Press Releases

12/15/2003

World Wide Learn Congratulates Santa - First Week of Online Coursework a Ringing Success
Second track of customized curriculum sure to engage Santa's inner child

CALGARY, ALBERTA - December 15, 2003 - Following Santa Claus' hectic learning schedule last week, World Wide Learn, provider of the world's largest directory of e-learning courses and online education resources, is happy to announce that Santa completed all of his coursework - with stellar results. Today, as the 'big night' draws near, the jolly entrepreneur continues his e-learning experience with track two of his three-week, customized learning curriculum (www.worldwidelearn.com/santa).

Santa's first track of courses ran the gamut from "Reindeer Aviation and Sleigh Mechanics" to "Computerized Financial Accounting" and "Warehouse Operations." Santa was most excited about the course "Competing with Superstores and Discounters," where he learned how to persuade parents to let his toy empire be the primary source of Christmas gifts.

"We were rooting for Santa the entire week, and it is so amazing how much important information he was able to absorb from his desk at the North Pole," said Angela Lovett, CEO and founder of World Wide Learn. "In the beginning, though, we were a bit on edge. Mrs. Claus kept emailing us that Santa was being pestered with pesky complaints and questions from his elves. This is of course an issue that other e-learners face, so we recommended a study environment more conducive to study. Santa hung a 'keep out' sign that seemed to do the trick. As a result, he managed to complete all of his courses with impressive grades."

"It's true, the first couple of days were rough, because of constant interruptions from the elves," said Santa Claus, CEO of Jolly Red Fellow Enterprises, North Pole. "But after I resolved that issue, I was able to devote myself to the learning process. While the coursework was intense, it was an incredible week of learning and discovery - I owe World Wide Learn a debt of gratitude for crafting such a find line-up of courses. My business curriculum taught me a range of skills that I know will make a positive difference in the way the North Pole operates. I got some rest over the weekend - in between checking on toy production and my naughty/nice list - and feel inspired and energized to take on week two of my e-learning adventure."

This week, World Wide Learn has assembled the following curriculum for Santa:

Week Two Curriculum
Project Management Track	"Mastering Project Management" For a humorless executive, managing a post office, reindeer barn, toy factory, sleigh mechanics garage, and an elf school might all be in a day's work. But for jolly old Santa, it's not always easy to stay focused on stuffy business issues. That's why he's taking this course to help him better plan, schedule and meet deadlines.
Elf Resources Track	"Introduction to Essential Elf Resources Practices" Recruiting, interviewing and managing elves is no easy task - just ask Santa. These little critters can be mighty troublesome. This primer course, though, should take the sting out of most hiring issues, providing Santa with a good overview of what it takes to maintain a great team for meeting the Christmas deadline.
Stress Management Track	"Reducing Stress with Yoga" Yoga is the lifeblood of the North Pole. Santa, the elves and even the reindeer practice this calming activity every day to help keep them fit, focused and stress free. More than once, yoga has prevented Santa from suffering chimney burnout. If children around the world knew this, they'd probably want their parents to take yoga, too.
Occupational Safety Track	"Slips, Trips and Falls" Santa's line of work is risky business. What with chimneys, fireplaces, icy roofs, and equipment safety concerns in the toy factory, it's a lot to worry about. But instead of worrying, Santa's finally taking action - he and his elves will take a number of workplace safety courses together.
Online Business Track	"Launching a Business on the Web" While the post office has served Santa well, he's heard from more than one parent that it's time take to modernize his customer-facing presence. By taking this course, he plans to be live on the Internet in time for Christmas. This means that little 'kiddies' around the world will be able to take a peak at Santa's workshop - and maybe even Rudolph.
Child Psychology Track	"Childhood Anxiety" Santa was a child once himself and is sympathetic to the anxiety that some children experience when having their photo taken with him. To help these tiny tots, Santa is going to learn about a number of effective intervention strategies that may help him 'win over' even the most leery of the world's tots. He may also privately work on some of his own unresolved childhood issues.
Animal Care Track	"Stable Management" Rudolph and his team of reindeer require a lot of attention and pampering throughout the year. While Santa is a good guy with a big heart, he sometimes loses patience with his furry friends. To lighten up a bit, Santa and his head groom elf will be learning new skills to help them deal with the demands of running a year-round stable.
Communication Skills Track	"Powerful Communication Skills" Since Santa launched his customer call center in 1997, it has been an excellent communication conduit for his suppliers. As his toy empire continues to grow, however, it has become clear that call center skills need updating. Santa will take this course with his head call center elf to brush up on the tips, tricks and techniques of operating a successful customer call center.

This isn't World Wide Learn's first foray into the North Pole region, which can be a difficult place to stay warm, let alone receive coursework in real time. Recently, World Wide Learn announced its key sponsorship of WorldWideLearn.com North Pole Solo 2004. This expedition will see Wave Vidmar make his bid to become the first American to reach the geographic North Pole - solo and unsupported. To avoid getting in the way of Santa's activities during the holiday rush, Vidmar will begin his journey February 2004.

"We started with Wave's journey to the North Pole and now we're helping Santa with his 'big night' - we are truly amazed and overjoyed with our good fortune," said Angela Lovett, CEO and founder of World Wide Learn. "While we haven't had the pleasure of meeting Santa in person, we have exchanged some jolly emails, and I can assure you that he is pumped and motivated to learn skills that will help him operate his toy empire more efficiently and effectively. We look forward to providing Santa with his specialized curriculum over the next several weeks, and hope that his efforts will be obvious when children worldwide successfully receive their packages this holiday season."

More information about Santa Claus' specialized curriculum, and online links to the courses he is taking, can be found at www.worldwidelearn.com/santa.

About WorldWideLearn.com North Pole Solo 2004
World Wide Learn North Pole Solo 2004 is the bid of lifelong adventurer and athlete Wave Vidmar to become the first American to reach the geographic North Pole - solo and unsupported. Vidmar's expedition officially kicked off December 2003 with key financial sponsorship from World Wide Learn. Nearly 40 additional sponsors are also supporting Vidmar's unprecedented expedition, including Adobe Systems, Dryers Grand Ice Cream, Nike, Nikon, 24 Hour Fitness, and others. Vidmar plans to set off in early February 2004 and begin his 60-day odyssey walking, skiing and swimming 600 miles to the North Pole. More information about WorldWideLearn.com North Pole Solo 2004 can be found at www.worldwidelearn.com/northpole.

About World Wide Learn
Founded in 1998, and based in Calgary, Canada, World Wide Learn offers the world's largest independent directory of educational services, featuring informative resources as well as hundreds of e-learning courses in 247 subject categories. WorldWideLearn.com enables its users to quickly and easily locate effective e-learning courseware. The directory highlights free courses and tutorials, computer training, corporate training, post-secondary education, professional development, personal development, and continuing education. Some of World Wide Learn's leading university partners include Baker College, Capella University, Kaplan University, University of Phoenix and Walden University.

More information about World Wide Learn can be found on the company's website at www.WorldWideLearn.com.

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