Publisher's recycling of theory textbook leads to fears of 'Wikipediaisation'

Scholars say rehashing of material shows that quantity trumps quality. Melanie Newman reports
Academics have warned of the "Wikipediaisation" of scholarship following allegations of plagiarism and an ethos of "quantity over quality" in US academic publishing.

The controversy stems from the publication of a textbook by Routledge that drew heavily on material from one of its earlier guides.

The first text, Theory for Religious Studies, was published in 2004, when the authors signed a contract giving Routledge the right to use the material however it wanted in return for credit and royalties.

However, when the authors - William E. Deal and Timothy K. Beal, professors of religious studies at Case Western Reserve University - spotted that much of a later book, Theory for Performance Studies (2007), was identical to their own, they complained to the publisher.

Both the author, Philip Auslander, professor of literature, communication and culture at the Georgia Institute of Technology, and the publisher denied plagiarism, arguing that the reproduced matter was little more than standard background information, such as biographical details, not original scholarship.

But after pressure from academics, Routledge withdrew the book and pulped its remaining stock.

A planned series of introductory books, dubbed Theory 4, which was to use the religious studies guide as a template for exploring other fields, has been discontinued.

The case has sparked a number of academic analyses, including a paper by Richard Schechner, editor of the journal Drama Review, who claimed the case was not an isolated incident.

"We need to see Theory 4 as something systematic, not incidental," he writes, describing the series as "a new level of no-shame academic publishing for profit".

"What makes a piece of scholarship significant is the addition of new materials and/or insights and/or critiques of existing works."

He says that Theory 4 would not meet these criteria, and that the reliance of Professor Auslander's book on material in the religious studies textbook was incongruous given that its focus was on a largely unrelated field.

"The key theorists of performance studies are not identical to those in religious studies," he writes. "The Theory 4 series is part of the Wikipediaisation of scholarship."

Responding to the criticism, Routledge said that the contentious series, which was ditched earlier this year, was meant to address pedagogical rather than scholarly needs. It added that it was "an isolated example of our publishing" that would not be repeated.

Professor Auslander has declined to speak about the case. A brief remark in the US Chronicle of Higher Education cites him as saying, "I don't consider this to be my fault." He did not respond to Times Higher Education's questions.

In an open letter, Peggy Phelan, professor of drama and English at Stanford University, implores him to speak out. "All who are accused of professional misdeeds of this sort have ... an obligation to explain their side of the story," she writes. "If senior scholars ... are driven to choose quantity over quality of publication, then we have a bigger problem than your particular case suggests."

melanie.newman@tsleducation.com.
Times Higher Education

Baby Wanted For 21 Year Study

Pregnant women on Waiheke are being invited to add their newborns to a once in a generation study led by the University of Auckland, along the lines of the UK television programme Child of our Time.

Growing Up in New Zealand is an opportunity for pregnant women and their partners to play a decisive role in improving the lives of New Zealand children, according to its project communications manager Bernadette Cornor.

The 21-year research project aims to better understand the influences on children that lead to how they grow up, and how early experiences influence a child ’s education, employment and social interactions.

And as nothing like it has been undertaken since the 1970 ’s, it should reveal how much New Zealand has changed since then, says Corner.

The project is recruiting pregnant women and their partners now, so their babies can be included from before birth right through to adulthood.

And to accurately reflect the diverse nature of New Zealand ’s population, pregnant women are being sought from every age group, community, professional group and ethnic background.

"To protect the privacy of participants, confidentiality is guaranteed and no research finding will be linked to any of the participants," says Corner. "All that is required of participants is a one and a half hour chat with researchers every 12 to 18 months." The Growing Up in New Zealand team is recruiting 7,800 mothers for the project from an area south of Auckland ’s Harbour Bridge, down to the Waikato and across to Thames, including Waiheke and other gulf islands.

Interested women due to have babies between Anzac Day and Christmas Day this year (25 April - 25 December 2009), are invited to call freephone 0508 476946 or visit the website www. growingup.co.nz.

Waiheke Marketplace

British Malaysian Society donates RMI5,800 to charity homes

THE British Malaysian Society (BMS) recently donated 3,000 (RM1S,800) to three charity homes in Selarigor.

The donation was raised at a charity drive during the society ’s 25th annual dinner in London two months ago.

The three homes Selangor Cheshire Homes, The Little Sisters of the Poor and Montfort Boys Town each received a cheque for 1000 (about RM5,300).

Present to receive the donations were Selangor Cheshire Homes president Khatijah Sulieman, The Little Sisters of the Poor voluntary doctor Dr Loh Tak Seng and Montfort Boys Town administrative officer S. Arulanandam.

"We are very keen on developing the society ’s work not Only in the United Kingdom but also in Malaysia," said British High Commissioner Boyd McClear who presented the cheques on behalf of the BMS.

"The fund raising was a decision taken by the society to make contributions through charities because it is important to help the less unfortunate.

"BMS has demonstrated Its desire to reach back into Malaysia and this is an excellent way to channel BMS ’s intentions." Khatijah, who thanked BMS on behalf of the three homes for the donations, said the money would be very helpful to them.

The society is represented by the Kuata Lumpur Panel in Malaysia which provides information, advice and assistance to society members on an "on-call" basis.

"This event marks the society ’s appreciation of looking after the less fortunate and I would like the society in Malaysia to start raising funds for various charities," said BMS Kuala Lumpur panel chairman Tunku Abdul Aziz Ibrahim said.

BMS was set up to enhance relations between Malaysia and Britain in the fields of education, culture and commerce.

The Sun
Malaysia

Affordable UK education

Kuala Lumpur,Malaysia - Student seeking quality education in UK at an affordable fee need not look further than Birmingham International College (BIC). BIC provides British accredited courses diplomas, advanced diplomas, degrees and masters at unbeatable price. Financial assistance is also given in the form of scholarships and guidance for legal temporary work opportunities.

Situated in Birmingham, the second largest city in UK, BIC offers students a chance to experience the quality of UK education which is world recognised. Prof. Tony White House, coordinator for Post-graduate Programmes in BIC says “many students from Asean and from around the world come to UK to study because of the world class quality education and excellent study environment.”

For many, going to UK is a dream that is hard to realise due to the high cost involved. Thus, many opt to obtain British degrees offered in local private colleges. The notion that studying in UK is unaffordable is proven false by BIC which has received licence and joined UKBA Sponsor’s Register for TIER 4 to recruit foreign students. For example, the estimated fee for a Diploma in Business locally is about RM25,000 for the duration of 2 to 2 ½ years; at BIC, one could complete their Diploma in Business in only one year at a rate cheaper than this. As BIC offers secured scholarships up to 40% of the total tuition fee for successful applicants, the cost is only about RM15K.

Prof. Tony White House also says “Why acquire a British degree locally when one can go to UK, experience its cultural abundance and excellent environment at a comparatively similar or cheaper price?”

Students can also support themselves while studying in UK. In addition to the financial assistance in the form of secured scholarships for successful applicants, BIC also assists in temporary work placement for the students in accordance to British law. While studying in UK, students can work part time: up to 20 hours per week during the study period and full time during off term. Upon successful completion of degree or masters programme, students will be eligible to apply for two years Post Study Work visa (PSW) which will enable them to work full time in UK.

BIC is accredited by ASIC (Accreditation Service for International Colleges), NCC (National Computer Centre), Edexcel and some UK universities. Applicants can choose to study business, management, computing, IT, hotel management, health and social care.

Certificates, diplomas and higher national diplomas (HND) could be completed and students may also obtain BSc (Hons) in Business Administration, BA (Hons) in Business Administration, BSc (Hons) in Computing, MBA or MSc in Strategic Business IT. Students can also obtain Postgraduate Diploma (PgD) in business and computing awarded by NCC and Edexcel.

Students with SPM, STPM, A-level, and O-level, SAM, AUSMAT and AUP qualifications can apply for various courses offered. Malaysian as well as foreigners who have completed foundation, diploma and degree programmes or with equivalent qualification are also encouraged to apply. The three intakes are in Jan/Feb, May/June and Sept/Oct.

BIC regional office in Malaysia will provide student/parent counselling, assessment of academic credentials and advice, assistance with application completion, securing placements and assistance in visa application.

It will also assist with accommodation and flight arrangements including an airport pick-up service from Birmingham airport to BIC.

Students will also be guided to take full advantage of free healthcare services, discounts on books and entertainment, inexpensive accommodation as well as scholarships.

The May/June intake is in progress. Contact its regional office at 03-79570805 or email to mpl@bic.ac
http://www.thesundaily.com/index.cfm

Universities urged for more protection of education by investment

Representatives from the UK's universities have written to the Treasury urging them to protect public investment in higher education or risk losing out on the best students and researchers to other countries.

The letter from Universities UK to the chancellor Alistair Darling and Treasury secretary Yvette Cooper highlighted higher education institutions are major contributors to the UK economy, employing more than one per cent of the UK's total workforce and educating graduates who go on to work in multiple sectors.

But Universities UK chief executive Diana Warwick said the government's decision to limit the numbers of places available for students in the UK and continued under-investment meant the UK would not be able to compete internationally, limiting the speed of the country's economic recovery.

Ms Warwick pointed out UK universities generated £45 billion for the UK economy each year, but a lack of funding programmes like those in the US would leave the sector lagging behind.

She said: "The United States has set the pace with a multi-billion dollar investment in higher education as part of a broader fiscal stimulus package. Not only is this the right action in itself, but it presents an irresistible challenge to the UK.

"As our major competitor, we now face the very real danger of losing our research stars to our better-funded counterparts in the United States, causing lasting damage to the UK."

She went on to add the limit on the number of students entering some universities was most likely to impact on student from poorer backgrounds.

She added: "Without a rethink thousands of students will fail to get places this year. Many institutions will not enter clearing, and the impact on students from lower socio-economic groups will be most pronounced.

"Indeed the threat of fines which may go into several millions for institutions who accidentally over-recruit, means that most institutions will aim low, possibly even under-recruiting, in order to avoid crippling financial penalties."

http://www.inthenews.co.uk/

The new UK visa policy rules for student

Lahore,Pakistan

A RENOWNED education consultant giving a presentation on salient features of New UK Visa Rules on Wednesday explained in detail the new Points Based System TIER 4 Student Visa.

The event titled “New Student Visa Rules & Scholarship Opportunities in UK” was organised by Falcon Education & Consultancy Services (Pvt) Ltd at a five star hotel in which students, academics, heads of educational institutions and people from various walks of life participated.

The educationalist, Syed Abidi said, “The new system if implemented in true spirit will weed out non-genuine students and facilitate bonafide students without the support of agents or consultants.”

He explained the basic concept of Points Based System (PBS) and the need for implementing this system by the UK Border Agency (UKBA).

He talked about different TIER structures and categories under the new PBS but focused on TIER 4 Student Visa. He said under the new TIER 4 the students would be awarded 40 points to be successful for an adult student visa, adding the universities/education providers in UK would now be known as sponsors and shall take full responsibility as a host for all overseas students.

“All students accepted by UK sponsors will be issued with CAS or a Visa letter which will carry 30 points and will be a must to apply for a visa”, he said adding, “However, the student will have to satisfy the Education Providers that he/she is a bonafide and genuine student both academically and financially”.

“The UKBA staff at country posts will then verify and conduct verification and authentication of the documents both academic and financial to award 10 points making it a total of 40 points”, he added.

Syed Abidi, who was awarded Tamgha-i-Imtiaz by the President of Pakistan in 2008, also explained the responsibility and obligation of students when they arrived in the UK and stressed that the new PBS allowed the university and the UK Border Agency to monitor and keep a track of all overseas students. “Therefore, non-genuine students can be easily tracked “, he added.

The event also highlighted scholarship opportunities while a question-answer session was also held in the end in which the participants actively participated.

http://www.thenews.com.pk/default.asp

Tycoon gives Oxford £36m to tackle threat of climate change

A wealthy benefactor will today pledge Oxford University up to £36m to help it combat any shortfall in cash as a result of the recession.

Former Keble College alumni Dr James Martin, who made his fortune through books on information technology, has promised to match any research donations made to the university up to the tune of $50m (£36m).

His pledge comes at a time when staff at other universities in the UK are pursuing more modest aims, such as fighting plans for the wholesale closure of three departments at Liverpool University and a threat to axe Reading University's School of Health and Social Care.

Dr Martin's offer will boost cash for Oxford's newly established 21st Century School, sponsored by him to conduct research into problems facing the world such as climate change and ageing.

"My view is that, while we may be distracted by today's credit crunch, we must not forget the bigger picture – that we need to safeguard a future for the generations that follow us," he said.

Dr Ian Goldin, director of the 21st Century School, said: "I was concerned, as anyone involved in higher education would be, that the economic crisis would undermine people's willingness to donate. This wonderful new generation of resources has therefore been timely. Anyone giving will know they are contributing towards providing twice the money they have come forward with."

Dr Goldin said the first donation – to be matched by Dr Martin – had already come in with the university being offered £800,000 to conduct research into inner-city life.

Dr Martin said he would be happy to spend all the $50m he had pledged "because it would mean money was coming in for very important research".

He said he had visited several universities before opting to invest in Oxford "because I thought it would give the best opportunity for world-class research".

In addition to the $50m pledge, the £100m Dr Martin spent to set up the 21st Century School is thought to be the largest contribution ever donated to a UK university.

Meanwhile, the powerful university senate at Reading University, which represents academics, last night voted to approve plans to axe its School of Health and Social Care. A final decision will be taken by the university's ruling council tomorrow week.

At Liverpool University the senate failed to debate a motion calling for a decision on closures to be delayed and rejected a move to withdraw the plans.

Sally Hunt, general secretary of University and College Union (UCU) – the university lecturers' union – who spent yesterday morning at a demonstration in Reading against proposed cuts at the university there, stressed she was "very pleased" with the pledge by Dr Martin to Oxford University.

But she added: "The Government says university funding is OK, but it is not OK. "There are less staff per student and a whole range of departments facing funding cuts or being closed."

http://www.independent.co.uk/

Fast-track plan to turn jobless into teachers

People who lose their jobs in the recession will be given the chance to become teachers in just six months under a fast-track route to the classroom to be unveiled today.

Teacher-training courses will be cut from a year to six months from September as the Government encourages "high-calibre" people to change profession midway through their career. The scheme will also be open to graduates; many of the 400,000 students who leave university this summer will be looking to the public sector rather than the City or the law.

From next year, some 200 high-flying teachers will be picked out each year for a fast-track promotion under which they could become headteachers within just four years.

http://www.independent.co.uk/

College re-building to push ahead

The government is set to appoint a troubleshooter to help tackle delays with its re-building plans for schools and colleges in England.

Sir Andrew Foster is expected to start work on a £5bn programme to renovate colleges and sixth-form premises.

Decisions on 20 colleges have been postponed until March by the funding body, the Learning and Skills Council.

The LSC insists there is no freeze on the programme but says some colleges are having trouble raising funds.

Sir Andrew, a former chief executive of the Audit Commission, will push forward a building programme against the background of the economic downturn.

The Liberal Democrats say the delay to the building programme "rows against" the government's drive to bring forward capital spending.

The Prime Minister Gordon Brown has brought forward funding for capital spending to help stimulate the economy through building projects.

The Learning and Skills Council had been due in December to take decisions on 20 applications for building schemes from colleges.

But shortly before Christmas the colleges were told decisions would not be taken until March.

A spokesman for the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills says that the government has made the extra money available, but "the LSC is responsible for the delivery of the capital programme".

'Grave risk'

One of the institutions affected is Cirencester College.

Principal Nigel Robbins said it had already spent hundreds of thousands of pounds on architects, consultants and engineers.

He told BBC News there was a "grave risk" the project team could break up and the work be wasted.

The LSC says the college rebuilding programme has been "hugely successful", with 700 projects agreed at 330 colleges.

It says the growing demand from colleges for funding is one of the reasons for the decisions have been deferred.

Mark Haysom, LSC chief executive said: "There is no freeze on the programme."

Currently 253 projects were being funded - and would not be affected - while £110m had been bought forward from future budgets to accelerate spending.

"However, the pace of demand for funding has increased. This is because the scale of ambition and the government funding they require has grown," Mr Haysom said.

"In addition there are early signs that the ability of colleges to raise their own funds for proposed projects is being affected by the downturn.

"It is for this reason that the LSC, over the next few weeks, is working closely with colleges that have or intend to submit bids to look at the individual current positions before making further funding decisions."

It is understood part of the reason for the delay is that the growing demand from colleges has brought with it a need to prioritise applications, previously dealt with on a "first come, first served" basis.

'Excellent programme'

The Association of Colleges says the delays are making "a complicated process more complex".

Chief executive Martin Doel said colleges wanted greater clarity.

"The programme is a 'victim of its own success' in many ways - as colleges are being so responsive to local needs in their plans - so the demand cannot be reconciled with the available budget in year," he said.

"A review of priorities on this basis is logical and is not unusual for major projects of this kind."

Unlike the programme to re-build England's schools, the college programme does not rely on Private Finance Initiatives (PFI).

Projects are funded by the government, through the LSC, and by colleges raising money themselves.

The Liberal Democrats say the delays are a sign of deep problems in the government's use of private finance for such projects.

Higher education spokesman Stephen Williams said: "It runs counter to the government's stated aim of bringing forward capital expenditure.

"The people meant to be implementing this seem to be rowing in the opposite direction."

On Wednesday, MPs on a Commons committee heard the Construction Industry Council say building firms were struggling to raise the cash needed to take part in the Building Schools for the Future scheme, which does rely on PFI.

A spokesman for the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills said: "Under this government nearly 700 projects have been agreed by the LSC and all but 42 colleges have had money to make capital improvements.

"As part of the pre-Budget Report some of this funding has been brought forward to accelerate improvements through the downturn."

Graduates who took student loans before 1998 miss out on interest rate cut

Almost 350,000 graduates who took out student loans before 1998 are being penalised after missing out on the recent interest rate cut. By Graeme Paton, Education Editor Former students who took out loans before that year are being forced to pay more than double the existing Bank Rate of 1.5 per cent. The rise will add to growing pressures on young professionals who are already struggling to find decent jobs because of the global recession. Even students going to university after 1998 - when key changes to the student loans scheme were made - are being forced to pay more than the Bank of England's record low interest rate announced earlier this month. Last night, the Conservatives said students were being put under undue financial strain. Loans have been offered to students on the basis that they are in line with inflation - making them effectively interest free. The Student Loans Company uses the Retail Price Index (RPI) to calculate repayments. Students taking "mortgage style loans" before 1998 are subjected to interest rates fixed for 12 months every March - currently 3.8 per cent. Graduates taking so-called Income Contingent Loans after 1998 have traditionally made the same repayments. But in a little-noticed change, the Government introduced reforms a decade ago allowing these loans to track the Bank Rate - plus one per cent - if this figure is lower than RPI. In recent weeks, the Bank Rate has plunged as low as 1.5 per cent - giving newer students repayments of 2.5 per cent. But the changes do not affect those taking out loans before 1998, leaving them to pay around double the new Bank Rate. According to official figures, 341,300 people in England still owe around £1 billion under the old method - an average of £2,846 each. A spokesman for the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills said: "Student loans have consistently offered a much better deal than commercial loans. Interest is only charged to maintain the value of the loan in real terms so that graduates only pay back the same amount as they borrowed. "Borrowers with mortgage-style loans only make repayments when their income is over £25,936 per year, with outstanding amounts written off after a certain period of time."

Wales being left behind, says UCU

Union warns that Assembly must close funding gap with rest of UK, reports Melanie Newman

The Welsh Assembly has been urged to close the funding gap between universities in the principality and the rest of the UK or risk causing "long-lasting damage" to the sector.

The warning comes in a letter to a task force on the future of Welsh higher education, from the University and College Union.

The UCU also says that the sector must not lose sight of its core mission of adding to the world's knowledge and understanding rather than focusing on its value to Wales' economy and culture.

An Assembly task force is reviewing the purpose and role of higher education in Wales with a view to updating Reaching Higher, the Assembly's strategy for the sector. A report to the task force said that the funding gap between universities in Wales and England was £61 million, and a report by Universities UK on the effects of devolution last month warned that England was moving further ahead of Scotland and Wales in terms of research income and student numbers.

UCU regional officer Margaret Phelan said: "My personal view is that the Assembly is hoping reconfiguration will streamline things and save costs. Personally I haven't seen any evidence that collaboration leads to savings.

"As a union we will support the reconfiguration agenda so long as changes are managed properly and staff are not made compulsorily redundant."

The UCU is also concerned about the sector becoming too narrow in focus. Its submission says: "The Government must make a very clear statement in any future version of Reaching Higher about the core mission of higher education in Wales; it must not and cannot be solely limited to the contribution of higher education to the Welsh economy and culture."

The core mission is "adding to knowledge and understanding for the benefit of all", it says.

The review, which follows an earlier look at student finance, is due for completion in spring 2009.

Last November, the Assembly revealed plans to scrap the £1,890-a-year grant to all Welsh students who study in Wales.

It proposed that a "significant proportion" of funding be redirected to help students from low-income families from 2010.

The independent review panel that made the recommendation, chaired by Merfyn Jones, vice-chancellor of Bangor University, had said the current system was not the best way to attract more people to Welsh universities.

A consultation on the proposals ends on 16 February.

London Business School celebrates generous scholarship pledge

The FINANCIAL -- London Business School is delighted to announce a donation of £96,000 from the Anno Domini Capital Group.

The gift has been pledged for an initial period of three years and will be used to provide full tuition funding for one full-time Masters in Finance student each year. The first scholarship will be awarded in June 2009 to a candidate starting the programme in September 2009.

The Anno Domini Scholarship has been established to help attract excellent candidates to London Business School's full-time Masters in Finance programme from the Eastern European and former Soviet Union regions. Scholarship applicants must have professional experience in the region, demonstrate a commitment to the region's socio-economic progress and be planning to return to their home country following graduation.

The founder of Anno Domino Capital Group, Vladimir Vendin (MiF98), commented on the gift, saying, "I graduated from the London Business School Masters in Finance programme in 1998 right before the financial crisis in Russia. The knowledge I received when studying at the School helped me to adapt to a new environment and make a successful career and subsequently start my own business. I personally know how important it is to combine practical experience with academic knowledge. In the current times, when all sectors and markets and, subsequently, people, are seriously hit by the global economic crisis, many of the young bright people from the region are unable to finance their education. I believe that only with the help of highly educated young professionals will it be possible to overcome the consequences of the current turmoil. I hope that our scholarship will help those who want to contribute to the future of their countries and the region to receive an education from one of the best business schools in Europe."

EDUKEX set to start on Jan 21

KUWAIT CITY, Jan 18: The British Embassy announced Sunday, during a press conference held at the British Embassy, the holding in Kuwait of the British Council’s annual Education UK Exhibition or EDUKEX on Jan 21 & 22. A total of 41 education institutions from across the UK — Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and England — will be represented in the two-day education exhibition.
The British Ambassador to Kuwait Michael Aron told newsmen “the high academic quality of education in the UK is widely recognized and as a result, UK qualifications are sought all over the world and offer unparalleled value to those wanting to build their careers or continue their personal development. A UK education is an investment for life for students, as well as those who seek to employ them.”

‘EDUKEX 2009’ brings together a large number of prestigious UK institutions which offer everything from academic and vocational programmes to summer English language courses and A levels, according to Graham McClulloch, Director of the British Council in Kuwait. “It is the perfect opportunity to meet a wide variety of UK institutions under one roof and be able to compare what’s on offer - all with the guarantee of quality that comes with selecting the UK as an overseas study destination,” he said. The UK, according to McCulloch, is a highly cosmopolitan country with a rich and vibrant culture in which to lives a student. “The ease in getting around offer overseas students the opportunity to experience everything from its history and stunning scenery to the latest fashions, music, sports and theatre.


“With the advantage of being near to Kuwait with a flight time of only around 6 hours and the current weakening of the Sterling, it’s comparatively cheaper than ever to study in the UK!” he exclaimed. McCulloch also said EDUKEX 2009 will also explore possibilities of establishing links with Kuwaiti education institutions like the Public Authority for Applied Education & Training who will be able to send Kuwaiti students interested in furthering their studies, to the UK.
He also recommended that those going to the event to register online by visiting http://kw.educexhibitions.org/ to ensure that institutions and the British Council-Kuwait will have their details in advance so as to save them time at the exhibition. Details of the 41 participating institutions in EDUKEX 2009 can also be found upon registering online, or at www.britishcouncil.org/me.kw
Dr Faiz Al Dhafeeri, Cultural Officer at the Kuwait Embassy in the UK, thanked the British Government and the British Council, for providing Kuwaiti students the opportunity to obtain quality education in UK institutions of higher learning.


He also announced that in view of the growing interest among Kuwaiti students to study overseas to obtain higher education — the bulk of which is to the UK — the Kuwaiti government has recently increased the number of scholarships slots from 350 to 1,500.
Dhafeeri also said that there is a need for working professionals such as those in learning institutions, to be given the opportunity to work or take up further studies in the UK to broaden their experience and see things from a Kuwaiti perspective and to apply what they have learned, in their jobs on their return, and vice versa, for those from the UK, in a sort of exchange program.
Denise Waddingham, British Council Asst. Director said that the council’s work is about building relationships through various aspects. She said that a group of Kuwaiti musicians have been invited to take part in an upcoming music festival in the UK and for a similar arrangement for UK musicians to come to Kuwait.


The purpose of the visit is to explore ways for Kuwaiti and British musicians to work together in a musical collaboration.
Rafat Abu Taleb, the British Council’s Project Manager for Education, explained a number of advantages in studying in the UK by using the experience to prepare for their future by getting valuable work experience, improving their language skills and enhancing their CVs.
International students can also use their study visa to get part-time work up to 20 hours a week during term time, work full-time during holidays and work full-time at the end of their studies after their course has finished up until their immigration permission to stay in the UK expires.
Abu Taleb also said that in addition, most graduates, under the new Post-Study Worker category of visas, will likely be able to work in the UK for up to two years after the successful completion of their course.


“International students in the UK any member of their family who travels with them to the UK are also entitled to free or subsidized treatment in the UK under the National Health Service or NHS,” he concluded.
Abu Taleb also recommended visiting www.educationuk.org to read up an information sheet advising how to check whether the institution being considered and the qualifications it offers are recognized and accredited. This ensures that it will meet a minimum, threshold standard for quality. The sheet also gives some advice on how to compare the quality of institutions. The participating institutions:
Bangor University, Bath University, Brunel University, Cambridge Regional College, Cardiff University, Coventry University, David Game University, EF Brittin College, Heriot-Watt College, Keele University, Leeds Metropolitan University, Liverpool John Moores University, London South Bank University, Middlesex University, Newcastle University.


Nottingham Trent University, Queen Mary, University of London, Queen’s University Belfast, Swansea University, the University of Hull, The University of Liverpool, The University of Manchester, University of Aberdeen, Scotland, University of Bradford, University of Central Lancashire.University College of London, University of Derby, University of East Anglia, University of Exeter, University of Glamorgan.
University of Glasgow, University of Cloucestershire, University of Greenwich (London), University of Huddersfield, University of Kent, University of Leeds, University of Plymouth, University of Portsmouth, University of Southampton, University of Sussex, and University of Teesside.
The British Council works in 110 countries worldwide to build engagement and trust for the UK through the exchange of knowledge and ideas between people worldwide, through the arts, education and training, science and technology, sport, good governance and human rights. It is a non-political organization, registered as a charity in England and Scotland, which operates at arm’s length from government.

Green ICT in education: practical advice from JISC now available

Further and higher education establishments across the country could save thousands of pounds – and thousands of tonnes of CO2 emissions – just by introducing simple measures, according to a report issued by JISC.

A strategic overview and briefing paper presents the findings of JISC’s Green Technology report, and outlines ways in which the intelligent use of technology can create savings of cost, energy or carbon output, and shows how Liverpool University’s self-developed ‘PC PowerDown’ software is already saving the institution £64,000 a year and over 500 tonnes of CO2 emissions.

The paper also offers guidance for ICT staff and senior managers within FE and HE to make informed decisions concerning the sustainability of their current and projected technology provision.

Commenting on the report Peter James, Professor of Environmental Management at the University of Bradford, and head of the JISC-funded SusteIT project, said,

“The sector must do more to make its ICT use more sustainable, and this report raises awareness of the issues facing ICT planners and senior institutional management. It also highlights a range of cost-effective measures that are already being taken in some institutions that could easily be introduced in others.

“These include switching off PCs, better management of cooling in data centres and the increased use of video-conferencing via the JANET network. The SusteIT project also provides a tool to prepare a footprint of ICT-related energy and carbon consumption – the first step to improvement – and inspiration in the form of over 20 case studies.”

JISC commissioned the SusteIT project to help educational institutions meet the increasingly stringent environmental demands placed upon them by government.

Tom Watson MP, Minister for Digital Engagement and Civil Service Issues believes this new research to be of extreme importance, especially considering its legislative context. “As the Minister responsible for our Greening Government ICT strategy, I believe this is exactly the kind of knowledge that IT strategists and policy makers need to have to hand. More broadly, these publications will also be relevant to directors of estates, tasked with designing educational institutions' technology-rich buildings of the future.

“The government aims to work more closely with initiatives like this, whose outputs will benefit UK education as a whole,” he said.

The Climate Change Act (2008) sets a legally binding target for reducing UK CO2 emissions by 26 per cent by 2020 and 80 percent by 2050, compared to 1990 levels. It also sets up the Carbon Reduction Commitment), requiring medium to large electricity users to monitor their consumption – with incentives for good performance, and penalties for bad.

Other directives giving legal obligations on institutions with regard to their use of ICT include:
> The ‘Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment’ directive
> The ‘Restrictions on Hazardous Substances’ directive
> The ‘Energy Using Products’ directive
> The ‘Energy Performance of Buildings’ directive.

The SusteIT website contains many case studies of greener technology in action, for example:
> The University of Edinburgh is using measures such as ‘free cooling’ to save over £500,000 per annum in energy costs at the Hector supercomputer facility
> Sheffield Hallam University’s replacement of 120 actual servers with 300 virtual ones is reducing energy consumption by 80 per cent;
> University of Gloucestershire’s ICT Managers role in the institution’s environmental improvement initiative has stimulated actions for greener procurement, print management, and virtualisation.

Children's Minister: Home education 'may be cover for abuse'

Parents educating their children at home could face tighter controls under new plans.

Ministers have launched a review of standards for up to 55,000 young people taught by mothers and fathers outside school.

It will investigate current procedures for monitoring home education – as well addressing concerns over the safety and welfare of children.

Baroness Morgan, the Children's Minister, said home teaching could be a "cover for abuse" in extreme cases.

But parents' groups were infuriated by the comments.

Ann Newstead, spokesman for the charity Education Otherwise, said claims that children were safer in the hands of the state than parents was "offensive" and "not born out by an increasing number of families in the UK".

Annette Taberner, member of EO's policy group said "No other community would be expected to suffer the prejudice and discrimination which our community has to endure. Our community will be infuriated by these latest statements."

The review – being led by Graham Badman, former director of children's services at Kent Council was launched following a public consultation on the issue of children missing education.

Some local authorities and children's organisations raised concerns about their ability to properly monitor children's welfare under existing guidance.

Under current rules, parents do not have to formally register their child as "home educated".

No official statistics exist on how many children are taught at home, but it is thought the number could be as high as 55,000.

The Education and Inspections Act 2006 placed a duty on all local councils to make arrangements to identify children not receiving a proper education, but they have no power to inspect the quality of lessons for youngsters taught at home.

Baroness Morgan said: "I'm sure the vast majority do a good job. However, there are concerns that some children are not receiving the education they need.

"And in some extreme cases, home education could be used as a cover for abuse. We cannot allow this to happen and are committed to doing all we can to help ensure children are safe, wherever they are educated."

Mr Badman said: "Legislation affords every parent the right to choose to educate their child at home but with those rights go responsibilities, not least being to secure a suitable education.

"By the same token, local authorities are charged with ensuring that all children are safe, well and receiving an education that is both enjoyable and allows for the expression of all aptitudes and abilities.

By Graeme Paton, Education Editor