Exam ( NIE ) and for probationer constables who are part of the Initial Police Learning and Development Programme ( IPLDP ). (Advance Training, August 2006)
IIR announces Reflexology merger The International Institute of Reflexology, an accredited provider, has announced a merger of its membership with that of the Association of Reflexologists, as from 1 October 2006. The merger will extend the benefits available to members of both bodies, and help to strengthen the position of reflexology in the UK. In particular, IIR members will now be entitled to use the letters IIR, MAR after their name, and the IIR qualification will now be accredited through the "Awarding Body Consortium". (IIR Journal, Summer/Autumn 2006)
Eversley satisfies its Learners Students undertaking the online food hygiene training provided by Eversley Training, the food hygiene training specialists, receive a customer satisfaction survey following completion of their courses. Amongst other questions, the survey asked whether learners found the service offered by Eversley Excellent, Very Good, Average, or Poor? Of the 98% of clients who returned the questionaire, 100% said the service was excellent and they would recommend the courses to others. Eversley Training says it is "absolutely delighted with the results and will continue to try and achive 100%". (Eversley Training 15 August 2006)
Thomson learning Worldwide, the parent company of ICS, has announced its acquisition of Ethos Associates. (ICS 14 August 2006)
Awards for two of KLC's Open Learners Two of KLC School of Design’s open learning students have had show gardens and awards at two of the most prestigious annual shows, BBC Gardener’s World Live at Birmingham in June and the Hampton Court Flower Show in July. Kim Wendelken gained a Silver-Gilt award for her garden design, ‘Opposite Attraction’ at the BBC Gardener’s World Live show, and this garden was also shown on the BBC 2 Gardener’s World television programme which featured the show. Alan Smith (Barleywood Designs) had two gardens on show – one at the BBC Gardener’s World Live show, for which he gained a Silver-Gilt award, and one at Hampton Court for which he gained a Bronze. Both these shows have many entries from professional garden designers, full-time course students (many of them at horticultural colleges) so it is particularly praiseworthy for open learning students to gain awards like this. (KLC School of Design 10 August 2006)
Writers Bureau introduce appraisal service The Writers Bureau have brought in a review and appraisal service whereby, for an appropriate fee, budding writers can have their materials assessed by one of the Bureau's tutors. The service is open to all, not just to Writers Bureau students, and the review will include comments on style, content, and suitability for the chosen market. (E-Zee Writer (The Writers Bureau ezine) 4 August 2006)
Welcome anniversary for Eversley Training Eversley Training the online food hygiene training company is celebrating its second year of trading. The company was set up by Kevin James MCIEH to use modern technology to train food handlers. There are two courses: a foundation course for new food handlers, and an intermediate course designed for supervisors and managers or those wishing to extend their knowledge of food hygiene. Eversley Trainings clients included a number of international food companies and UK manufactures including Pizza businesses, Hotels, Pub Chains Catering companies Hospitals and Independent Schools and many individual clients. The flexibility of its two courses allows the company to deal with individuals and multi national companies as individual clients, tailoring their individual training needs and requirements. The company’s philosophy is to provide a service which is second to none. Feedback from our clients is extremely positive with regard to the quality of the courses, the easy of accesses and the service provided. Eversley Training considers its accreditation with ODQLC as one of its most important assets as it give potential clients the confidence that Eversley Training courses have been independently assessed and been accredited by a nationally recognised accreditation body. (Eversley Training 9 August 2006)
Diploma Double Success story for RRC Training Two of RRC Training's NEBOSH Diploma students have been singled out for special commendation for their exceptional performances in the 2005 NEBOSH exams. Martin Speirs was awarded a distinction in the Diploma Part 2, one of only five awarded in 2005. And Paul Moore was named best candidate for the Diploma Part 1 for the whole of 2005. Congratulations to them, and to RRC. (RRC 4 August 2006)
RRC Training does the business ALSTOM Power Turbo-Systems - Power Plant Construction Business has just released figures to show that, since it adopted a customised health and safety training programme run by RRC Training, the number of lost time injuries has fallen by almost a half. "There is no question that RRC's training has contributed signficiantly to the improvement in our health and safety performance" says ALSTOM's Glynn Carty. Clear evidence that "well-designed health and safety training can deliver results" adds RRC's Gary Fallaize. (RRC 4 August 2006)
NCTJ launch rebranding and eJournalism News The NCTJ has undergone a major rebranding in recent months. One change is the launch this week of eJournalism News, a new monthly enewsletter that will be distributed to editors, trainers, journalists and examiners to keep them informed of changes and news affecting the NCTJ. Others include a new house colour and look of the logo; the website has been given a fresh, new look as well. (NCTJ 2 August 2006)
RRC's Health & Safety Business Newsletter, Summer 2006 The Summer edition of RRC's Health & Safety Business Newsletter has now been published. (RRC 2 August 2006) NCTJ, the National Council for the Training of Journalists, an ODL QC accredited provider, have moved from their Harlow offices. Their new address is "The New Granary, Station Rd, Newport, Essex, CB11 3PL" and the new phone number is 01799 544014. (NCTJ 28 July 2006)
Cleland Thom reports excellent exam results Cleland Thom has reported another set of excellent results for his students taking the NCTJ exams: out of 45 entries, 39 passed, including 12 credits and 1 distinction. The pass rate in the PA papers was 100%, and in the law exams it was 86%. And overall, the passrate was up from 78% last November to 87% now, and is in line with the best attendance-based NCTJ courses. (Cleland Thom 25 July 2006)
Well recognised and highly regarded within the industry, OLCI has been providing its trainees with the opportunity to start lucrative careers in plumbing through a unique flexible training programme. Now it is adding to its portfolio of construction skills courses. OLCI has launched a selection of electrical courses including Part P, courses in plastering and tiling and will shortly be introducing bricklaying, painting & decorating, and joinery courses. With high quality theory home study courses plus state-of-the-art centres in London and Manchester and new centres opening in Cardiff, Scotland and Devon, OLCI has the geographical choice to suit its trainees’ needs. With OLCI’s unique learning method enables its trainees to achieve their qualifications in the most flexible, cost effective way - with the least time off work possible. (OLCI 24 July 2006)
Writers Bureau celebrates 75 years This year the Writers Bureau group of colleges marks its 75th anniversary. In 1931 the father of the current chairman, Ernest Metcalfe, founded the company with a college training sales representatives. This developed into The National School of Salesmanship. Business Training followed in 1974, offering courses in English for business purposes to overseas students. Then in 1989 The Writers Bureau - now the largest college in the group - was born. Since then the Bureau has helped students from around the world to improve their writing skills and sell their work. All colleges have their ups and downs, but next week staff will be out celebrating the anniversary and raising their glasses to the next 75 years! (Writers Bureau, 21 July 2006)
New course from the Learning Institute The Learning Institute has recently introduced a new Teaching Assistant course, accredited by ASET. The course is available through home study, the course; full details are on the Learning Institute website. (Learning Institute, July 2006)
Writers Bureau Student of the Year For the first time the Writers Bureau has held a 'Student of the Year' Award to celebrate the success and achievements of their students. The winner, Caroline Foster, received £250 and there were four runners-up, who each received £50. Caroline has had incredible success since joining the Creative Writing Course with part-time earnings for 2005/6 of £12,000. You can read her story - and those of the other winners - by visiting the Writers Bureau website (Writers Bureau, 13 July 2006)
INTESOL TESOL Training are now INTESOL International, and have a new website. (INTESOL, 29 June 2006)
The Annual Exhibition of students' work from KLC School of Design takes place in their rooms in The Chambers at Chelsea Harbour on 4 & 5 July 2006. (KLC School of Design 07 June 2006)
Cleland Thom launches new online course Cleland Thom has launched a new online broadcast journalism course, leading to NCTJ qualifications. (Cleland Thom 06 June 2006)
EADL publishes full programme for 2006 conference The full programme for the 2006 conference of the European Association for Distance Learning, to be held in Paris at La Maison des Polytechniciens, from 10-12 May, has now been published. (EADL 14 April 2006)
ICS announce new degree programme Thomson Education Direct, Europe, the parent company of ICS, has announced the "first full Honours degree program in social care available in the UK", developed in collaboration with the University of East London. ICS currently offers eight distance learning degree courses which are developed, designed, produced and supported by ICS staff, and validated by UEL. (ICS 11 April 2006)
NEC’s 7th Annual Geoffrey Hubbard Memorial Lecture will be given by David Willets MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Education and Skills, at the British Library in London on 11th May. His title is “Meritocracy and Mobility: Our debt to Michael Young”. Tickets are free, but places are strictly limited. (NEC 04 April 2006)
OLCI to launch new electrical courses The Open Learning Centre International has announced the launch of a range of electrical courses suitable for all levels, leading to industry recognised qualifications. Their flexible courses are designed to fit around your lifestyle, allowing you to retrain for a new career, or complement existing skills if you're already working in the electrical industry, with the least time off work possible. (OLCI 10 March 2006)
OLCI opens new training centre in London OLCI announces that, due to growing demand for its plumbing and electrical practical training workshops, it has opened its second state-of-the art training centre in London. Based in the Clerkenwell area, it includes a mock working environment for its students to gain the relevant skills needed for careers in both plumbing and electrical. This will compliment their training centres in London and Manchester with regional centres in Wales, Scotland and Devon due to open shortly. (OLCI 10 March 2006)
IEC, the International Extension College, closes as of the end of March, 2006. Founded in 1971, IEC has been a valuable focus for research, advice and support of ODL for the developing world. Closure has been caused by funding difficulties. (IEC, March 2006)
Learning Institute introduces new courses The Learning Institute has recently introduced a number of new courses, including ones on how to be a creative writer, a professional photographer, a management consultant, a personal trainer, and a wedding planner. (Learning Institute, March 2006)
Cheltenham buys Marketing Knowledge Cheltenham Tutorial College has acquired Marketing Knowledge, a company providing courses in support of Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) qualifications. (Cheltenham Tutorial College, 03 March 2006)
NEC Conference on personalised learning The National Extension College is organising a national conference on "Extending Subject Choice: Responding to the demand for personalised learning" at the National College for School Leadership in Nottingham on Wednesday, 15 March. (NEC, 27 February 2006)
Rebranding at the Regent Academy The Regent Academy has announced a rebranding, which includes the revamping of its course packages, together with new free study aids such as books, DVDs and CDs, which will assist and complement students with their studies; the recent launching of its new website at www.regentacademy.com, and a new brochure. The Academy says its aim is to generate "a fresh look aimed at inspiring its students. Whether you want to enjoy an interest more, earn extra income or start a lucrative new career – the Regent Academy is confident that it can help you realise your true potential and get what you want from life". (Regent Academy, 20 February 2006)
The BSY Groups has introduced two new courses for 2006:
(BSY, 20 February 2006)
BSY enters its Diamond Jubilee Year BSY began life, not as the BSY Group, but as a number of separate training schools, each providing its own individual learning. In 1989, Associated Stress Consultants joined forces with the British School of Yoga, followed shortly thereafter by the Midland Institute of Hypnotherapy, to become probably the first multi-therapy training body for complementary and natural health in the U.K. New Age Foundation joined in 1993, and Writers International in 1995, and many more complementary therapies have been added to the prospectus since that time. In 1994, feeling that its long-established umbrella-name of British School of Yoga no longer adequately portrayed the variety of training available under its banner, it became the BSY Group. Now in its Diamond Jubilee year, BSY says it "continues to grow, but maintains a high level of respect for its heritage and, to this day, its prospectus displays its courses under the banners of the specialist founder schools which each still issue their original qualifications". (BSY 20 February 2006)
The Commonwealth of Learning (CoL) is inviting comments on a preliminary draft of its Strategic Plan for 2006-09 (CoL, 6 February 2006)
RRC's Health & Safety Business Newsletter, Winter 2005-6 The Winter edition of RRC's international Health & Safety Business Newsletter has now been published. (RRC 6 February 2006) EADL publishes brochure for 2006 conference The 2006 conference of the European Association for Distance Learning will be held in Paris, at La Maison des Polytechniciens, from 10-12 May. The overall theme will be The Modern Mosaic of Distance Learning. (EADL 23 January 2006)
The Commonwealth of Learning (CoL) has announced the appointment of Professor Asha Kanwar as its new Vice President. (CoL, January 2006)
DETC announces 80th anniversary conference The Distance Education and Training Council in the US has announced that its 80th Anniversary annual meeting will take place in Seattle from 9-11 April 2006 (DETC, January 2006)
Unless explicitly stated, ODL QC cannot confirm the validity of any story on the news pages. We are reporting stories from elsewhere, in good faith, as a service to those interested in distance learning. |