Let’s Build a Human Being
We have just released our second ebook under the ‘Curious About’ Banner. It’s available via Amazon as we speak.
Writers Wanted
The New Curiosity Shop is opening a new project – epublishing. We are starting with the theme of curiosity, naturally, and we are calling it Curious About. We are looking for writers to help develop a catalogue of short ebooks – to find out more visit:
Gearing up for a great Autumn of Learning
We’re rested and ready for action. We’ve got some great courses for you to pick from, and we are just putting the finishing touches to some cracking new ones.
Our virtual doors re-open on the 15th September, so come along and book a place on one of our choice, succulent courses.
Take a look through our course catalogue
Slowing Down for Summer
It’s July, and as is customary here at NCS Towers, we are slowing down and taking a break for a while. We’re back in action in August. If you need to contact us urgently before then, please use the contact us page, and someone will get back to you.
Have a happy summer folks.
ILA Scotland Funding Available
We’re delighted to announce that we now have a range of courses that are eligible for ILA Scotland Funding. If you are a resident of Scotland, and match ILA Scotland criteria, you will be able to claim funding for these courses:
- Animal First Aid
- Essential Skills in Counselling
- HIV/AIDS and Society
- Introduction to Forensic Psychology
- Understanding Journalism
- Making the Most of Moodle 1 & 2
Full information is available on: ILA Scotland Funding – Book a Course
Essential Skills in Counselling
Counselling is a growing profession, and for many counselling practitioners a course such as this is a first step to becoming a counsellor.
As well as providing you with an opportunity to increase your understanding of counselling, this course will also enable you to develop some important skills which you might be able to apply in your work context and in the wider aspect of your life.
The first run of this course begins on 4th May, but bookings are possible now.
For full details and enrolment details, take a look at: Essential Skills in Counselling.
Note: This course is approved for ILA Scotland Funding. If you qualify, please let us know and we will process your application.
Feminist Philosophy
A neglected area, brought to life in our latest online course:
Introduction to Feminist Philosophy and Feminist Political Philosophy
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What They Say…
“The best thing about this course is that it was FUN!”
What do our learners say about us and our courses? Take a look at what they have said.
We asked for comments…
SA, Scotland
NS, England
MB, England
AF, Australia
IR, Isle of Man
MD, Northern Ireland
CA, Scotland
JW, England
We also asked: “What as the best thing about this course?
“The amount of information at each stage was just right so that the student does not get overwhelmed by too much detail. I have enjoyed it.”
-SA, Scotland
“…you were all fab and very supportive. Thank you.”
NS, England
“Enjoyed it. Thanks. Let me know when there’s an advanced course!”
MB, England
“I appreciated the help and advice that the tuotr has given me.”
AF, Australia
“Thanks for this introduction, I look forward to deploying and using Moodle in practice.”
IR, Isle of Man
“thanks again for making it so accessible and easy to follow 24/7. 
”
MD, Northern Ireland
“I’ve learned a lot through participating in an online course as a learner. Hoping this improves my e-educator abilities.”
CA, Scotland
“I like the fact that I can log on and view the course materials at any time as I think that the practical aspects of this particular course can’t be rushed. But I shall definitely follow up the tutor’s book recommendations and research the material further. Thank you 
”
JW, England
What is Online Learning?
Online Learning at the NCS College
Our aim is to provide high quality online courses in a wide range of topics. We encourage learning for the pleasure of learning, and our short courses are designed to stimulate thinking, provoke questions and provide opportunities for you to explore ideas.
Each course is written specially for the NCS College by the tutor who is not only an experienced teacher but also an expert in the subject. A course includes:
- reading materials containing graphics, illustrations, interactive multimedia, videos, references as appropriate;
- course forum for group work and discussion;
- support from the tutor, through the course forum and by e-mail; and,
- activities designed to help you learn, and to demonstrate to yourself, your tutor and the rest of the world what you have learned.
A typical course will require your attention for 2 to 4 hours a week, either working at your computer or on a given task in the ‘real’ world. At the NCS College we don’t want you to be glued to your computer all the time.
Open All Hours
The NCS College is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This means that you can join us at any time day or night – whenever it suits you.
Tutor Support
As a student at the NCS College you will be supported and cajoled by your tutor. Your tutor sets your activities and assignments, and makes sure you complete them. Your tutor is your guide through the course, and will always be available at the end of an e-mail. Your tutor wants you to learn as much as you do: together you can.
Take Your Time
Learning isn’t a race, especially when you are only able to commit a few hours – or even less – at a time. With an NCS online course you can work at your pace, taking as much or as little time as you need to. As our courses are short we would ask you to complete your course within a fixed period of time. For example, we estimate that you will need around 30 hours to complete Understanding Journalism, but you have tutor support available for up to 4 months – and the course itself will remain available for a year.
You are not Alone
Online learning can sometimes be a lonely experience, but not here. You will be joined on your course by other students and learn together through the course forum and, on some courses, shared activities. At the New Curiosity Shop geography is not a barrier to learning: you could meet students from all over the world, from Auchtermuchty to Zibo.
Active Learning
Unlike many other elearning courses, a course at the NCS College is not just reading a screen. You will be given tasks and activities to undertake in the non-virtual world beyond the computer monitor. After all, the computer is only the means to an end, a tool to help.
Once you’ve completed your task you can share your success with your fellow students, and give your tutor the warm glow of satisfaction of knowing that you have learned something new.
What next?
Don’t just sit there looking at these words, why don’t you:
- choose a course from our course catalogue;
- try the demo course, The Fire Balloon, to get a feel for an online course;
- subscribe to our occasional newsletter (enter your details below); or,
- contact us to ask a question
- enrol in a course – go to the Courses.
