Category Archives: online universities

Are We Too Easily Offended? Navigating Modern Sensitivity and Entitlement”


”The Rise of Offense Culture: Entitlement, Sensitivity, and Their Societal Impact”

“In recent years, it’s become increasingly apparent that society has undergone a profound shift in its collective psyche. We’ve entered an era where the slightest perceived slight can spark outrage, where the mere whisper of disagreement can be met with vitriolic backlash, and where the notion of personal responsibility has given way to a pervasive sense of entitlement. It’s as if we’ve become a society of hair-trigger sensitivities, where the faintest whisper of offense can set off a firestorm of indignation.

But is this perception merely a product of our own biases, or is there something more profound at play? Have we truly become more easily offended, or are we simply more aware of the offenses that have always existed? And what of this sense of entitlement that seems to permeate every aspect of modern life? Is it a natural response to the increasing complexity and uncertainty of our world, or is it a symptom of a deeper rot – a sense of privilege and expectation that has been fostered by our culture of instant gratification and social media echo chambers?

As we navigate the treacherous waters of modern discourse, it’s essential that we take a step back and examine the underlying dynamics that drive our behaviour. Are we truly more sensitive, or are we simply more sensitive to the sensitivities of others? And what are the consequences of this shift – not just for our individual relationships and communities, but for the very fabric of our society as a whole?



In this blog, we’ll delve into the heart of this debate, exploring the complex interplay of factors that have contributed to our current state of heightened sensitivity and entitlement. We’ll examine the role of social media, the impact of cultural and economic shifts, and the ways in which our own psychological biases shape our perceptions of the world around us. And we’ll ask the tough questions: What does it mean to be offended, and what does it mean to be entitled? Is there a way to strike a balance between empathy and accountability, or are we doomed to forever walk the tightrope between hurt feelings and hurtful words?

Join me on this journey as we explore the intricacies of modern society and the ways in which our perceptions of offense and entitlement shape our world – and ourselves.”

The perception that society has become more easily offended and possesses a heightened sense of entitlement is a topic of significant debate. This perception can be analysed from multiple angles:

Increased Sensitivity and Offense
Factors Contributing to Increased Sensitivity:
1. Social Media Amplification: Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram provide a space for rapid sharing and amplification of opinions, grievances, and calls for accountability. This can create a perception of widespread offense.
2. Cultural Shifts: There is a growing awareness and sensitivity towards issues of race, gender, sexuality, and other identity markers. Movements like #MeToo and Black Lives Matter have highlighted systemic issues, leading to heightened sensitivity and vigilance against perceived slights or injustices.
3. Polarisation and Echo Chambers: Social media and selective news consumption can create echo chambers where individuals are exposed mainly to views that reinforce their own, intensifying reactions to opposing views.



Sense of Entitlement
Factors Contributing to a Sense of Entitlement:
1. Consumer Culture: The modern consumer culture emphasizes personal choice and satisfaction, potentially fostering a sense of entitlement where individuals expect their needs and preferences to be prioritized.
2. Individualism: Western societies, in particular, value individualism, which can sometimes translate into prioritizing personal rights and entitlements over communal responsibilities and consensus.
3. Educational and Parenting Trends: Some argue that certain educational and parenting approaches, which emphasize self-esteem and individual achievement, may contribute to a sense of entitlement among younger generations.

Ramifications
Negative Ramifications:
1. Erosion of Discourse: A heightened sensitivity and sense of entitlement can stifle open dialogue and debate. Fear of offending others or being offended can lead to self-censorship or the silencing of differing opinions.
2. Increased Division: When people feel entitled to their views without compromise, it can lead to increased polarization and societal division, as seen in various political and cultural clashes.
3. Mental Health Concerns: Constantly navigating a landscape where offense is easily taken and given can contribute to stress and anxiety, both for individuals and communities.

Potential Positive Outcomes:
1. Greater Inclusivity: Increased sensitivity can lead to more inclusive and respectful environments, where marginalized voices are heard and considered.
2. Accountability: Holding individuals and institutions accountable for offensive or harmful behaviour can lead to positive social change and a more just society.
3. Empathy and Awareness: As society becomes more aware of diverse perspectives and experiences, there can be a growth in empathy and understanding across different social groups.

Conclusion
The perception of increased sensitivity and entitlement in society is complex, with both positive and negative aspects. The key lies in finding a balance between respecting diverse perspectives and maintaining open, constructive discourse. Ensuring that sensitivity to offense does not inhibit free expression and that a sense of entitlement does not override communal responsibilities is crucial for social harmony and progress.
As we conclude our thought-provoking discussion on the perceived rise of entitlement and offenses in today’s society, we’re left to ponder the far-reaching implications of this phenomenon. From the impact on our self-esteem to the way we interact with others, it’s clear that this shift in societal norms has far-reaching consequences. As we strive to cultivate a more empathetic and understanding world, it’s essential to acknowledge and address these underlying issues. Take a moment to reflect on your own experiences and biases – and how they may be influencing your relationships and interactions. And if you’re ready to shed old patterns and elevate your self-awareness, consider visiting our blog

The Importance of Book Cover Design: Unveiling the Secrets Behind “Scrolling Shadows”

Scrolling ShadowsHow did I come up with the design for the cover of my first fiction book

In the world of publishing, the old adage “don’t judge a book by its cover” may ring true in principle, but in reality, the design of a book cover plays a crucial role in capturing readers’ attention and enticing them to delve into its pages. Just like a captivating movie poster or an eye-catching billboard, a well-designed book cover serves as the first impression of a literary work, offering a glimpse into its tone, genre, and overall aesthetic. In this blog post, I will share why the design of your book cover is important and unveil the secrets behind the design of “Scrolling Shadows: Sucked into the Darkside of Instagramverse.”

In my head, I knew what I wanted, but getting it out into visual form was not that easy. I wanted Amy, a modern girl with her mobile phone, which went everywhere with her to be the main focus, but how could I visually draw the viewer into the cover without too much noise? I hired a graphic book cover designer to help illustrate and unlock my imagination into art form, but that was just the beginning

I focused on these five principles:

1. First Impressions Matter: As the saying goes, you never get a second chance to make a first impression. The cover of a book is often the first thing a potential reader notices, whether browsing in a bookstore or scrolling through online listings. A visually appealing cover can grab attention amidst a sea of competing titles, sparking curiosity, and prompting further exploration.


2. Reflecting the Essence of the Story: The design of a book cover should provide a glimpse into the world within its pages. It should convey the genre, mood, and themes of the story, giving readers a sense of what to expect. For “Scrolling Shadows,” the cover design was influenced by the themes of social media addiction, standalone, secrecy, virtual reality, and mystery, with imagery that captures the allure and danger of the Instagramverse.

3. Creating Emotional Connection: A well-designed book cover has the power to evoke emotions and resonate with readers on a deeper level. Whether through striking imagery, evocative typography, or clever use of colour, the design can evoke curiosity, intrigue, or even a sense of nostalgia. For “Scrolling Shadows,” the cover design aims to evoke a sense of a young girl alone with her powerful m9bile phone, suspense and defiance, drawing readers into the thrilling world of the story.


4. Building Brand Identity: In an increasingly crowded marketplace, establishing a strong brand identity is essential for authors and publishers alike. A consistent and distinctive design aesthetic across a series of books can help build brand recognition and loyalty among readers. For “Scrolling Shadows” and future works by Diane Shawe, the cover design serves as a key element of brand identity, creating a cohesive visual identity that sets the tone for the author’s body of work and as Amy matures Can be reflected in the forthcoming series.

5. Standing Out in the Digital Age: With the rise of e-books and online shopping, book covers are often viewed in thumbnail size on digital platforms. This means that covers must be eye-catching and easily recognizable even at a small scale. The design of “Scrolling Shadows” takes this into account, ensuring that the cover stands out in both physical and digital formats, grabbing attention, and inviting readers to click for more.

In conclusion, the design of a book cover is far more than just a superficial adornment—it’s a powerful tool for attracting readers, conveying the essence of the story, and building brand identity. With “Scrolling Shadows: Sucked into the Darkside of Instagramverse,” the cover design serves as a gateway to an immersive and thrilling literary experience, enticing readers to embark on a journey into the captivating world of social media addiction and virtual reality.


Scrolling shadows

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https://www.amazon.co.uk/SCROLLING-SHADOWS-SUCKED-INTO-INSTAGRAMVERSE-ebook/dp/B0D2WQS4PM/

Let me know what you think about my book cover

New business partnership set up for Dudley town centre

A new multi-stakeholder partnership has been formed with local businesses to stimulate the local economy and improve the vibrancy of Dudley town centre.

The Dudley Town Centre Partnership Group is supported by Dudley Council with national government funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and will work in conjunction with key stakeholders including Dudley Council.

The business-led steering group has an allocated budget and meets monthly to drive change, working collaboratively to deliver projects recommended by businesses to activate and improve the town.

Cllr Paul Bradley, deputy leader of Dudley Council said:

“Collaborative stakeholder groups help to enable change on our high streets but a recent report from High Streets Task Force found that 40 per cent of towns do not have local partnerships in place.

“We know it has been a difficult few years for businesses but we hope this new group aims to give Dudley town businesses a voice and platform to come together while identifying ways to improve the vibrancy of our town centre.

“We’ve already seen positive change including improved cleaning with the introduction of a dedicated full time neighbourhood services operative.”

Dudley Council recently appointed independent advisors ‘Heartflood’ and ‘Save the High Street’ to facilitate formation of the new Town Centre Partnership. The group also holds quarterly open focus groups on particular topics and town centre businesses are encouraged to get involved in the coming months.

Julie Holden, Community Director at Save the High Street added:

“Now more than ever we need to encourage collaboration and work together to strengthen and improve our town centres and high streets.

We are delighted to be partnering with Heartflood to deliver this valuable project, and to be continuing our work to support Dudley town centre businesses.”

Businesses in the town centre are welcome to join the group and can find out more by contacting Dudley Business First on info@dudleybusinessfirst.org.uk

Diane Shawe a member of the steering group for Dudle Town Centre Partnership explains that the UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local businesses, and people and skills. For more information, visit UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Business support may be available for local businesses, including a free business diagnostic, by registering with a business advisor at https://www.businessgrowthwestmidlands.org.uk/

Visit www.savethehighstree.org website to find out more about forthcoming events and meetings.

Turning 50 isn’t the end of a business career – new wave of silvererpreneurs

Get qualified in days not years

The only way is up after a downturn

article by Diane Shawe M.Ed

Turning 50 isn’t the end of a business career – it’s the beginning. And an ever-growing wave of ‘olderpreneurs’, starting a business have 70% chance of surviving their first five years compared with only a 28% survival rate for those younger than them.

Nearly half the self-employment population is over 50, and one in six new businesses started in the UK are set up by post-half-centurions.

So what’s fuelling the entrepreneurial impetus of the ‘silver startup’, and why are they doing so well?

Necessity

The over-50s age group has been particularly hard-hit by the recession. Last year, the Office of National Statistics (ONS) revealed 28% of those aged between 50 and state pension age were out of work – compared with only 20% of those aged under 50.

Why? One of the biggest factors is the rife ageism that permeates practically every industry in the UK, that anyone over 50 who’s been forced to look for employment will testify to with a weary nod. The ONS estimates those who lose their job aged 50 or over have only a 10% chance of being re-employed.

Deciding to use their money from redundancies to fund ta company, over the course of two years the payout had trickled in its entirety into the business. But it was worth the investment – and they often don’t have to rely on the ineffective banks at the moment.

77 Questions to avoid business failure

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New challenge

At a fundamental level, sometimes people just want to do something different in their later years.

It’s interesting that recent YouGov and Standard Life research found the average age at which people feel totally confident in their working skills is 37, while the more elusive sense of fulfilment peaks at 50. Perhaps this climax of achievement and sense of ability leads to a need for a new direction, a new challenge, once a person passes the half-century mark.

You’re in good company if your over 50 and considering starting a business.

More than four out of 10 new businesses in the UK are started by people over 50, according to the Office for National Statistics. And it’s a growing trend. A recent report from Barclays highlighted that over 55s are now 63% more likely to start businesses than 10 years ago.

And this rise in business owners doesn’t just apply to founders in their 50s – the number of self-employed people aged 65 and over has more than doubled in the UK in the past five years.

While there’s never a ‘right time’ to pursue a business idea, an increasing number of people in their 50s and over – dubbed ‘olderpreneurs’ – are shifting to entrepreneurship. But why?

For starters, budding business owners in their 50s are capitalising on the government pension freedoms – first introduced back in 2015 – and are opting to take their tax free cash lump-sum to “create wealth” by using their pensions to start a business.

However, it’s not just pension-led funding which is boosting the numbers of  the UK’s older entrepreneurs.

Low-interest loans and mentoring, provided by the likes of , is playing an integral part in funding and supporting the growth of founders in their 50s with over 5,700 loans having been supplied to founders aged 50 and over by the organisation to date.

Supported by research from PRIME that those who start a business in their 50s are 42% more likely to be successful than their younger counterparts, we want to shake off the notion that starting a business in middle-age isn’t a good idea. On the contrary, older entrepreneurs have the advantage of being able to tap into wealth of experience and knowledge which they can put to use in a start-up venture.

To break down stereotypes, we’ve highlighted five inspiring businesses founded by entrepreneurs aged 50 and over, who each received a Start Up Loan to make their business dreams a reality.

Operating in industries ranging from domestic care to street food.

After every downturn there is alway a upturn because people really work hard along with banks, investors and government to make it work.

The Effects of Grade Inflation on Education

So what is Grade Inflation and what are the effects?

Article by Diane Shawe Author extracts from ‘Is Adult Education Broken’

Grade inflation is the tendency to award progressively higher academic grades for work that would have received lower grades in the past.

  • Grade inflation makes it more difficult to identify the best students, as more students are awarded the highest available grade.
  • Grade inflation is not uniform between schools. This places students in more stringently graded schools and departments at an unfair disadvantage.
  • Grade inflation is not uniform among disciplines.
  • Grade inflation makes it more difficult to compare students who took their exams at different times.

The effects of Compliance Professionals

The rise of the campus compliance professional as expert utilising the perfects means of
gaining media influence with their established position. Though the means of gaining influence
are common, their aims vary from political, economic, to personal. Thus the label of
compliance professional applies to diverse groups of people, including propagandists,
marketers, pollsters, salespeople and political advocates. It’s interesting to note that education is not really targeted

The effects of Grade Point Averages (GPA)

According to a study published in 2014, a one-point increase in high school GPA translated to
an 11.85-percent increase in annual earnings for men and a 13.77 percent annual earnings
increase for women. However, the higher percentage increase was not found to be enough
for women to catch up to men: women with a 4.0 high school GPA still made less, on average,
than men with a 2.5 GPA. We are now seeing evidence of this in unequal gender pay for the same job

College and post-college students often wonder how much weight their GPA carries in future
employment. The employer, company and industry play the largest factor in answering this question.

According to Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., senior vice president of human resources for IAC/Interactive Corp, a company with over 33,000 employees, an applicant’s GPA is the single best indicator of future success in job employment. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, since 2001 there has been an increase in employers looking at and making hiring decisions based on, a candidate’s GPA.

In addition, Job Outlook 2005 survey reported that 70 percent of employers looked at an applicant’s GPA, increasing to 75 percent in 2010. Those looking at and weighing in college GPA reported that their cut off was a GPA of 3.0 or lower (Morsch 2 CL 2007-2010)

GPA is not the only factor that determines future employment. Many employers look for other
pertinent characters such as leadership, teamwork, flexibility and attitude. They may also look at the reputation of the college attended and other work related experiences such as
internships. In a 2010 student survey for recruiters, 45 percent of the students who had
completed an internship had already received a job offer. Many of these jobs were within the
company that they interned for.

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Although GPA seems to be important in the hiring process, other variables may contribute to
the likelihood of getting hired. If a student’s GPA is below a 3.0 or what the employer is looking for, it is suggested to calculate your GPA for only the classes within your major for your resume.

The effects of Consumer Confusion

Confusion occurs when a consumer fails to correctly understand or interpret products and
services. (Turnbell 2002 -2003). This, in turn, leads to them making imperfect purchasing
decisions. This concept is important to marketeers because consumer confusion may result in reduced sales, reduced satisfaction with products and difficulty communicating effectively with the consumer. It is a widely studied and broad subject which is a part of Consumer behaviour and Decision making.

The effects of Choice overload, financial pressures

Choice overload (sometimes called over choice in the context of confusion) occurs when the
set of purchasing options becomes overwhelmingly large for a consumer. A good example is a wine in the UK where supermarkets may present over 1000 different products leaving the consumer with a difficult choice process. Whilst large assortments do have some positive
aspects (principally novelty and stimulation and optimal solutions) any assortment greater
than around 12-14 products leads to confusion and specifically transferring the ownership of
quality assurance to the consumer.

What this means in practice is reduced levels of satisfaction with purchases from large assortments as a consumer may be left with doubt that they have succeeded in finding the “best” product. Choice overload is growing with every large database of online free courses such as Moodle, University offering large choices of taster courses which can often be misinterpreted as real courses.

Taking it all in

By no stretch of the imagination have I scratched the surface of all the different methods of
reviewing standards, methodologies, global rankings and other factors that suggest the
system(s) is failing to adequately prepare students and adults who are still in our system and will be for another 30 years to adjust to rapidly changing technology.

How can educators,prepare individuals for entrance into the global marketplace?

This is done by reviewing potential hindrances and shortcomings, of which I am going to list in my opinion the most relevant ones so that educators around the world can better explore and devote their best and brightest to finding solutions to shape educational strategies with a proactive approach designed to improve overall outcomes for success.

Before I begin I quote a reference from Charles Darwin

“It is not the strongest or the most intelligent who will survive but those who can best
manage change.”

Throughout the ages, every human society has experienced challenges adjusting to population
growth, maintaining structural order and creating channels for future generations. How well a society prepares the next generation for survival is imperative for the society as a whole but we have stalled in this process because we seem to be accumulating a pool of adults (who were once the next generation) who appear to be helpless in this new found world of information and technology -The intangible and more important how to work with the tangible.

One critical element of preparation in the 21st century is the ability to engage all ages and
cultures beyond communal borders. At the centre of this struggle for growth and prosperity is education.

I will now explore some of the current educational strategies which are failing to prepare the current adult generation sufficiently enough to enter the global workforce and sustain their family, community and contribute to their countries economic prosperity.

Discrepancy in pay exists despite the proportion of black men with bachelor’s degrees increasing

Black male graduates in the UK earned £7,000 a year less from 2007 to 2017 than white males.
That’s according to a report by the Resolution Foundation, which highlighted that this discrepancy in pay exists despite the proportion of black men with bachelor’s degrees increasing 24 percentage points over the past two decades, compared to a 15 point increase for white men.

The think tank also revealed the average pay gap between white and Pakistani and Bangladeshi non-graduate men is more than £4 an hour.

So Is #Adult #Education Broken?

#DianeShaweAuthor explores the main failings in education for an economy—powered by #technology, fueled by #information, driven by #knowledge and becoming #automated.

As Isaac Asimov—a master of science fiction literature—once said:

“No sensible decision can be made any longer without taking into account not only the world as it is but the world as it will be.”

What has happened?

How can we make this new economic age enhance, rather than diminish, our quality of earning? How can we make this amazing innovation advance the prospects of all people especially those with experience and not just for the youth?

It is clear that at this moment most educational systems are not keeping pace with changing technology and the ever-evolving world of work.

Not enough people are thinking strategically enough in this area. Fundamentally, we need to change what people learn, how people learn, when people learn, and even why people learn.

We must get beyond the traditional model of students sitting passively in classrooms, following instructions and memorising material that they are tested and scored on which sometimes turn out to be of little use in an every changing economy. It is evident that computers can do that for us!

Will the current type of Adult Education keep you in Employment?

Diane Shawe’s latest publication ‘Is Adult Education Broken suggests that a 21st-century educational system must focus on the areas where humans can outclass computers—such as in cognitive skills, interpersonal skills, fine motor skills, or sophisticated coding skills.

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More and more top fortune company’s are giving way to automation primarily to drive costs down, improve reliability, security and accuracy.

Diane believes that we need to make sure that the type of education supplied can keep a population in work or self-employment, performing meaningful tasks relevant to todays and tomorrow needs.

Education has to become student-centric and move away from solely institutional constructs that are not fluid to change.

Maybe we need to remind ourselves of the purpose of education by looking back in order to move constructively forward.

There has always been a great deal of lip service given to the idea of learning by doing, but not much has been done about it. Diane recommends John Dewey book, Democracy, and Education 1916.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Adult-Education-Broken-Diane-Shawe-ebook/dp/B07BWBMGFM

A thought provoking read get your copy today

IQ scores are falling -It’s not that dumb people are having more kids than smart people

IQ scores are falling and have been for decades, new study finds

Guest Blogger: Rory Smith, CNN

IQ scores have been steadily falling for the past few decades, and environmental factors are to blame, a new study says.

The research suggests that genes aren’t what’s driving the decline in IQ scores, according to the study, published Monday.
Norwegian researchers analysed the IQ scores of Norwegian men born between 1962 and 1

991 and found that scores increased by almost 3 percentage points each decade for those born between 1962 to 1975 — but then saw a steady decline among those born after 1975.

Similar studies in Denmark, Britain, France, the Netherlands, Finland and Estonia have demonstrated a similar downward trend in IQ scores, said Ole Rogeberg, a senior research fellow at the Ragnar Frisch Center for Economic Research in Norway and co-author of the new study.

“The causes in IQ increases over time and now the decline is due to environmental factors,” said Rogeburg, who believes the change is not due to genetics.
“It’s not that dumb people are having more kids than smart people, to put it crudely. It’s something to do with the environment, because we’re seeing the same differences within families,” he said.

These environmental factors could include changes in the education system and media environment, nutrition, reading less and being online more, Rogeberg said.

The earlier rise in IQ scores follows the “Flynn effect,” a term for the long-term increase in intelligence levels that occurred during the 21st century, arguably the result of better access to education, according to Stuart Ritchie, a postdoctoral fellow in cognitive ageing at the University of Edinburgh whose research explores IQ scores and intelligence and who was not involved in the new study.

Researchers have long preferred to use genes to explain variations in intelligence over environmental factors. However, the new study turns this thinking on its head.

Intelligence is heritable, and for a long time, researchers assumed that people with high IQ scores would have kids who also scored above average. Moreover, it was thought that people with lower scores would have more kids than people with high IQ scores, which would contribute to a decline in IQ scores over time and a “dumbing down” of the general population, according to Rogeberg.

Anyone who has seen the film “Idiocracy” might already be familiar with these ideas. In the scientific community, the idea of unintelligent parents having more kids and dumbing-down the population is known as the dysgenic fertility theory, according to Ritchie.

The study looked at the IQ scores of brothers who were born in different years. Researchers found that, instead of being similar as suggested by a genetic explanation, IQ scores often differed significantly between the siblings.

“The main exciting finding isn’t that there was a decline in IQ,” Ritchie said. “The interesting thing about this paper is that they were able to show a difference in IQ scores within the same families.”

The study not only showed IQ variance between children the same parents, but because the authors had the IQ scores of various parents, it demonstrated that parents with higher IQs tended to have more kids, ruling out the dysgenic fertility theory as a driver of falling IQ scores and highlighting the role of environmental factors instead.

What specific environmental factors cause changes in intelligence remains relatively unexplored.

Access to education is currently the most conclusive factor explaining disparities in intelligence, according to Ritchie. In a separate study that has not been released, he and his colleagues looked at existing research in an effort to demonstrate that staying in school longer directly equates to higher IQ scores.

But more research is needed to better understand other environmental factors thought to be linked to intelligence. Robin Morris, a professor of psychology at Kings College in London who was not involved in Ritchie’s research, suggests that traditional measures of intelligence, such as the IQ test, might be outmoded in today’s fast-paced world of constant technological change.

Morris states that “we need to recognise that as time changes and people are exposed to different intellectual experiences, such as changes in the use of technology, for example social media, the way intelligence is expressed also changes. Educational methods need to adapt to such changes,” Morris said.

Diane Shawe author of ‘Is Adult Education Broken” goes on to state in her publication that “No sensible decision can be made any longer without taking into account not only the world as it is but the world as it will be.”

In her thought provoking book she explains that we are living in a new economy—powered by technology, fueled by information, and driven by knowledge which increasingly is increasingly becoming automated. We are entering the new century with opportunity on our side with huge problems that require new thinking.

How can we make the new economic age enhance, rather than diminish, our quality of learning?

How can we make this amazing innovation advance the prospects of all people especially those with experience and not just for the youth?

Fundamentally, we need to change what people learn, how people learn, when people learn, and even why people learn.

Inside her publication she explores

: Failure to find a fomular to develop teachers convergent and divergent facilitatingskills

: failure to consider cultural relevance

: failure to develop enterprising and entrepreneurial skills

: failure to prepare students about taking personal responsibility

: failure to encourage international engagement

:failure to manage growth of academic misconduct

Download your copy today https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07BWBMGFM/

Finally a frightening statistic:

“If unemployment formed a country it would be the 5th largest in the world” Isaac Asimov

Why Black men will be Disproportionately Devastated by Industries drive towards Automation

 Black men and disproportionate employment

Black male graduates in London and throughout the UK are nearly twice as likely to be unemployed as their white counterparts, figures suggest. In 2016 there was an unemployment rate of 18% for black male graduates aged 16 to 24 in the capital.

According to the data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the rate for their white counterparts was 10%. A government spokesperson said the employment rate for ethnic minorities was “at a record high”. So if the graduates, the brightest and best are having such a hard time what about the lower skilled or unqualified black men?

But for now lets focus on London. More than 83,000 young men in London are from black and mixed black ethnic groups, making up about one in five of young men in the capital.

Research by the National Audit Office (NAO) has found that along with Pakistani and Bangladeshi women, black men consistently have the lowest employment rates in the UK.

BBC London contacted 50 of London 500 top graduate employers last year across the banking, accounting, medical, legal and retail sectors. Eleven were able to provide data relating to their employment of black men specifically. Those 11 organisations recruited 1,803 graduates in 2016. Of those, 30 were black men.

The NHS leadership academy, for trainee managers, was among those which did not recruit any among its intake of 112 graduates.

Larry Elliott Economics Editor for the Guardian headlined on 4th April 2018 that Workers at risk as robots set to replace 66m jobs, warns OECD he goes on to write:

The west’s leading economic thinktank has warned its members that they are failing to prepare workers for an automation revolution that will leave 66 million people at risk of being replaced by machines in the coming years.

A new report by the Paris-based Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development found that the most vulnerable – one in seven workers on average across the 32 countries studied – were less likely to be receiving help than those whose jobs were more secure.

The OECD said 14% of jobs in developed countries were highly automatable, while a further 32% of jobs were likely to experience significant changes to the way they were carried out.

Low-skilled people and youth were among those most at risk, according to the report, with the jobs at highest risk tending to be in low-skill sectors such as food preparation, cleaning and labouring. Workers in fully automatable jobs were more than three times less likely to have participated in on-the-job training, over a 12-month period, than workers in non-automatable jobs. Those most at risk were also less likely to participate in formal education or distance learning.

In September 2017 Mr Lammy a Tottenham MP reviewed the BAME people in the criminal justice system and found that in the UK black people who make up just 3% of the UK population make up 12% of the people in prison at a cost to the tax payer of £309m each year.

Whilst the report highlighted failings on the part of police forces, courts and prisons, it was identified that other issues like one parenthood, school exclusions, low income and high unemployment disproportionately affect some ethnic minority groups and have been linked to higher levels of criminality.

Is Adult Education for Graduates BrokenDiane Shawe author of ‘Is Adult Education Broken?’ states that “the traditional belief that we must prepare ourselves to be ‘employable’ is under threat for all groups, but has always inexplicably affected the BAME groups. The counter argument encourages us to ‘gear up’ for earning our own money, rather than seeing income as someone else’s responsibility”.

It is clear that at this moment most educational systems are not keeping pace with changing technology and the ever-evolving world of work.

Isaac Asimov quote sharpens our focus

“If unemployment formed a country it would be the 5th largest in the world”

Not enough people are thinking strategically enough in this area. Fundamentally, we need to change what people learn, how people learn, when people learn, and even why people learn.

A recently published book by #DianeShaweAuthor ‘Is #Adult #Education Broken’?  explores the main failings in the educational system for an economy powered by #technology, fueled by #information, driven by #knowledge and becoming #automated. What are the lessons to be learnt?

Download a copy from #amazon today Claim you copy now

Here’s the Main Reasons Adult Education is Broken and I’ll Prove It To You

Is Adult Education Broken?

Is Adult Education Broken by Diane Shawe Author (4)

Adult education has become undervalued in an overpriced educational infrastructure.

The people who need the most help are already systematically ripped off by greedy loan companies, NHS parking, having to pay charges for drawing out their own money from private ATM machines in poorer boroughs, pre-paid electric meter’s to name but a few.

The more you seem to need help the more you seem to have to pay.

Off course, the arguments are always about risk, but to compound on top of their needs, a premium, just to make sure the risk is compensated for is questionable indeed. But another kind of ripping off is taking place. ‘Free online education’ you may ask ‘why is this a rip-off people”?
I will answer this from my perspective initially and then make further arguments as to why we should be very concerned about this un-policed, unchallenged butchery of the values originally infused into our adult educational system.

Is Adult Education Broken by Diane Shawe Author (2)So if you all but think Adult Education is Broken and all but given up, this book spills the beans on what has gone wrong, what questions need to be addressed and if certain issues are tackled by Government, then there’s Hope,

As Isaac Asimov—a master of science fiction literature—once said:

“No sensible decision can be made any longer without taking into
          account not only the world as it is but the world as it will be.”

So the big Question is – What has happened?

  • Why have these large institutions priced education out of some fundamental principles?
  • Why on the other spectrum are all these free courses flooded the market?
  • How can we make the new economic age enhance, rather than diminish, our quality of learning?
  • How can we make this amazing innovation advance the prospects of all people especially those with or without experience and not just for the youth?

It is clear that at this moment most educational systems are not keeping pace with changing technology and the ever-evolving world of work.

Is Adult Education Broken by Diane Shawe Author (5)
“If unemployment formed a country it would be the 5th largest in the world”

                                                  Isaac Asimov

 
Not enough people are thinking strategically enough in this area.  Fundamentally, we need to change what people learn, how people learn, when people learn, and even why people learn.

We must get beyond the traditional model of students sitting passively in classrooms, following instructions and memorising material that they are tested and scored on which sometimes turn out to be of little use in an every changing economy.

“It is not the strongest or the most intelligent who will survive but those
                                     who can best manage change.”                       Darwin

Throughout the ages, every human society has experienced challenges adjusting to population growth, maintaining structural order and creating channels for future generations. How well a society prepares the next generation for survival is imperative for the society as a whole but we have stalled in this process.

There seems to be a range of systemic failures such as

: failure to find a formula to develop teachers convergent and divergent Is Adult Education Broken by Diane Shawe Author (3)facilitating skills
: failure to consider cultural relevance
: failure to develop enterprising and entrepreneurial skills
: failure to prepare about taking personal responsibility
: failure to provide adequate technology and supporting curriculum
: failure to encourage international engagement
: failure to manage growth of academic misconduct

Diane Shawe Author states that “the traditional belief that we must prepare ourselves to be ‘employable’ is under threat. The counter argument encourages us to ‘gear up’ for earning our own money, rather than seeing income as someone else’s responsibility”

With the population dramatically aging and low-level jobs increasingly swallowed up by machinery, entrepreneurship will be a necessity for many, rather than a lifestyle choice for some.

SMEs are of course already leading this charge but in order to gear up for the future we need to start off by asking a serious question, defining criteria’s and examining trends, impact these trends will have and plan a way to jointly prepare current and future generations to be both employable and entrepreneurial.

We are living in a new economy—powered by technology, fueled by information, and driven by knowledge. And we are entering the new century with an opportunity on our side but huge problems that require new thinking.

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9 Steps to The Killer Covering Letter

It has become almost common knowledge that most potential employers do not even bother responding to unsuccessful candidates that apply for vacant jobs.

Sometimes you need to give yourself the winning edge. Think Clint Eastwood with the sun behind him in a gun fight. Sometimes in giving massive importance to the CV, the value of a strong cover letter is often neglected. The key to securing that dream job is a combination of a well-crafted CV and a killer cover letter. While the CV lists your important achievements and skills, the cover letter coerces your prospective employer into hiring you. The cover letter very finely articulates your desire to work for the company. To stand apart from the competition and make yourself an attractive hire, you need to draft a killer cover letter. Here are the 9 Steps to landing that job…

  1. 1.     Knowing what they want, what they really really want

The cover letter offers a window to your personality and qualifications. But apart from that, it is also a way to demonstrate how much you really know about your prospective employer. To do this, you need to research on the company, the financial growth statistics, the industries that your employer serves, etc. Learn about your potential firm and showcase that. Only when you know what they want and who they are looking for, will you be able to portray that in your cover letter.

  1. 2.     Giving it that personal touch

When you are searching for a job and have focused on one, make sure you find out the name of the contact person. Beginning your cover letters with formal salutations such as “Dear Sir or Madam”, gives the impression that you don’t know whom the letter should be addressed to. Personalise your cover letters while retaining a semi-formal tone. Lack of knowledge in these areas can significantly impact your chances of getting the job you want.

  1. 3.     The Art of the Powerful Opening

Avoid the clichéd opening paragraphs and instead strive to make an impact with the introduction. In a powerful opening paragraph, you have to briefly state your objective in applying for the job and how you heard about the opening. While being creative in your openings, don’t forget that cute introductions do not work. Give your cover letter the necessary gravitas without being too sycophantic.

  1. 4.     Start Right

After the introduction, comes the body of the cover letter where you detail your achievements without repetition. In this part of the cover letter, you are expected to expand upon your achievements as mentioned in the CV and provide further examples of how you can help your potential company grow. For example, if you are applying for marketing positions then be sure to explain how you can develop a marketing strategy to bring in additional revenue for the company. Simply said, put your best foot forward.

  1. 5.     Finish Strong

The closing of the letter should definitely express gratitude for the HR manager’s time and patience. End the letter by outlining the next steps on your part. Never expect a potential employer to follow up with you. Demonstrate your proactive nature by stating that you will follow up for the job. This will also indicate your enthusiasm for the job. Remember to include a phone number or email address so that the firm can get in touch with you first if required.

  1. 6.     Money Later

The motivation behind taking up any job is money. To be happy in your job you need to be paid well. Don’t become hasty and quote any figures in the letter. Wait for a formal meeting to discuss salary issues.

  1. 7.     Details Matter

Remember to spell-check your cover letters and get them proof-read from friends or family. Be sure to thoroughly check your cover letters till you are completely satisfied with them.

  1. 8.     How does it Look?

In case you are submitting your cover letter by email, make use of word processing software such as MS Word. Write your cover letters in Word, making use of a standardized format. Align the text correctly and ensure that the letter is cleanly formatted. Punctuation should be in place. While you spend a tremendous amount of time on preparing the CV, you sometimes end up neglecting the cover letter. Formatting is essential otherwise the HR manager reading your cover letter might just have to spend his or her time deciphering it.

  1. 9.     Check That Grammar

Make sure that you adhere to grammar rules and make use of them while writing your cover letter. Incorrect grammar used in the wrong places can not only create a wrong impression, but also change the meaning of what you intended to convey.

These are such simple steps to write a killer covering letter.

ü Draft your letter so that it highlights your skills, achievements, goals, and motivations.

ü Don’t meander from the main topic.

ü Stick to the basics and be direct in your approach.

Do the above and nothing can stop you from getting that job.