Latest UK news

Report outlines e-learning future
E-learning will change the role and skills of teachers, but not eliminate them, according to an Institute for Employment Studies report published this week. The report says e-learning is unsuitable for soft-skill development such as team building and communication, is viewed as impersonal by some learners and relies on human support.

Study challenges lazy-traveller myth
Stereotypes of new-age travellers as work-shy layabouts are exaggerated, according to a study by Bath University published today. Researchers for the Joseph Rowntree Foundation found that paid employment plays an important part in sustaining an “alternative” lifestyle on the move.

Revolutionary idea wins environmental prize
Marcus Ker, a 12-year-old London schoolboy, has won a commendation and £500 from the judges of the St Andrews prize, an annual environmental award co-sponsored by St Andrews University and energy company Conoco. Marcus suggested creating electricity by plugging the nation’s exercise bikes into the national grid.

Incentive payments anger unions
Education trade unions have attacked the Scottish Qualifications Authority for offering seven senior managers bonuses of up to £10,000 if there is no repeat of last year’s examination-results fiasco.