CODA Wins Big

Written and directed by Sian Heder, CODA won overall three awards at the Oscar 2022. The English-language remake of the 2014 French film La Famille Belier, CODA is a film that brings deaf culture and deaf actors to the forefront. The movie made history as it became the first film produced by a streaming service to win the Best Picture. It beat the likes of Drive my Car, Power of the Dog, and Belfast to win the award. Moreover, Troy Kotsur of CODA became the first deaf man to win an Academy Award for acting as he won the award for the Best Supporting Actor. 

Streaming Studios gaining Momentum

In the recent few years, we have witnessed a surge in the number of films produced by streaming studios. The trend started building momentum when Manchester by the Sea by Amazon Studios was nominated as one of the best pictures at the Academy Awards 2017. It further accelerated during the COVID-19 outbreak as audiences were unable to watch the movies in theaters.

During the pandemic, numerous films were made available on streaming/OTT platforms shortly after their theatrical releases.  Some films were even released on streaming platforms due to the restrictions. This, at the time, might have seemed to be a temporary trend. However, even after theaters are opening up presently, many distributors are preferring to release movies on streaming platforms as quickly as possible.

Streaming studios such as Amazon, Netflix, etc. are also trying their hand in producing more movies. The results of this shift are already visible as eight out of ten movies nominated for the Best Picture at Oscar 2022 were available on various streaming platforms before the award ceremony.

This increasing popularity of streaming services marks the rapid shift of the cinema industry from brick-and-mortar theaters to a home-based, intuitive experience.

List of Winners at Oscars 2022

• Best Picture: CODA
• Best Actress: Jessica Chastain (The Eyes of Tammy Faye)
• Best Actor: Will Smith (King Richard)
• Best Director: Jane Campion (The Power of the Dog)
• Best Original Song: No Time to Die
• Best Documentary Feature: Summer of Soul
• Best Adapted Screenplay: CODA
• Best Original Screenplay: Belfast
• Best Costume Design: Cruella
• Best International Feature: Drive My Car
• Best Supporting Actor: Troy Kotsur (CODA)
• Best Animated Feature: Encanto
• Best Visual Effects: Dune
• Best Cinematography: Dune
• Best Supporting Actress: Ariana DeBose (West Side Story)
• Best Film Editing: Dune
• Best Score: Dune
• Best Sound: Dune
• Best Production Design: Dune
• Best Makeup and Hairstyling: The Eyes of Tammy Faye
• Best Documentary (short subject): The Queen of Basketball
• Best Short (Animated): The Windshield Wiper
• Best Short Film (Live Action): The Long Goodbye

Related:

• OSCAR 2021: Chloe Zhao, the first Asian woman to receive the award
• Golden Globe Awards 2022—A Voyage since 1944
• The 10 best Irrfan Khan Quotes that will be Always Remembered

`

The post CODA’s Triumph at Oscars 2022: Is this the start of OTT-dominated Era in Cinema? appeared first on The Education Magazine.

With a vision to lead an innovative and performing arts culture that enriches and changes the world, the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama strives to inspire, educate and train the performers, practitioners, and change-makers of tomorrow to shape the future of theatre and the performing arts. Central’s unique mission is underpinned by its core values that demonstrate what it stands for, what it believes, and what it tries to live and work by. With daily practice, its core values – Respecting, Enquiring, Innovating and Sharing – inform Central’s approach to its actions and work as an inclusive organisation.

Insightful Inception

Central was founded in 1906 by Elsie Fogerty, who envisioned offering a new form of training in speech and drama for young actors and other students. Since its establishment, Central continued to add to its facilities.

In 2005, it became a college of the University of London and was bestowed the ‘Royal’ title by Her Majesty The Queen in her Jubilee year in 2012. To date, Central continues to be a pioneer in the training of creative practitioners, with many graduates nominated for or receiving prestigious awards and recognition around the world.

Array of Educational Benefits

With 15 courses at the undergraduate level, 14 Master’s programs, and an expansive and award-winning Research department, Central offers Europe’s most comprehensive choice of specialist higher education drama, theatre, and performance training. It has an unrivaled range of international partners and collaborators, strong industry links, a wide portfolio of professional placement opportunities, and some of the highest graduate employment rates in the sector.

The courses offered at Central are heavily industry-focused. Students benefit from staff who are professionals as well as industry practitioners who share their knowledge and experience. Moreover, they are provided with opportunities to practically apply their learning and experiment with the latest methods. In turn, the students of Central bring the spirit of experimentation and innovation with them into the industry, helping to shape the future of theatre and performing arts.

Expansive Study Programs

Central offers a wide range of full-time and part-time courses across various academic levels that cater to different levels and experiences. At the undergraduate level, it provides three-year Bachelor’s programs in professional actor training, experimental performance, playwriting, applied theatre, and a suite of individual courses covering the various disciplines of theatre crafts, design, and production.

Central’s range of postgraduate courses is broader, while the Master’s courses cover a range of areas such as voice, scenography, writing, applied theatre, actor training, and many more. The school offers postgraduate courses as MAs, in which some can be availed as two-year MFAs. It also endorses Ph.D. study, with an engaging research culture and community, and around 40 active Ph.D. students. In addition, Central also provides short courses from beginner levels to Diplomas throughout the year.

Exploring Innovation and Creativity

The way content and performance is made and consumed is ever evolving and Central provides opportunities for students to experiment and innovate in the areas where they are most passionate. . The practical, intensive training provided by Central ensures that students have the skills and experience to make a lasting impact on the industry after graduation. 

In addition, students have the opportunity to work closely with colleagues across a range of disciplines and specialist areas, learning from each other’s practice and working in a way that directly mirrors the professional setting. This ensures that they are well prepared to take their skills into a range of settings, maximizing their employment potential so they can hit the ground running when they enter the industry.

Central’s extensive links with the creative industries means that its training is informed by the latest professional practice and approaches. The students are equipped with all the essential competencies while also learning the value of collaboration and developing the ability to try new methods, challenge current approaches, and help move the industries forward.

Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Central values embrace and is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. Its mission to shape the future of theatre and performance in the UK and beyond is contingent on a diverse and inclusive student and staff body.

• Every applicant for an undergraduate course is interviewed by the school to explore their creative voice in more depth.

• Central’s outreach program aims to raise aspiration and attainment, and encourage progression to higher education for those learners currently underrepresented. The school offers free auditions for a large number of applicants to ensure as many people as possible are able to audition for the BA (Hons) Acting program.

• Central’s values are communicated to all students as part of the student induction, which includes anti-racism training for all students.

• The Neuro-Inclusion and Disability Service provides support to dyslexic, dyspraxic and neuro-diverse students in numerous ways, from the audition and interview process through to free screening appointments with specialist tutors.

• The Students’ Union also has a number of elected liberation student union officers, dedicated to supporting students from different communities (including international students) and running the campaigns they would like to see on campus throughout the year.

Central is an international community drawn from about 50 different nations across the globe. It offers an international pre-course to help with the transition to living and studying in London. The school has also long provided the ability to interview or audition at a distance to ensure overseas students are also able to successfully apply for the courses. In addition, international students also have access to the Graduate VISA that provides the ability to live in the UK for up to 2 years after completing their studies.

Maximized Engagement Opportunities

Besides emphasizing the academic development of students, Central also offers an array of engagement opportunities for its students—both curricular and extracurricular. Its Students’ Union is extremely active and provides a wide range of clubs and societies for students to get involved with. It runs a number of campaigns, events, and initiatives throughout the year, including performance opportunities such as scratch nights and festivals.

Students also have access to the University of London’s Students’ Union, including a range of clubs, societies, and other services. Everything takes place against the backdrop of London itself, with its array of cultural, entertainment, and educational opportunities. With Central’s campus set in the heart of the UK’s capital city, students have a myriad of options to choose from.

Evaluating Past, Present and the Future

The COVID-19 outbreak posed an immense challenge against the learning and teaching process of educational institutes. However, throughout the pandemic, Central prioritized the safety of its staff and students while ensuring that courses can continue to be delivered in safe and engaging ways. The emergence of new variants has not disrupted the school’s approach, which includes regular testing and mask-wearing for students. Its consistent approach, together with the vigilance of its community, enables students to receive the majority of their training on-site and in person. With the evolving situation, Central ensures that it puts in place the necessary measures to protect the health and safety of its staff and students whilst also maintaining the learning experience.

In addition, Central strives to continue training students to work in collaborative and innovative ways—aiming that that creativity and skill contribute heavily to the ongoing development of the creative industries.

Note to students:

ALSO READ: The 10 Best Universities in Europe for International Students, 2023

The post Royal Central School of Speech and Drama: Fostering the Next-gen Performing Arts Culture appeared first on The Education Magazine.

The COVID-19 pandemic has turned out to be one of the deadliest disease outbreaks in recent times—causing disruptions in almost every facet of our lives. The discovery of vaccines, however, halted the spread of the virus around the world.  While the world was steadily recovering from the delta variant of the virus, the newly found ‘Omicron’ variant has prompted a new, alarming concern for countries around the world.

First detected in South Africa, the Omicron variant has quickly started spreading across other countries as well. Alongside a major stock market drop and renewed international travel bans, the new variant is anticipated to have a lot more impacts threatening the world. Recently, WHO has called omicron “A Variant of Concern.” Amid all the speculations and talks, here is all you need to know about the new variant.

The Onset

As per WHO, the earliest-known case of the omicron variant was detected on November 9, and the first mutation was detected on November 24. While the delta variant still accounts for a majority of COVID cases around the world, the onset of the omicron variant has coincided with a surge in cases in South Africa—with a whopping 1400 percent increase over the past couple of weeks.

Mutations and Transmissibility

There are several different opinions on the transmissibility of the new variant. According to early evidence, the omicron variant of the virus is even more contagious than the delta variant. The new variant has more than 30 mutations on the spike protein—a part of the virus that binds to a human cell and infects it. Thus, omicron is anticipated to be more transmissible and has more potential to evade the immunity provided by the vaccines.

Dr. Anthony Fauci (Director of NIAID U.S.) believes that the virus will spread all over the world by saying, “When you have a virus showing this degree of transmissibility & you are having travel-related cases, it almost invariably is going to go all over.”

WHO, however, counters this argument by saying it is not yet clear whether omicron is more transmissible compared to other variants including Delta.  Although cases in South Africa have risen significantly, epidemiologic studies are underway to understand if it is due to omicron or some other factors.

Symptoms and Severity

According to an advisory by WHO, it is not clear whether the infection with Omicron causes more severe diseases compared to the infections from other variants. Moreover, there is no strong evidence to prove that the symptoms associated with Omicron are different from those with the other variants. Although the initial infections were found primarily among younger university students who tend to have more mild diseases, WHO adds that understanding the level of the severity as well as symptoms of the variant will take days to several weeks. Moreover, preliminary evidence suggests there may be an increased risk of reinfection with Omicron as compared to the other variants.

The Potency of the Vaccine and Tests

As there is still a lot to be discovered about the Omicron variant, it will take time to understand if the existing vaccines are effective against the same. However, leading vaccine manufacturers like Moderna and Pfizer have announced that they already have plans in place to adapt their vaccine if necessary.  Johnson &Johnson and AstraZeneca are also investigating and testing the new variant.

Enunciating his views on the latest developments of the virus, Stephane Bancel (CEO of Moderna) said, “From the beginning, we have said that as we seek to defeat the pandemic, it is imperative that we are proactive as the virus evolves. The mutations in the Omicron variant are concerning and for several days, we have been moving as fast as possible to execute our strategy to address this variant.”

Furthermore, WHO has stated that the widely used PCR tests continue to detect the COVID infection including Omicron as well. Studies are ongoing to determine whether there is any impact on other types of tests, including rapid antigen detection tests.

Ongoing Studies

Presently, WHO is collaborating with several researchers and institutes around the world to extract more information about the virus. Moreover, WHO is encouraging countries to contribute to the collection and sharing of hospitalized patient data through its WHO COVID-19 Clinical Data Platform.

The platform aims to rapidly describe clinical characteristics and patient outcomes, assess the variations in the clinical characteristics and describe the temporary trends in clinical characteristics of COVID-19. WHO continues to evaluate and monitor the data as it becomes available. It will also assess how mutations in the Omicron variant affect the behavior of the virus.

Countries’ Response

The USA recently announced travel restrictions on eight Southern African countries including Lesotho, South Africa, Eswatini, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, and Botswana. Other countries like the UK, Germany, Australia, France, etc. are also imposing travel restrictions on southern African nations to curb the spread of the new variant.

How to Negate the Threat?

In the recently published advisory, WHO has suggested several precautionary measures one must take to avoid infection with the latest variant. According to the advisory, the most effective step an individual can take to curb the spread of the virus is to keep a physical distance of at least 1 meter from others. It also advises to wear a well-fitting mask, open windows to improve ventilation, avoid poorly ventilated or crowded spaces, keep hands clean, cough or sneeze into a bent elbow or tissue, and get vaccinated as soon as one is eligible.

With new information coming out each day, we can soon anticipate a clearer picture of the new variant and its impacts as well as probable solutions. Till then, all we can do is to follow the COVID-19 norms, stay indoors as much as possible, and take care of ourselves and our loved ones to stay safe!

Read More: Uninfected Children Have Antibodies of Coronavirus

The post The New Omicron Variant: Everything you Need to Know appeared first on The Education Magazine.

Standing out as one of the leading universities with its artistic-oriented curriculum, the Music and Arts University of the City of Vienna (MUK) is committed to the further development of music and the performing arts as well as their freedom. Being an autonomous university for music and performing arts, the MUK is a place for the practice of arts and education and offers artistic, artistic-scientific, and artistic-pedagogical studies and courses. It also engages in active dialogue with society on relevant issues and current challenges.

The MUK’s establishment dates back to the 1920s. Several private stakeholders and the public administration of Vienna put efforts to provide access to high standards of art and music education to people of varied backgrounds on artistic and educational levels. In 2005, the MUK received its accreditation with the City of Vienna being its sole owner. This has made it possible for many students from around the globe to access artistic education which is not only contemporary and highly demanding on an international level, but also financially viable and in accordance with the principles of the Bologna Declaration of the European Union.

An Insightful Curriculum

The MUK follows a distinctive strategic curriculum which focuses on two crucial aspects:

Development and exploration of the arts as a core mission

The MUK develops and explores both the traditional and contemporary art forms while developing innovative concepts for arts education. The contemporary artistic trends are equivalent to the focus of teaching and research as historical-artistic practice and theory. One of the central concerns of the university is complementing discipline-specific education with interdisciplinary, cross-faculty work and transdisciplinary projects. Teaching and art development encompasses the areas of interpretation and creation, scholarship and research, as well as mediation and participation. Additionally, researchers from the fields of music, theatre, and dance studios as well as pedagogy contribute to the generation and dissemination of knowledge in many forms on an international level, and as a part of an academic community which is excellence-oriented.

Focus on talents and competencies

For students and teachers, access to the MUK is based on criteria of excellence in terms of both artistic talent and professional aptitude. To achieve this, the comprehensive education and development of the independent artistic personality of students and teachers at the MUK is of central importance. In all the art forms represented, the MUK sets itself the standard of international artistic competitiveness and presents these to a critical public in regular events.

An Array of Study Programs

The MUK offers the following courses and programs:

• Conducting and Composition (Bachelor’s / Master’s Program)
• Keyboard Instruments (Preparatory Course / Bachelor’s / Master’s Program)
• String Instruments (Preparatory Course / Bachelor’s / Master’s Program)
• Wind and Percussion Instruments (Preparatory Course / Bachelor’s / Master’s Program)
• Jazz (Bachelor’s / Master’s Program)
• Early Music (Bachelor’s / Master’s Program)
• Voice and Opera (Bachelor’s / Master’s Program)
• Musical Theatre (Bachelor’s Program)
• Drama (Bachelor’s Program)
• Dance (Preparatory Course / Bachelor’s / Master’s Program)
• Cross-faculty program: Master of Arts Education (MAE)

The study programs encompass over 30 Bologna-compatible bachelor’s and master’s programs in music, musical theater, dance, and drama, along with preparatory courses (for exceptional young talents) and non-degree University courses (extra-occupational education focusing on one area of expertise). Additionally, the ‘Certificate of Performance’ offers tailored, high-level professional training to musicians who are looking to acquire an additional qualification suited to their needs.

Currently, many students are provided the opportunity to develop artistically within the university framework along with over 300 professors, lecturers, and administrative staff. More than half of the students come from abroad and no more than 150  200 out of 1500 applicants are admitted to the university. These students are assessed on the basis of technical and artistic aptitudes during the rigorous admission process. Approximately 850 students from over 50 countries come together in Vienna and create an open-minded and progressive atmosphere. The MUK offers international students a campus flair at three locations in the heart of Vienna.

Robust Members at the Core

The MUK faculty is distinguished into the ‘Faculty of Music’ (comprising reputable soloists, orchestra musicians, and many more), and the ‘Faculty of Performing Arts’. Owing to the university’s international partnerships and connections, the students can avail regular opportunities to participate in exchange projects and concert tours in major countries such as the USA, China, and many more.

Along with 280 lecturers – including many who enjoy the highest artistic and academic reputation beyond their teaching profession – young artists are a part of the MUK community of competence and innovative strength. This is constantly driven forward through the individual promotion of teaching and through intensive research.

The management team, small yet efficient, provides administrative support incorporating the latest technological developments. It is actively involved in the development of educational formats – comprising 450 public events annually among other things.

The close consultation between the university leadership and the lecturers, students, and administrative staff, has seen that a new structure is developed for the young university. This will, in particular, reposition the master’s degrees in terms of future artistic and academic requirements. Furthermore, the contemporary artwork forms the thematic reference point – completing the circle of the founding ideals of the past.

A Plethora of Additionalities

The MUK offers programs that are based on current trends in music and art life. It also considers the current research conducted in the concerned area such as questions of historical performance practice or technical innovations in the field of (live) electronics. This characteristic has enabled the university to collaborate closely with renowned non-academic, as well as valuable cultural partners, and organizes regular workshops and masterclasses to complement its courses.

Effective Crisis Management

To prevent any further outbreak of COVID-19, the MUK transitioned to distance learning and online training until the lockdown was lifted from the City of Vienna. The teachers maintained constant contact with the students and supported them, while the university utilized the pandemic as an opportunity to improve on technical forefronts. It conducted online events and streamed performances for a large audience for the very first time since its establishment.

Adaptable Perspectives

The MUK supported the students according to their special talents and personal visions to help them develop professional identities on the basis of the competencies acquired during their studies. The student-centered education focuses – in addition to the established professional profiles in particular – on the individual development of the students in their respective artistic work. To achieve this goal in the best possible way, teachers and students work together in individual and group lessons, in teams and in ensembles, applying the principles of co-determination, co-creation, and co-responsibility.

Spearheading in the Present Time

The MUK assembles musicians, performing artists, and researchers from all over the world and offers them the opportunity for artistic and academic development in a cosmopolitan, appreciative, and innovative atmosphere. Regular cooperation with domestic and foreign partners is an integral part of its own self-image.

The university has made a virtue out of necessity and is currently even more digitally fit. It is confident about the future and plans to conduct both physical and online classes using cutting-edge technology, science, and its artistic professions. It plans to offer online applications for study places in the future (especially auditions), to streamline content for international students in particular.

Read Full Magazine:- The 10 Best Media and Mass Communication Institutes of 2021

The post Music and Arts University of the City of Vienna: Educating Artists with modern methodes appeared first on The Education Magazine.

Navigating through the Odds

At a meeting on 29^th December 1919, the Cabinet Ministers of Latvia decided to open a technical secondary school as a state educational institution. By 1940, 1505 students graduated from the technical school and many of them pursued successful careers. However, the operations of the school were interrupted during the Soviet occupation.

In 1940, the administration and some training programs in the technical school were replaced. The German occupation period from 1941 to 1944 was also difficult for the school. However, the training continued despite the wartime challenges. After the war in 1945, the technical school was named “Riga Industrial Polytechnical School”. Later, it was renamed “Riga State Technical School” in August 1991.

Since the restoration of the independence of the Republic of Latvia in 1990, Riga State Technical School has grown significantly. Adapting to the requirements of an open economy, it changed the training programs in terms of content. The school also made significant investments in practical training equipment and environmental arrangements. In 2016, a new Innovation and Technology Center was established at Riga State Technical School. This year, the Center has planned to complete the third round of the European Regional Development Fund SAM Project and the Multifunctional Hall.

In-depth STEM Education

Riga State Technical School provides in-depth learning of STEM-related disciplines and prepares its students to pursue similar education at the next level as well. At the Technology and Innovation Center, students are provided with advanced equipment to acquire practical knowledge and skills in mechanical engineering, metalworking, woodworking, energetics, railway, and printing industries. Additionally, Riga State Technical School is one of the leaders in terms of education offered at the level of secondary vocational education—in professions such as programming and computer systems technician, material chemistry technician, etc.

Robust Career-Counseling Services

In recent years, Riga State Technical School has developed robust career counseling services for its students. The teachers-career counselors at the school offer individual or group career support counseling, appointments, and tours for pupils of general education schools—to know and explore the educational opportunities offered, get an idea of the dormitory, training environment, and technical provision.

The school works closely with the Employers’ Confederation of Latvia—in the preparation of labor market specialists—so that the outcome of the educational programs is relevant to the employers’ requirements. For several years, it has been recognized as the employers’ recommended vocational secondary education institute in Latvia.

The Students’ Self-Government

Students’ self-government at Riga State Technical School is the organization of the most active and conscientious students. It works to defend the students’ rights and manage different cultural and educational activities for them as well as teachers. Students’ self-government supports the involvement of students in the activities of different sport groups. Moreover, they are active participants of young people’s dance collective “Pavediens (The Thread)”.

Sustaining the Impacts of the Crisis

The COVID-19 outbreak posed several challenges for educational institutes across the globe. Practical learning was halted due to the stay-at-home orders and other pandemic impositions. However, the unprecedented situation did not majorly affect the process of practical lessons at Riga State Technical School. The work-based learning approach and the implementation of internships at employers provided an important base for maintaining the quality of the practical skills of students.

During the crisis, the students of Riga State Technical School were able to prove themselves with excellent achievements in professional skills competitions. They were the winners of the Graphics Design and Web Technologies competitions at SKILLS/LATVIA 2021. Moreover, they won the first prize both individually and as a team at “The Wise Accountant 2021” competition.

Preparations for the Future

Riga State Technical School is set to put the new Multifunctional Hall in service in the autumn of 2021, providing a plethora of opportunities for students to both engage in sports activities and organize events across the wider spectrum. It expects to quickly return to the onsite training process, as it is essential for the implementation of practical subjects as well as for the full provision of internship in both technical school and internship companies. The challenges for the school in the near future are related to the integration of new learning content into the study process, as well as quality monitoring across all levels.

Emphasizing Sustainability

The European Union has declared 2021 the European Railway Year to promote the use of trains as safe and sustainable transport. Heeding Rail Baltica’s new railway infrastructure project, Riga State Technical School has offered new education programs—such as the Renewable Energy Technician Program—in the context of the challenges of the railway sector, as well as updating the potential for alternative energy in the future.

The school is already outlining the developments of the future labor market in communication with industry representatives. This will allow it to respond to the most pressing challenges, both in the definition of future occupations and in the development and implementation of new study programs.

Being an RSTS Student

Riga State Technical School believes that only a comprehensive specialist of knowledge and skills who is ready to acquire new knowledge can be prepared for the challenges of the labor market in the 21^st century. Thus, it looks forward to the interest of young professionals in demonstrating themselves—both in various professional skills competitions in the sector and in the acquisition of general education and professional subjects.

Students choosing Riga State Technical School should be aware of the employers’ expectations from graduates of a vocational education institution. From the school’s point of view, they should have a desire to acquire a profession and be ready to pursue an internship during the training process at the employer. Moreover, an ideal Riga State Technical School student should consider the possibilities to study at the next level and pursue a lucrative career after graduating from the school.

ALSO READ: The 10 Most Recognized STEM Universities to Watch in 2022

The post Riga State Technical School: Pioneering STEM Implementation in Vocational Secondary Education appeared first on The Education Magazine.

Patricia (Patti) France (President of St. Clair College) states, “COVID-19 has not changed the educational responsiveness, except to require us, temporarily, to deliver our services in a more online format and be more creative in our teaching methodologies.” She asserts that the growth of St. Clair College has always been tied to new economic demands, new technology and new career paths – as the College has grown from offering ten programs when it was established to over 100 full-time programs today.

A Trailblazer

Patti was named St. Clair’s first female President in 2015. She was – at that time –one of the few college presidents in Canada whose initial postsecondary education was obtained within the college system. Eventually, midway through her career with St. Clair, Patti obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Adult Education from Brock University and a Master’s degree from St. Francis Xavier. Her initial education, however, took the form of a St. Clair College diploma in Information Systems Management. She believes that her educational journey demonstrates to students that a college education can launch them on a career path towards a high-level executive position. With her prudent foresight, Patricia has been critically contributing towards the growth of St. Clair College over the past few years.

Catering to the Staffing Needs of Economies

St. Clair College was established in 1967-68 as part of the network of approximately two dozen public colleges created by the provincial government. The provincial goal was to create a new postsecondary atmosphere that concentrated on responding to the staffing demands of the local economy, with ‘real world’ skills and technical instruction. These goals still underlie everything St. Clair College does – while also addressing staffing needs of provincial, national and international economies. Patricia said the College is now adding greater theory and research components to some of its more advanced and complex programs.

Additional Academic Services

Alongside academic programs, St. Clair’s Learning Commons feature numerous departments that provide exceptional academic assistance services to students – all of which rapidly adapted to the pandemic by adding online accessibility last year. According to Patti, the most effective service among these is St. Clair’s long-standing and free Peer Tutoring service, in which the College pairs up high-achieving student tutors with students having difficulties in classes. Moreover, the Genesis Centre for Entrepreneurship was established at the College several years ago. It stages workshops for students on an almost weekly basis on a variety of topics – ranging from study skills, to job interview techniques and resume preparation, as well as advice on launching a business. “For 20 years, we have conducted a joint job Fair with the University of Windsor, with hundreds of local and national employers meeting with thousands of students and alumni,” adds Patti.

Up-To-Date with Technological Changes

Patti asserts that hands-on, skills-oriented education is the lifeblood of colleges. Thus, keeping up with the technological trends is the paramount priority for faculty members and academic administrators at the College. Most of St. Clair’s faculty members came to their teaching jobs directly from their professional fields –and many part-time faculty members are still working in their industries, giving them first-hand knowledge of existing and developing technology.

Furthermore, the College has excellent relationships with local businesses and industries, which often donate or loan new machinery to help teach students – because when students graduate, they often become their new employees. St. Clair also offers its labs, workshops, faculty and students to the private sector for research and development partnerships in a variety of fields.

Vibrant Social Life

From concerts and entertainment events staged by St. Clair’s student councils, to intramural and varsity sports offered by the athletic association, to awareness weeks and fundraisers, the non-academic social life of the College is exceedingly vibrant. The student organizations that develop and deliver many of these activities have continued to do so even during the pandemic by staging online games, concerts, contests, volunteer fairs, and health and fitness sessions for students.

Besides this, in non-pandemic times, both the College administration and student organizations offer several hundred part-time, on-campus jobs for students throughout the year, including paid tutorships, sports refereeing, serving as computer technicians, and cooking and waitering in food services. Patti said every academic program also includes a mandatory workplace placement within the curriculum, which reflects the college’s philosophy of delivering a ‘real-world’ education.

Expanding the Footprint

St. Clair’s enrolment of international students has multiplied ten-fold, from approximately 400 to more than 4,000 in the past few years. “All of our existing support services for domestic students, academic and non-academic, have developed specialized components –and empathy –for the unique challenges faced by our international students,” says Patti. For instance, several staffers within St. Clair’s International Department received training to become certified immigration counselors.

This year, the College will complete the construction of a new residential building to relieve the housing crunch faced by international students. In addition, students-at-large have rolled out the welcome mat for their international peers. “The current boards of our student organizations are filled with international students,” adds Patti.

Talking about the College’s future plans, Patti said that St. Clair is anxious to see the pandemic brought under control. The College has continued to deliver excellent education to thousands of students during the past year, however Patti understands the online format is certainly not ideal. According to her, face-to-face interaction between teacher-and-learner and student-to-student, is essential to both academic quality and the enjoyment of the college experience.

Quality, Experience and Opportunities

The selection of an appropriate educational institute is crucial for a student to achieve his or her goals. Patti states that students should look for an institute with the best academic quality. They should also look for the provincial-government-mandated Key Performance Indicator (KPI) survey results which gauge the satisfaction levels of students, graduates and the employers of graduates. Secondly, she asserts that students should study the support services and ‘college experience atmosphere’ of a school.

Moreover, Patti asks students to look at the financial opportunities available. Aside from basic provincial assistance programs, colleges have substantial bursary and scholarship funds, and governments are providing generous grants for training and retraining in several fields, especially skilled trades and apprenticeships. “College education has never been more affordable than it is right now”, Patti said.

Read Full Post The 10 Most Visionary Education Leaders Of 2021

The post Patricia France: A Visionary bringing about a Paradigm Shift to Education appeared first on The Education Magazine.

In this emerging market, the major players in the blockchain in agriculture and food supply chain market are Ambrosus, IBM, SAP-SE, Microsoft, Arc-net, Rip. Io, OriginTrail, ChainVine, AgriDigital, and Provenance.

Blockchain in Agriculture Technology

Blockchain with IoT is an emerging trend that will influence the future of agriculture.  Several technologies have revolutionized the agriculture technology, however; such deep technologies will further enhance the Agriculture and Food Supply chain market. Companies are leveraging blockchain to secure data in IoT devices. These devices can collect, transfer, and store data over a wireless network.  When IoT devices are combined with blockchain, it enables smart dices to exchange data and other financial transactions in a scalable, private, and reliable manner.

Blockchain technology with IoT further supports businesses to share and access data without the need for central control management. Recently, the companies have transformed their operations to utilize compelling technologies to the forefront. As the key agriculture technology players ingest and scale the best of these new ideas and products in 2021, bringing real results and clear value for framers is going to be paramount.

The same has been confirmed in an article published by Thales in 2019, that blockchain in IoT devices has doubled and a majority of the organizations plan to consider blockchain technology shortly.

Related:- 6 Most Disruptive Technology Trends of the Year

What are the new trends in agriculture?

• Regenerative Ag
• Ag Biotech
• Automation & Robotics
• Ag Fintech & Insurance
• Farm Management Software
• Precision Pollination
• Ag Marketplaces
• Indoor Farming

Also Read, Chinese companies aim to buy the US agricultural products

The post Agriculture Technology market to grow up to $189.48 million appeared first on The Education Magazine.

From award-winning academic opportunities to exciting Division I Athletics, Troy University provides students around the globe with top-notch learning opportunities both in-person and online. “As we look into the future, Troy University will continue to prepare globally aware and globally competitive students. We will also grow our role as a center for research,” says Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor at Troy University. Dr. Hawkins, who came to Troy University in 1989, is the longest-serving CEO of a public university in the United States.

Dr. Hawkins said his work at TROY has been supported and enhanced by the contributions of his wife and TROY First Lady Janice Hawkins. She has served as a strong advocate of the fine arts and campus physical improvements to include an arts center and cultural arts park, which bears her name. Mrs. Hawkins has also supported the internationalization of the University and has been an advocate for military veterans through the “TROY for Troops” centers on campuses in Troy, Montgomery, Dothan and Phenix City.

Watch Here:- Conference Dr Jack Hawkins, Jr.

WIDESPREAD ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

Troy University offers more than 170 undergraduate majors and minors, as well as a variety of graduate degree programs. The University offers three doctoral programs including its newest—the Ph.D. in Global Leadership—which launched in 2020. The Ph.D. program, taught online, focuses on leadership theory, its practical applications and the nature of today’s workforce.

In 2019, the University’s Sorrell College of Business became one of 189 business colleges worldwide to hold dual accreditation in business and accounting from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)—the largest business education network connecting students, educators and businesses worldwide.

EMPOWERING STUDENTS WITH PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE

Troy University is committed to preparing students for the job market. Dr. Hawkins adds that TROY’s new programs in 3D printing and Materials and Manufacturing Sciences are embracing the latest advances in technology and research. Moreover, its Department of Geospatial Informatics’ Unmanned Aerial Systems minor provides students with practical experience in drone operations—a technology that is growing in use throughout a variety of career fields.

“While we are embracing the latest technologies in these areas, we are committed to empowering the next generation of global leaders as well,” says Dr. Hawkins, whose service as a platoon leader in the United States Marine Corps formed his leadership style. TROY’s record of service to the men and women of the United States Military dates back 60 years, and TROY has been cited as one of the most military-friendly institutions in the United States. To educate leaders, Troy University combines classroom instruction and practical experience through Troy University’s thriving internship programs and cooperative partnerships. The University seeks to add value to the TROY degree every day. This commitment, along with the dedication to serving students, sets Troy University apart from other colleges and universities.

A PLACE OF VALUE AND VALUES

“The most important thing we do at TROY is to serve our students. Our faculty and staff are dedicated to a student-first philosophy that has enabled us to create a culture of caring where we know our students by their name and not just by a number,” says Dr. Hawkins. He adds that TROY students benefit from many of the services and opportunities offered at larger universities, but they do so in a close-knit, family-like environment. Moreover, the University is a place of value and values, where students receive a quality education at an affordable price while also having opportunities to be engaged with and in service to others.

Troy University is preparing its students for the world of work and equipping them with the skills necessary to be leaders within their communities, across the nation and throughout the world. Dr. Hawkins said, “Our founding motto is at the heart of the culture of caring that exists at TROY—we educate the mind to think, the heart to feel, and the body to act.”

ENHANCING STUDENT SUCCESS

The complete university experience may be found at Troy University’s beautiful, historic campus in Troy, Alabama, where almost $400 million has been invested in capital improvements over the last 25 years. The campus offers advanced academic programs along with experiences that shape careers and lives. Students at TROY can benefit from the more than 200 clubs, Greek organizations and philanthropic groups, as well as study-abroad programs, Division I Athletics, an honors program and more.

TROY also offers diverse options of residence halls, dining options and a new, state-of-the-art fitness and wellness center. “Students also can take advantage of opportunities that will help them hone their skills and enhance their academic success,” said Dr. Hawkins. The John W. Schmidt Center for Student Success provides programs and services that enhance students’ academic achievement, personal and social growth, campus and civic engagement, persistence to graduation, and career placement.

EVOLVING THE LANDSCAPE OF EDUCATION

Looking at the demographics of online education, Dr. Hawkins asserted that roughly six million U.S. university students were studying online before the pandemic. However, with the outbreak of COVID-19 around 1.5 billion students worldwide were forced to go online. Also, around 76% of college faculty in the U.S. had to move courses online to complete the spring term. He asserts, “While many were not prepared to make that shift, I’m proud to say that our 25 years of experience in online education prepared Troy University well for a time such as this.”

The landscape of higher education has continued to evolve through the years. Tech advancements have been highly embraced to effectively serve the University’s students. TROY became a pioneer in online education which served the University well when the pandemic resulted in a transition from in-person to online learning this spring. TROY already had a wide inventory of online programs, and with the advent of a pandemic, it is committed to increasing this inventory to better serve students. Dr. Hawkins emphasized, “However, successful universities in this ever-changing landscape are those that not only strive to be high-tech but also high-touch. At TROY, we are committed to being both high-tech and high-touch.”

LOOKING FORWARD TO A BETTER FUTURE

Dr. Hawkins said the vision for Troy University rests on five pillars of excellence:

1. Capitalizing on the current trends in distance education by moving 100% of TROY’s academic programs online.
2. Focusing on the employability of all graduates in all academic disciplines.
3. Emphasizing continued good stewardship in areas of staffing and capital improvements.
4. Maintaining a global focus by bringing the world to TROY and sending TROY into the world.
5. Refining and growing research efforts.

Dr. Hawkins concluded, “Achieving these goals will ensure that the best is yet to be for Troy University!”

ALSO READ: The 10 Remarkable Education Leaders of December 2023

The post Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr. : A Catalyst for the Transformation of the University appeared first on The Education Magazine.

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has brought an arduous time for teachers across the US. With an unprecedented shutdown, educators have had to face a rapid transition in the school system. The pandemic will be exacerbating the educational dilemma while hampering the teacher morale. 42% of teachers have claimed that the pandemic has decreased their motivation to work.

Statements from the Officials

Dr. Andra Penny, the Principal at Cottonwood Creek Elementary in Texas, elaborated how distance learning modules take a toll on teacher morale. At her school, about 40% of students have opted for remote learning. So teachers are burdened with in-person class instruction and simultaneous live streaming. She stated that when teachers fall sick, administrators have to request other subject teachers to take over double tasks. Thus teachers face a tough ordeal during school hours.

McCarthy describes how the stressful work schedule can result in teachers exhibiting symptoms of burnout. This reduces their effectiveness in the classroom and ultimately induces them to resign. They may take longer leaves and develop a dehumanized perception towards students. “Teachers [who are burnt out] feel a reduced sense of accomplishment in their job, they feel emotionally exhausted,” he said.

Factors that Influence Teacher’s Morale

Teacher morale is often impacted due to factors such as,

1. Satisfaction Level: A school has to cater to provide everything that a teacher may need. The job responsibilities likewise must be interesting and engaging for teachers. To avoid spiraling into dissatisfaction and frustration, frequent checks of teacher morale should be conducted.

2. Stress: If a teacher is under physical or emotional fatigue, the classroom ambiance is tainted with a bad influence. School administrators must be wary of such changes.

3. Organization Morale: As students are driven by the behavior of teachers, individual teachers are affected by the overall organization morale. Low leadership morale on the part of administrators will result in low teacher morale.

4. Pay: According to Smith and Reid (2010), a study revealed that teachers in the Lodi Unified School District were not happy with their pay. They felt undervalued during salary negotiations and compensation bargains.

5. Respect: Teachers need the right bit of respect and recognition for their work like everybody else. Denial of this is inevitably an indicator of low teacher morale.

6. Participation: According to Miller (1980), allowing teachers to participate in the decision-making process of a school works wonders in boosting a teacher morale. Likewise, adequate praises and instructional leadership opportunities also help.

Teaching was already termed as a ‘high-stress job’. Due to the rapid educational changes, uncertainty, and fear of contracting the virus have all brought down teacher morale considerably. The workload and stress contributed to deteriorating the mental health of a great number of teachers.

Tips to reduce stress

In order to relieve this stress and lift teacher’s morale, the below-listed tips can be proved beneficial – especially amidst the pandemic.

1. Self-Pace: A school administration can ease the teacher’s tensions and let them work at their own pace. The situation is very precarious, hence the tendency to experience low teacher morale.

2. Mental Help: Providing mental support hotline and frequent counseling sessions are essential steps to be taken. The challenging pressure of living through a pandemic may be better addressed by a professional.

3. Social Activity: Since most teachers are separated from their colleagues at this time, a school may set apart a virtual social space for yoga or relaxation.

4. Work Aid: When principals, administrators, and staff are not busy with their own jobs, they can lend a helping hand to teachers. They can be in charge of recess or lunch duty while teachers continue lessons uninterrupted.

5. Mindfulness Breaks: In between lessons school psychologists can uplift teacher morale as well as class ambiance through socio-emotional lessons. They can use breathing exercises or coping strategies for fear and anger.

6. Administrative Support: Receiving encouragement and support from the school authorities boosts teacher morale significantly. An EdWeek survey showed how 39% of teachers admitted having been uplifted by their superiors’ support.

7. Secondary Trauma: Setting up a professional development session helps teachers recognize signs of secondary trauma. This results from being exposed to traumatized students. The session helps to emphasize self-care.

8. Staying Connected: Fellow teachers must support each other in their work. Some school district leaders in the USA have set up “virtual restorative circles” where teachers share and connect.

9. Virtual Training: Coaching teachers on how to wade through the changed school procedures and tackle technological issues is important. This provides staff the confidence to go through this time of uncertainty.

10. Appreciation: Crediting educators for their hard work goes a long way in boosting teacher morale. Giving meaningful presents to teachers could also be a great way of conveying appreciation as well. Some community members share heartwarming stories about the efforts of teachers on social media.

Boosting teacher morale in this time of crisis is of supreme importance to sustain the education system. When teachers are inspired and motivated inside the classroom, future stars will shine and chase their dreams.

Also Read,

• How will the Latest Google Drive Updates Help Teachers and Educators in 2021?
• Quotes on Teaching for Teachers to Steer Young Minds of Generation-Me

The post 10 Tips To Boost Teacher’s Morale Amidst the Pandemic appeared first on The Education Magazine.

COVID-19 brought several challenges for both students and parents including financial challenges. Being a highly recognized university with a strong track record of supporting students, FDU decided to freeze tuition rates for current students for two consecutive years (in 2020 and again in 2021), provided significant discounts for summer and winter courses, and then reduced its tuition fee by a quarter for incoming students, all to meet rising financial challenges for students and parents alike. However, this is not the first time the university has invested in the financial future of its students. According to U.S News & World Report, the University was ranked the 16th best value school in the North. Moreover, Money post also determined it to be among the” best colleges for your money.” FDU promises to build this legacy further with continued improvement in its educational offerings while continuing to take important measures to improve affordability.

Watch Here:- Welcome to FDU!

Quality Education as a Future Investment

The University is known for its highly-ranked academic programs with a wide range of majors like nursing, engineering, accounting, computer science and theatre arts, to mention a few. Innovative programs are also offered through the Silberman College of Business, School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and the International School of Hospitality, Sports and Tourism Management, among others. COVID-19 has been an unfortunate development for the university which had built strong momentum in the rankings. The University has climbed 30 spots in recent years to reach the top-50 rankings among best colleges in the North region of the U.S.

Many may see the tag of “best value for your money” as a relative term for investing in education. However, this is a key distinction for most parents and students. Higher education in the United States continues to be plagued with higher debt for students and worsening job market conditions. However, there is also promising news for quality higher education. According to the Federal Reserve, rising unemployment during COVID-19 is another sign of rising demand for college graduates. During this crisis, the unemployment rates for those with and without a college degree grew from 2.2% to 8.8%. The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicated that in August, graduates with only a high-school diploma were almost twice as likely to be unemployed during COVID-19 than college graduates.

A Wise Investment During Uncertain Tides

According to the President of FDU, Dr. Christopher A. Capuano, one of the key differentiators for quality education boils down to classroom size for students and a high level of personal support. Small classes naturally offer a safe space for students to engage in an effective manner. Moreover, he believes the rising emphasis on industry-specific skills is where FDU excels. “Most of our programs work closely with alumni and industry leaders. This ensures that academic requirements keep pace with real-world core demands. Moreover, no matter what the field of study is, FDU students graduate with the career-ready skills essential to succeed,” states Capuano.

The University aims to expand its wings further in this crisis with new educational programs. “All our programs have adapted over the years to the changing needs of our students and our society, and new programs in areas like animation and cybersecurity have been launched to respond to new technologies and career opportunities,” asserts Capuano.

An Umbrella of Promising Academic Programs

Capuano envisions FDU to be a place where students engage in a range of activities and are provided with all necessary resources to fulfill their college experience. He believes this will empower students to engage with a sense of community, learn lifelong lessons and build lifelong relationships. Hence, FDU makes its Career Development Center a key priority and provides tremendous support to its students.

Apart from FDU’s undergraduate offerings of more than 100 programs, the University also provides professional degree programs in nursing practice, clinical psychology, pharmacy, and school psychology. Additionally, it also offers a highly in-demand liberal arts program. Today, FDU has campuses in New Jersey (Florham Park and Teaneck), the United Kingdom (Wroxton) and Canada (Vancouver) and proudly has special ties with the United Nations— testimony to the University’s investment in this long held vision.

A Strong Foundational Philosophy

The founder of FDU, Peter Sammartino, believed in creating an educational experience based on multicultural understanding. He envisioned FDU as a place where students make meaningful connections with each other, the local community and the world to begin their lifelong journeys.

According to Capuano, FDU’s recent decision to lower fees is in line with its vision of being an institution “of and for the world.” Dr. Sammartino envisioned the University as a place to prepare students to make a real impact on the world.

The Journey Ahead

The world of education will continue to reel from the COVID-19 pandemic as students miss out on a traditional educational experience. As the pandemic lays out a challenging and critical path for educators worldwide, the issue of safety and offering a sense of community to students will be more important than ever.

Greater access and affordability were important priorities before the COVID-19 outbreak and now, with the increasing financial toll on students and families, they have gained new urgency. FDU will continue to make important investments in innovative programs, while providing students with a high level of personal support and numerous opportunities to open new doors.

Capuano has led the University to offer improved access to an affordable education. “Our goal is to provide more access and opportunities to our students. The value of FDU education is well-demonstrated. By making our education more accessible, we will be making a world of difference to future generations,” says Capuano.

The Success Mantra

The foundational mantra of democratizing education, while providing quality education as a private entity is a difficult balancing act. At the moment, there is much debate in the U.S. about the rising costs of higher education and its significant benefits. However, the U.S. is a magnet for students all over the world for quality higher education. The success of FDU provides a peek into why this is.

FDU remains ahead of educational trends and emphasizes collaborative learning as the foundation of education. This foundation is essential for seeking and building a world which anticipates tomorrow’s problems before they occur. FDU’s strong academic programs help to foster and create a community which accepts, inspires, motivates and guides everyone to build a promising world for its students and community alike.

ALSO READ: The 10 Most Prestigious Human Universities in 2024

The post Christopher Capuano: Transforming Education with Vision, and Grit appeared first on The Education Magazine.