Library Announces 2023 Music Commissions from Koussevitzky Foundation
Purdue Polytechnic Institute’s Mechanical Engineering Technology Program Partners with Gibson
AV is the new divide in education
Embraer Offers Scholarships for its Master of Science in Aeronautical Engineering Program in Brazil
Big Buddy could help prevent virtual bullying
theEMPLOYEEapp launches Microlearning platform
OctaFX sponsors exam fees for ‘Ideas Academy’ students
S P Jain's Data Science graduates sought after as they receive job offers from Australia, India and Vietnam
Tanoto Foundation and Tsinghua University Launch First-Ever Bilateral Medical Scholarship
Thailand’s SEAC Eyes Bold Expansion in the ASEAN SMART Learning Market
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ISA Introduces New Digital Transformation Training Series
The International Society of Automation (ISA) today has announced the release of its new Digital Transformation Training Series. The training series is a set of courses that cover emerging technologies associated with digital transformation. The goal of the series is to increase the foundational knowledge of these technologies and explain how they can be applied to drive efficiency across multiple industries. The series is well-suited for engineers, technicians, business leaders, and managers engaged in industrial automation and its related fields. “The ISA digital transformation series will help organizations cross the chasm on adoption of digital technologies and upskill workforce across their enterprise,” said Prabhu Soundarrajan, ISA Executive Board Member and President-elect for 2024. The Digital Transformation Training Series’ first course, Introduction to IIoT — The Industrial Internet of Things (DT101), is available now to purchase. This course will provide more awareness of the industry 4.0 movement as businesses begin shifting more towards increasing digital transformation efforts for conventional industrial and manufacturing processes. Students will learn about the basic concepts of internet of things (IoT), how these concepts and underlying technologies have evolved, and how they are currently being applied to industrial applications. “This training is different for two reasons. First, it’s modular-based and will keep growing over time. Second, it includes a mix of theory and strategy with hands-on practical applications that are related to real-world controls and automation professionals that they live in every day,” said Jeff Winter, Division Director of ISA’s Smart Manufacturing & IIoT Division (SM/IIoT) and Industry Executive, Manufacturing at Microsoft. Additional topics on big data and data visualization are currently under development and plan to be released in late 2022. As a leader in automation and control education, ISA provides training, certifications, and publications to prepare the workforce to address technology changes and industry challenges in the most flexible and relevant ways. You can learn more by visiting ISA’s website.
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Three Universities of Applied Sciences Partner to Launch Germany's First SMPTE Student Chapter
SMPTE®, the home of media professionals, technologists, and engineers, today announced that three universities of applied sciences — the Hochschule der Medien (HdM), Hochschule RheinMain (HSRM), and Hochschule Hamm-Lippstadt (HSHL) — have earned approval to launch Germany's first SMPTE Student Chapter. The new SMPTE Student Chapter will be the first jointly hosted chapter, leveraging the resources of all three institutions to engage and support students through educational and networking opportunities that support a future in media technology and digital entertainment fields. "Students, educators, and researchers today are eager for opportunities to learn about emergent technologies — media in the cloud, data, virtual production, and others — and to connect with the people and companies setting the course for the future," said SMPTE Executive Director David Grindle. "SMPTE Student Chapters deliver those valuable experiences, making innovation accessible and opening pathways to careers on the cutting edge of media arts, both technical and creative. I believe it's why we're seeing interest in SMPTE Student Chapters growing, and imaginative new partnerships developing, as well! It's fantastic to see these three universities working collaboratively to make the benefits of a SMPTE Student Chapter available to their student bodies." SMPTE Student Chapters give students the opportunity to learn about the latest technologies and trends, and to develop and even refine the skills they need to move into a workplace in need of those talents. Thanks to their close connection with SMPTE and its extensive professional network, SMPTE Student Chapters are able to host educational and networking events that are in tune with the skills needed, the knowledge most valuable, and the opportunities available for students as they move into the professional realm. "I am delighted that the German SMPTE Student Chapter will offer my students what SMPTE has given to me: A giant pool of learning resources on state-of-the-art topics in media production and distribution, as well as an extremely welcoming, personal network with which to build a career," said Prof. Jan Fröhlich of Hochschule der Medien in Stuttgart. "I hope my students will fully engage in all SMPTE topics and contribute our expertise in color science, image coding, VFX, and virtual production. We live in amazing times, working together — around the globe, but as one family of media engineers and scientists — on the future of media." "I'm thrilled that our media technology students at RheinMain University of Applied Sciences are participating in the SMPTE Student chapter," added Prof. Wolfgang Ruppel of Hochschule RheinMain, noting that an introductory workshop soon will be offered to inspire active participation in the new chapter. "We look forward to fruitful discussions and knowledge sharing on advanced topics such as Professional Media over Managed IP Networks, SMPTE ST 2110, the Interoperable Master Format, the Academy Color Encoding System, and many others." "In launching the German SMPTE Student Chapter, our students get their hands on an international network of media industry professionals with their eyes on the technologies at the horizon," said Prof. Stefan Albertz of Hochschule Hamm-Lippstadt. "In addition to enjoying connections and exchanges with students from all over the world, participating students have immediate access to the industry's current topics, standards, and research. This will help them to gain speed, focus on their progress, and find their path and place. For our own international and interdisciplinary courses of study, the benefit increases and creates a perfect match." To start a Student Chapter at SMPTE, readers can contact SMPTE's membership director, Roberta Gorman at rgorman@smpte.org Further information about SMPTE is online at smpte.org
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Mosbacher Institute Hosts Economic Diplomacy Lecture Series
The Bush School of Government and public Service's Mosbacher Institute is pleased to present an Economic Diplomacy Lecture Series as part of the Bush School's 25th Anniversary Celebration. This engaging series will feature some of the most noted names in economic diplomacy and explore the tools needed to negotiate in today's global economic environment. China's very aggressive and expansive strategy to gain influence throughout the developing world by financing critical infrastructure projects, is proof that global power is not just determined by diplomatic or military might, but also by the capacity to enable and support economic development and growth. That has never been more apparent than it is today. This lecture series highlights the tools of U.S. economic diplomacy that are an essential part of advancing a free-market rule-of-law model for economic growth and for countering China's authoritarian capitalist approach. This three-part series is designed for those interested in understanding the various economic tools that are a critical part of U.S. foreign policy, including foreign assistance, trade, and development finance. Thursday, September 22, 2022 Economic Tools: Foreign Assistance Featuring Mark Green, 18th Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Thursday, October 6, 2022 Economic Tools: Trade Featuring Ambassador Carla A. Hills, Former U.S. Trade Representative & Chief U.S. Negotiator for the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) Thursday, November 10, 2022 Economic Tools: Development Finance Featuring Robert A. Mosbacher, Former President & CEO, Overseas Private Investment Corporation All three lectures will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time, followed by a post-event reception. Attendees may join this in-person series at the Bush School DC, 1620 L Street NW, 10th Floor, Washington, DC 20036. Attendees may also join virtually via live-stream on Zoom. Pre-registration is required. Please RSVP at Bush.tamu.edu/mosbacher To learn more about the Bush School and its academic programs, visit our website at www.bush.tamu.edu
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Hotel creates opportunities for local students to grow into service professionals
Park Hyatt Busan, the leading five-star hotel located in Haeundae has selected four students to participate in the global tourism field of the Vocational Education Innovation Cluster. This is part of the hotel’s Environment Social Governance (ESG) commitment to cultivate future talent. The Vocational Education Innovation Cluster is a training support system that aims to educate talented vocational high school students to take a leading role in the developing local industry and encourage them to settle in regional areas. Run in collaboration with local authorities and the Ministry of Education, the system provides training courses with the participation of vocational high schools, local businesses and colleges. Busan Metropolitan City and Busan Metropolitan City Office of Education have designated four core industries - smart manufacturing, global tourism, financial management information services, and life care. Park Hyatt Busan has selected four students from vocational high schools in the Busan area to join its Food & Beverage Service and Culinary teams, as part of the Vocational Education Innovation Cluster’s global tourism category. The selected students will begin a five-month internship period on August 1, 2022. Subsequently, they will join an affiliated vocational college and work on contracts at Park Hyatt Busan for two years, combining study with work experience. There is a very high possibility that these graduates will be offered with a long-term labor contract with a promising Hyatt career ahead. “We are honored both to contribute to Hyatt’s long-running Opportunity Youth, providing platforms to young people among our communities, and to give local students the chance to develop essential skills that meet the needs of specific businesses,” commented an official of Park Hyatt Busan’s Hunan Resources Department.
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Launches Two New Projects "Pompeii Commitment. Archaeological Matters"
POMPEII COMMITMENT. ARCHAEOLOGICAL MATTERS LAUNCHES TWO NEW PROJECTS FEATURING INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPANTS WHO INVESTIGATE POMPEIAN HERITAGE AND ITS MULTIPLE HISTORIES THROUGH CONTEMPORARY METHODOLOGIES In autumn 2022, Pompeii Commitment. Archaeological Matters – the first long-term, contemporary art programme, established by the Archaeological Park of Pompeii – launches its first printed publication as well as a new yearly programme of Digital Fellowships, whose inaugural participants are seven international artists, designers, thinkers, and researchers: Formafantasma, Allison Katz, Miao Ying, Legacy Russell, Anri Sala, Rose Salane, and Sissel Tolaas. Pompeii Commitment. Archaeological Matters was conceived in 2020 by Massimo Osanna (General Director of Italy's National Museums) and Andrea Viliani (Director of the Museum of Civilizations, Rome), and since 2021 it has been overseen by Gabriel Zuchtriegel (General Director of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii). The programme is curated by Andrea Viliani and Stella Bottai with Caterina Avataneo. Project Management: Laura Mariano. After the first two years of activities – focused on reconfiguring the archaeological site of Pompeii as a foundation for alternative forms of knowledge, forming through a multiplicity of functions, and studying and sharing the multiple cognitive potentials of Pompeii and the episteme of its "archaeological matters" – Pompeii Commitment. Archaeological Matters is now developing a new step of its research platform launching Pompeii Commitment. Archaeological Matters – Digital Fellowships, a new yearly programme, facilitating artistic and curatorial research within Pompeii's uniquely trans-temporal, multi-species, and deeply entangled context. The first and unique framework of this kind at the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, the Digital Fellowships promote and foster plural forms of engagement, interpretation and accessibility to Pompeian heritage and its multiple histories through the technological episteme of our time, as well as empower the transformability of matters, critically exploring what matters have become, or could become, within our digital epoch. Moreover, in autumn 2022 will be released the first printed publication edited by Pompeii Commitment. Archaeological Matters and published by Silvana Editoriale. Conceived as both the culmination of and a further reflection upon Pompeii Commitment's foundational activities (December 2020–June 2022) on the digital research centre pompeiicommitment.org., this upcoming catalogue Pompeii Commitment. Archaeological Matters: 2020-2022 brings together and celebrates the contributions of over sixty international artists, curators, writers, activists, and archaeologists.
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Success with Shrewsbury Bangkok The Future is Bright for the Class of 2022
Shrewsbury International School Bangkok, Riverside held the year’s pinnacle event yesterday to celebrate the graduation of our Year 13 students. The Class of 2022 is composed of 120 graduates who have spent their Sixth Form years preparing for success in their university life and beyond. They are an accomplished group who have met the rigorous requirements of IGCSE and A-Levels with aplomb, despite challenges brought about by the global pandemic. As of this writing, the cohort has received offers from more than 50 prestigious universities across the globe, spanning 10 countries in North America, the UK, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Among the group, 50% of our new graduates will study in the UK, while 18.5% will pursue higher education in Thailand and 19% are set to go to universities in the USA. As in previous years, many of our graduates are holding offers for Oxford, Cambridge, and Ivy League universities. The breadth, depth, and quality of education delivered to the students by Shrewsbury Bangkok provided them with a wide range of outstanding opportunities to discover and explore their interests, both in academic and extracurricular activities. As the result of years of nurturing from the highly qualified and fully-trained faculty, along with a strong curriculum, the Class of 2022 possess the capability and diligence to excel wherever they may go. Whether they be programmes in Business Management or Economics, Law or Computer Science, Architecture or Civil Engineering, Art & Design or Philosophy, our students are prepared to take full advantage of interdisciplinary and international programmes offered by leading universities, despite competitive application processes and challenging acceptance rates. There are a number of students who have chosen science courses too; 27 students have decided to pursue Medicine or Biomedical Science while others have chosen to study Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Biotechnology, Physics, Pharmacy, and Psychology. “What is clear is that University Graduates will need to be multi-skilled, dynamic, and flexible and have the ability to adapt and exploit new opportunities as they arise and not fear failure along the way,” said Neil Cornforth, Director of Sixth Form, who described this batch of graduates as a talented, collaborative, and highly resilient group of young people. Armed with their Shrewsbury education as well as the support of their families, friends, and an extensive alumni body, the future certainly looks bright. Join us on the journey to success at Shrewsbury International School Bangkok! Contact Admissions at (02) 675 1888, email admissions@shrewsbury.ac.th, or visit www.shrewsbury.ac.th/riverside
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Why Amesite Believes It Is Positioning Itself To Dominate The Online Learning Market
The world is changing rapidly, with new directions and insights coming to the forefront almost daily. To keep up, professionals must develop their skills and knowledge. In other words, becoming a lifelong learner might arguably be critical to success. Various organizations — universities, nonprofits, government offices and for-profit corporations — are increasingly relying on online learning tools to train and upskill their employees. - Amesite Inc. (NASDAQ: AMST) https://clients.tradigitalir.com/amst/ has made a name for itself by offering fully managed and customizable learning solutions through its cloud-based learning platform. Amesite says it gives businesses, nonprofits, government agencies, universities and other organizations the opportunities to launch branded educational courses with ease and in as short a time as 24 hours. Users are also able to monitor learning progress, complete with smart data analysis tools and an easy-to-manage interface for instructors. Amesite reports it has strategically focused its business model on four verticals for which it maintains a distinctive revenue stream for each: Businesses: Amesite reports that it delivers systems in 24 hours that can upskill workers with material created by the business, third party content, or materials created by Amesite. Non Profits: Amesite credits the power of their platform to deliver paid learning experiences to patrons and guests, in winning museum business. Amesite says it delivers a true digital footprint for these organizations along with a revenue stream. Universities: University alumni markets are 10-20x the size of undergraduate markets, and Amesite delivers systems that universities can use to generate revenue by selling upskilling programs to them. Government: Workforce development agencies play a key role in economic development, and Amesite reports the ability to launch programs with ease. - A Solution Apart From Others? What Amesite says sets it apart from other online learning software platforms such as Powerschool Holdings Inc. (NYSE: PWSC) and Coursera Inc. (NYSE: COUR) is that the Amesite platform uses artificial intelligence (AI) to drive engagement and relevant content while advanced analytical tools give actionable insights. Through its AI-driven solutions, Amesite intends to capitalize on a range of expanding markets. The learning solutions market for enterprises alone is expected to reach $487.3 billion by 2030, growing at an estimated compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8%. And that’s not taking into account the demand from higher education institutions and nonprofits, which are expected to reach market levels of $169.7 billion in 2028 and $169.7 billion in 2030, respectively. Amesite says it has had success not only with customers but also when it comes to developing strategic industry partnerships. For starters, the platform is now on Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT) Azure Cloud, allowing for enhanced scalability and speed. Amesite is also serving a number of elite organizations, including the City University of New York (CUNY) and EWIE Group of Companies (EGC). The platform proudly boasts a 98% retention rate. Most recently, Amesite issued a shareholder update from its CEO, Ann Marie Sastry, who acknowledged seeing a shift towards online learning after the start of the pandemic. Amesite Inc., an artificial intelligence driven platform and course designer, provides online products in the United States. The company uses machine learning to offer a mass customized experience to learners. Its customers include businesses, universities and colleges, K-12 schools, and non-profit organizations. The company was incorporated in 2017 and is headquartered in Detroit, Michigan. * This post contains sponsored advertising content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice.
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Song GA-in Speaks Out to Support Gugak Education “Korean History and Tradition Should Be Kept Alive”
“Music came from the sky and was given to humans. It is created out of nothing and composed in nature. It makes our heart beat faster and enables us to share the same spirit,” a part from the preface of Akhak Gwebeom. South Korea’s music education environment has been playing a large role in cultivating public sentiment and Liberal arts. However, it is about to go through a major change. “The 2022 Revised Music Curriculum for Department of Music,” which will be finalized and released at the end of this year, will omit gugak, or Korean traditional music related parts in “the achievement standards” meaning academic achievement goals, according to news reports. Currently, six gugak related parts are included as the achievement standards and elementary, middle and high schools’ music textbooks devote about 30 percent to 40 percent to traditional Korean music. Regarding the response from The Ministry of Education that it will remove the term, “Gugak” in textbooks, the dominant opinion is “gugak education will be reduced when there’s a change in the curriculum.” According to the Statistical Yearbook for Employment, the education and job match rate for gugak was 80%. Since gugak is a field with high education-job match rate, many are deeply concerned about the change in the curriculum. Earlier, the reduction of Korean History education has negatively affected those preparing for the college entrance exam and seeking jobs for a long time. Against this backdrop, many are raising questions about what will replace gugak. Amid growing concerns in the education and journalism communities over reduced gugak education, Song Ga-in, a famous female trot (a genre of Korean popular music) singer, emphasized the importance of teaching gugak. Song Ga-in, a gugak-turned-trot singer, is the first winner of the reality audition show Miss Trot aired on TV Chosun Channel. “I heard that many people are showing interest in Gugak and visiting Gugak academies to learn it after watching my performances. I feel proud and happy to hear that a lot of people are looking for Gugak musicians to learn these days. I know what Haegeum is as I learned gugak while I was attenging school school at a rural area. It would be a shame not to know what our traditional music and instrument and Arirang are as a Korean,” remarks from Song Ga-in’s regular album ‘Love song’ press conference. She argued, “I’m able to stand here right now because I learned Gugak. Gugak is the basic and the root which enable us to express ‘han (an inherent characteristic of the Korean character)’ and sorrow. It’s absurd to only learn music form the west. As a gugak musician I couldn’t sit on my hands, I had to do something.” Song Ga-in is one of the musicians who took action as soon as the gugak education news was released. She said, “I spoke out to support gugak education as it can bring attention to the public. There’s no reason to not speak out.” Meanwhile, on the 10th of May in the post on her Instagram, she wrote: “If we let go of opportunities to learn “our” traditional Korean music, then what should Korean students learn? It’s frustrating and upsetting that I even have to bring this ridiculous topic up in the first place!” Song Ga-in, was at the forefront in supporting Korean traditional culture by participating, ”The Cultural Festival for Future Gugak Education and Musicians,” event which was held on the 15th of May in Seoul, Korea.
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College of DuPage Offers New Certificate Program in Data Analytics
College of DuPage now offers a certificate program that will prepare students for positions in data collection, data cleaning and data analysis, an in-demand career field expected to grow rapidly over the next few years. Listed as number two growing industry in the U.S. by the World Economic Forum, the new Data Analytics Certificate offers students a convenient, cost-effective option to learn data science fundamentals like data gathering methods, data systems and programming languages. “Data analysis is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after skills in the workplace,” said COD Computer and Information Science Professor Dejang Liu. “Companies have vast amounts of data, but it is rare to have someone with the ability to analyze that data to see trends and make predictions.” Through the 20-credit-hour program, students gain competency in data analysis through six courses: Understanding Computers/Information/Systems or MS Office for Professional Staff, Data Analysis with Spreadsheets, Advanced Spreadsheets with Business Intelligence, Database Application, Data Analytics and Visualization and Statistics. Additionally, a new articulation agreement with Elmhurst University allows students with a bachelor’s degree in any academic discipline who complete COD’s Data Analytics Certificate a seamless transfer to Elmhurst’s Master’s in Data Science and Analytics program. COD Business and Applied Technology Division Dean Kris Fay said that analyzing data has become a crucial part of almost any industry. “As advancing technology has rapidly expanded the types and amount of information we can collect, knowing how to gather, sort, and analyze data has become a crucial part of almost any business sector,” she said. “You’ll find data analysts in the criminal justice, fashion, food, technology, business, environment, and public sectors—among many others.”
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New $10,000 Scholarship Opportunity for Women in STEM
While women make up about half of the total workforce, they are statistically underrepresented in STEM: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Notably, women make up 25.4% of the computer science workforce, and BIWOC (Black, indigenous, and women of color) represent only 4.8% of the overall STEM workforce. (Source: NSF NCSES, 2019) The gender gap starts in college; only around 21% of engineering majors and 19% of computer science majors are women. (Source: AAUW’s research report) Prisma’s management strongly believes in taking action to help make the tech industry a more diverse and inclusive community. Initiatives already in place include flexible work policies, generous parental leave, employee donation matching, the financial support of non-profit organizations, and the creation of an open-source map of women in tech groups. “When I studied Computer Science, less than 5% of students were female. This massive gap presents a challenge for any woman looking to enter the field, and without affirmative action, the gender balance will not correct itself.” says Søren Schmidt, CEO at Prisma Data, Inc. “Educational institutions worldwide have recognized this and worked hard to implement policies that support women. Companies must build on this effort to ensure success in education translates to success in the industry.” To act at the education level, Prisma seeks to support women from underrepresented groups to study software engineering with a brand new scholarship program: Prisma Diversity in Engineering Scholarship. This scholarship seeks to create long-lasting change in the tech community by improving the diversity of the industry’s talent pool. The scholarship program is open to students that: Self-identify as female Self-identify as Black or African American; American Indian or Alaska Native; Hispanic or Latinx; Asian; Native Hawaiian, or other Pacific Islander. Are high school seniors or graduates, or current college undergraduates Want to pursue a degree in Software Engineering (computer science, computer engineering, etc.) Plan to enroll in full-time undergraduate study at an accredited four-year US college or university for the entire upcoming academic year Prisma has partnered with Scholarship America® to coordinate the program. Two awards of $5,000 each will be granted. All applicants will be notified in mid-June, and the scholarship payments will be made in August. Scholarship recipients will be selected based on their academic record, demonstrated leadership and participation in school and community activities, work experience, statement of educational and career goals, unique personal circumstances, and recommendation letter. The scholarship recipients will also be considered for future internship and/or career opportunities at Prisma. Applications close on April 18, 2022.
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Vivid-Pix Sponsors International African American Museum Opening 2022 in Charleston, SC
Vivid-Pix www.vivid-pix.com, the leading provider of AI-powered image restoration software and educational services, announced today that it is sponsoring the International African American Museum (IAAM), slated to open late 2022 in Charleston, South Carolina. The museum will honor the untold stories of the African American journey at one of the country’s most sacred sites, Gadsden’s Wharf, one of the country’s most prolific slave trading ports where some historians estimate more than 45% of enslaved Africans entered the U.S. Bringing these stories to light has been no small task. From the first time the IAAM was presented as an idea to then-Mayor Joe Riley at the State of the City address in 2000; to Congressman Joe Clyburn becoming the first board chair in 2005; to construction beginning in 2019, the museum has had its own journey. The museum explores the cultures and knowledge systems of Africans in the Americas; and the diverse journeys, stories, and achievements of these individuals and their descendants in South Carolina, the United States, and throughout the African diaspora. Vivid-Pix is supporting the museum by donating many Memory Station scanning/software solutions to be used in studying the history of the African American journey through community outreach, museum operations, and for use by museum patrons. The Memory Station portable and stationary scanning and image improvement solution is already being used by IAAM curators at descendants’ homes to scan, restore, and analyze old photos and documents. “It’s our honor to be a part of obtaining and sharing these stories,” stated Rick Voight, CEO, Vivid-Pix. “Like most families and societies, America’s past has blemishes and bright spots. This tapestry is going to be further explained as IAAM opens this year.” “The museum is about a journey that began centuries ago in Africa. It is about the journey of millions of Africans, captured and forced across the Atlantic in the grueling and inhumane Middle Passage, who arrived at Gadsden’s Wharf in Charleston, South Carolina and other ports in the Atlantic world. Their labor, resistance, and ingenuity and that of their descendants shaped every aspect of our world,” said Toni Carrier, Director, Center for Family History, IAAM. Vivid-Pix Holds Educational “How to Tell Your Story” Family History Programs throughout U.S. The Vivid-Pix Memory Station and RESTORE software solution are currently being utilized in libraries across America, such as Allen County Public Library’s Genealogy Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the largest genealogy center in a public library in the U.S. This library also houses the largest collection of Abraham Lincoln images in the world (https://acpl.lib.in.us/research/lincoln-collection). Vivid-Pix is touring the U.S. conducting educational “How to Tell Your Story” family history programs starting on March 29 at the Thrive Center in Louisville, Kentucky, March 31 at the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and at genealogical society conferences throughout the U.S. The workshops are also available online. For more information and to register, go to: https://Vivid-Pix.com/events
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San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Opens Wildlife Explorers Basecamp at the San Diego Zoo
There is excitement in the Southern California air as the San Diego for the opening of its newest and most anticipated area of the Zoo – the Denny Sanford Wildlife Explorers Basecamp. Built on the site of the former Children’s Zoo, Wildlife Explorers Basecamp is a 3.2-acre state-of-the-art, multi-ecosystem experience designed to provide guests of all ages with an up-close look at nature and offer fresh, high-tech interactive opportunities that nurture empathy for wildlife and encourage future caretakers of the planet. Inside Basecamp, Zoo guests will visit with a variety of fascinating species and engage on a deeper level by utilizing full sensory and multifaceted elements, including “parallel play” opportunities from climbing and crawling around a massive tree house, to exploring through amazing water play elements; experiencing interactive touch screen games, using microscopes to reveal natural wonders, and specialized animation that utilizes artificial-intelligence (AI), dynamic lighting and whole-room scented environments. Wildlife Explorers Basecamp encompasses eight buildings and habitats dispersed throughout four zones, featuring wildlife that live in these ecosystems: Rainforest, Wild Woods, Marsh Meadows and Desert Dunes. The Rainforest zone is centered around the 10,000-square-foot McKinney Family Spineless Marvels building, where guests will experience invertebrates—including crustaceans, arachnids and insects—such as leafcutter ants, spiders, scorpions, stick insects and more. Inside, there is a pollinator experience with giant beeswax-fragrant honeycombs and an observation pane that gives guests the chance to see the workings of a real-life beehive. The projected migration flyover encounter showcases various insects, including migrating monarch butterflies, grasshoppers and dragonflies as part of a large meadow scene that curves along walls and encompasses a domed ceiling. The Wild Woods area offers guests the chance to visit with unusual wildlife species, such as coatis and squirrel monkeys, which are both native to Central and South America. The space features the striking Prebys Foundation Discovery Bridge and a 20-foot-tall Tree of Dreams—a tree house designed as an ancient oak. This dynamic and detailed nature-play tree provides multiple points of access for guests—from a suspension bridge and net tunnel to a spiral staircase—and a parallel play experience to the squirrel monkeys that live in the adjacent habitat. Water play is another focus of this woodland-themed zone, which includes a waterfall that flows into a gentle meandering stream, an exhilarating splash pad, unpredictable water jets, and a bluff area with a boulder scramble made to encourage exploration. Marsh Meadows aims to evoke a sense of visiting marsh-like habitats, including swamps and estuaries. The pathway through this area was designed to help convey a sense that guests are inhabiting the marsh along with frogs, fish and other wildlife that lives there. The central hub of Marsh Meadows is the Art and Danielle Engel-funded Jake’s Cool Critters building—a two-story herpetology and ichthyology structure with more than 7,000 square feet of immersive environments, digital media, learning opportunities and educational classroom spaces, created to engage wildlife explorers of all ages. The wildlife here includes snakes, amphibians, crocodilians, turtles and lizards, including endangered Fijian iguanas. At the nearby Rady Ambassadors Headquarters, guests will meet wildlife from all over the planet, including a two-toed sloth and a prehensile-tailed porcupine, and learn more about how everyone can help conserve them in their native habitats. Finally, Desert Dunes, a dry desert wash-themed area, offers fun boulder play prospects for climbing, scrambling, hopping and more. Reptile sculptures and petroglyphs can be found among the rocks, while cool caves provide shaded areas where guests can beat the heat, like their desert wildlife counterparts—including the fennec fox, prairie dog and burrowing owl. Conservation is at the forefront in the design of Wildlife Explorers Basecamp, as builders worked to incorporate advanced sustainable materials throughout. A portion of the Spineless Marvels building was made with ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE)—a fluorine-based plastic that is created to be more resistant to corrosion. The system is 100% recyclable, and consists of a series of custom-sized Teflon multilayered “air pillows”—which, when filled with air, provide solar insulation while also reducing the need for artificial lighting. The Zoo’s talented horticulture team worked to identify more than 100 trees from the previous habitat to preserve and replant within Basecamp. For more information about Wildlife Explorers Basecamp, its many features, the wildlife that lives there and how you can help San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance conserve wildlife and build a world where all live thrives, visit the Wildlife Explorers Basecamp webpage. Wildlife Explorers Basecamp is included with admission to the San Diego Zoo.
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Why African Languages Matter By Victor Oladokun
Public advocacy and campaigns should be developed to encourage family members and local communities to pass on the treasure of language to the younger generation Recently, the Union African Union adopted Swahili as one of the official languages alongside French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Arabic. I could not have been more glad. For decades, it has always struck me as odd that not a single African language is spoken in the hallowed halls of Africa’s main political institution. The decision by the AU in February 2022 was long overdue and should be applauded by all and sundry regardless of nationality. Why is this important? Simply because Africa has a language crisis. As a 10-year-old newly arrived in Lagos from England, I recall listening intently to how the Yoruba language – my father’s language – was spoken. I would constantly repeat in my head or verbally repeat what I thought I had heard. I was not always successful. Many times, what would come out of my mouth would throw my friends into fits of laughter. Yoruba is a tonal language. Some three-letter words pronounced wrongly or with the accent on the wrong syllable can get you into a whole lot of trouble. I am indebted to the Canadian Catholic boarding School I attended in Ondo – St. Joseph’s College. At the time, the high school was well known for academic rigor and discipline. But one thing I’ve come to appreciate over the years was the mandatory learning of the Yoruba language in the first two years of a five-year study. In addition, while Mass was in Latin and English, the music also had a generous sprinkling of uplifting Yoruba hymns backed by traditional drums. As I look back, I owe my love of the Yoruba language to this linguistic and cultural exposure. Which is one of the reasons why I never cease to be amazed by the linguistic snobbery of many upwardly mobile and not-too-upwardly mobile Nigerian and African elite, when it comes to transferring knowledge of indigenous languages to their children. In the case of my fellow Yoruba, it is not unusual to be regaled with pride about how their children only speak English. With an affected Yoruba-English accent denoting social class, this is how the commentary tends to goes – “Ehhh … so mo pe awon omo aiye isiyin, won o gbo Yoruba mo. Oyinbo nikan ni won gbo.” Meaning “You must realise that today’s generation no longer speaks or comprehend Yoruba. They only speak English.” The comment by the way is supposed to be a badge of honor. Languages become endangered for many reasons. While focusing on Nigeria, the same applies to almost all African countries. 1. Unprecedented urban mobility and migration, in which children grow up in places where the language of their parents is either not generally spoken or where it is no longer taught in the community. 2. Inter-ethnic marriages and relationships and recourse to the official language of English or the more widely spoken Pidgin English. 3. A tech-driven world that is dominated by less than a dozen global languages. Consequently, social media, TV and digital content, children’s programs, computer games, mobile apps, and news content, do not favor indigenous African languages. 4. Dislocation of populations due to terrorism and ethnic conflicts. 5. Economic migration that ends up leaving the older and elderly speakers of a language behind in rural communities. Languages cannot live without children speakers. As such, as elderly rural speakers die out, the survival of some languages is simply impossible. This is the dilemma that has befallen the Yoruba language and countless other indigenous Nigerian and African languages. Language is all-encompassing. It is not just a means of communicating. It is also a repository of values, customs, culture, and history. In short, language is the embodiment of who a people are. Therefore, the loss or extinction of a language is simply not an inability to speak in a way and manner that is generally understood. It is the loss of identity – linguistically, culturally, psychologically, and historically. I’m delighted to see indigenous Nigerian languages woven into the fabric of many recent Nollywood blockbuster movies. It’s a step in the right direction. According to the Atlas of Languages in Danger of Disappearing published by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, and (UNESCO), today, there are an estimated 7,000 languages spoken worldwide. Half of the world’s total population speaks only eight of the most common. Also, more than 3,000 languages are said to be spoken by fewer than 10,000 people each. So what can we do about linguistic genocide? Fold our arms? Bemoan our fate? Accept the seemingly unstoppable collision of languages with the forces of ‘modernization’ and globalization? Or do we take stock, recognize what is at stake, turn adversity into opportunity, and innovatively add value to the tremendous linguistic resources that we own? We have no choice. Following are 7 suggestions: 1. Policymakers should go back to the drawing boards and once again make the teaching and learning of indigenous languages compulsory from kindergarten through high school. 2. Public advocacy and campaigns should be developed to encourage family members and local communities to pass on the treasure of language to the younger generation. One of Africa’s dilemmas today is that many young and older adults are linguistically challenged. As such, they need tutoring and learning themselves. This is an entrepreneurial opportunity for developers of language apps or creative radio and TV programs. 3. Debates in indigenous languages: Growing up in Lagos, one of my favorite TV programs was the live broadcast of the National High School Debates. I can still hear the opening music ringing in my ears. Here lies another opportunity for Nigeria and African countries for whom either English, French, Portuguese or Spanish, is the official language. Policymakers, content producers, advertisers, and the private and public sector, could team up to create regionally televised elementary and high school debates in indigenous languages. To motivate the younger generation, generous and not token awards could include academic scholarships, regional and national media mentions, and opportunities to meet with and be honored by leading public and private sector leaders. 4. Business Incubation Hubs: Tech-savvy entrepreneurs have an unprecedented opportunity to create innovative indigenous language content, apps, and platforms. Opportunities abound for policymakers and the private sector to support and give out annual awards for the best digital content in indigenous languages including children’s animation programs, computer games, TV programs, vlogs, or podcasts. 5. Language Schools: France, the UK, Switzerland, and Germany have an abundance of schools that offer short or long-term language programs. The French language school Alliance Française has a presence in almost every African country. African nations must do the same especially in the Diaspora. Or at least, digitally or virtually online. This is an entrepreneurial opportunity to provide Africans at home and in the Diaspora with learning platforms and tools to enhance indigenous langauge capacities. 6. Policymakers can help create environments that promote learning and drive demand for content and information in indigenous languages. We certainly can learn from countries such as Ethiopia, Somalia, that use indigenous languages in their respective parliaments and other official business. Why should proficiency in multiple indigenous or other African languages not be a desirable employment skill set? Why should important national messages not be simulcast in their entirety in key languages, to reach the largest possible audience? Why in so many African countries is there a complete reliance on English, French, Spanish or Portuguese in public communication? It’s a question to ponder and a challenge to overcome. 7. Becoming Linguistic Ambassadors: Finally, each one of us can brush up on our language skills and do so with exceptional pride. For too long, we have bought into the false narrative that ‘local’ is bad and ‘Western’ is attractive. We diminish our languages and refer to them derisively as ‘vernacular.’ Instead, collectively, we have a legacy responsibility to speak our languages with pride and transfer the same to the next generation. If you are not as proficient as you would like to be, listen intently to how your language is spoken. Each week, set a goal of learning new vocabulary words. Over time, you’ll be amazed at the progress you would have made. Every African language is a repository of history, culture, and values. When a language dies, so too does history, culture, values, and the intuitive sense of who a people are, where they are from and where they are going. There is still time to save our languages and prevent cultural genocide. It starts with each one of us!
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Student Education & Wellness Platform Launches Amid Pandemic
Holistic Learning, founded by neuroscience, physiology and meditation experts Eli Marx-Kahn and Kush Patel, announces the launch of its platform on a mission to “help create a generation of purposeful, confident, and happy young people who are ready to take on the many issues our world faces. By integrating services in multiple domains – academics, wellness, and career development – we aim to help students find their unique paths in life.” The easy and fun to use platform incorporates timely and critical touch points for high school students: 1-on-1 tutoring, wellness & meditation courses, learning strategies, college counseling, career development, and life skills. Parents and educators see it as a valuable supplement providing their students with a number of individualized, self-select tools such as breathing exercises to reduce anxiety, STEM, English and writing tutoring, college application advice, and career seminars with professionals from dozens of fields. “We know that students who are healthy, happy, and stress-free are much more receptive to new knowledge. Holistic Learning equips them with the skills they need to manage their many obligations while prioritizing their own well-being,” states Co-Founder and Chief Wellness Officer Eli Marx-Kahn. Holistic Learning comes at a crucial time in education amid continued covid disruptions, isolation and uncertainty. According to “Education in the Pandemic, The Disparate Impacts of COVID-19 on America’s Student”: Emerging evidence shows that the pandemic has negatively affected academic growth, widening pre-existing disparities. In core subjects like math and reading, there are worrisome signs that in some grades students might be falling even further behind pre-pandemic expectations. Further, “The Mental Health of High School Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic” report states: “The American Psychological Association (APA) reports 81% of Gen Z teens (ages 13–17) have experienced more intense stress during the COVID-19 pandemic….Exercise time helps reduce mental health degradation (β3 = -0.153, p = 0.037). Many other factors such as gender, homework time, school time, pre-existing mental health issues, and therapy did not have a significant influence on mental health degradation. Analysis of freeform feedback identified the following three recurring themes: increased stress due homework (13.2%), social isolation or lack of social interactions (8.5%), and lack of support for mental wellbeing (12.3%).” “I am very interested in how the brain works and am passionate about using my knowledge of neuroscience to make studying more fun and manageable for students at every point in their education,” shares Kush Patel, Co-Founder and Chief Learning Officer at Holistic Learning. “Throughout my college years, I helped hundreds of students achieve their academic aspirations through my role as a tutor, peer mentor to students with disabilities, study group leader, and learning strategist. I enjoy creating learning strategy content for students as well as designing a holistic tutoring curriculum to ensure that true and meaningful understanding is achieved.” Based on frequency of tutoring desired, tiered subscriptions are available at www.holisticlearning.co, and are priced well below standalone tutoring and counseling programs. Sliding scale scholarship opportunities are available for low income families, by inquiring at info@holisticlearning.co. Holistic Learning is also committed to partnering with high schools and encourages opportunities to best meet needs of schools. “Holistic Learning is committed to accessibility and equality of access,” states Marx-Kahn. “It was created as an online space designed to meet the needs that high school alone cannot meet, to help students grow, and to help them visualize their path towards a meaningful and fulfilling future. The Pandemic has made the need for a service like Holistic Learning greater than ever.” * Video: https://vimeo.com/578233702
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Myopia Profile Launches Communicating the Myopia Message Online Professional Resource
Myopia Profile, the internationally trusted clinical myopia management information center for eye care professionals (ECPs), has launched its Communicating the Myopia Message online course. Communicating the Myopia Message joins a robust slate of Myopia Profile web resources available to guide ECPs as they address the global myopia epidemic. The key inspiration for the self-paced latest course is the challenge of communicating the often complex and evolving science of myopia, providing ECPs with tried and tested messages and practical tools. In conjunction with clinical expertise, these skills enable ECPs to offer the best possible care to young patients with myopia and set up their practice systems for greater success. The interactive two-hour course covers all aspects of the myopia management journey from a communications perspective. ECPs will increase their confidence to discuss myopia onset and progression; describe management options and guide parents through decision-making and informed consent; explain and manage long-term outcomes; involve practice staff; and provide ongoing patient education in and outside the exam room to ensure best practice myopia management. Each lesson provides a scientific foundation with advice on communicating this knowledge to parents. The 25 lessons spaced over six modules also include interactive parent communication scenarios, downloadable support tools, quick quizzes, and more in engaging formats. Myopia Profile founders and Communicating the Myopia Message instructors Dr. Kate Gifford and Dr. Paul Gifford bring with them a combined four decades plus of ocular science experience. They have authored more than 130 peer reviewed and professional publications and have presented more than 200 conference lectures around the world, primarily on clinical myopia management. Dr. Kate Gifford said, “We created our Communicating the Myopia Message course based on the thousands of optometrists and ophthalmologists in our online community from around the world who cite communication with young patients and their parents as a chief obstacle. The course provides an easy-to-follow roadmap for eye care professionals to guide patients along their entire journey—from the first discussion to long-term management. We have also made the course available at a price point accessible to most any practice with any number of patient-facing staff members.” As for all Myopia Profile online courses, Communicating the Myopia Message is internationally recognized for accredited continuing professional education. The course is COPE CE approved in North America, CPD approved in Australia and New Zealand, and CET approved in the United Kingdom. The cost of the Communicating the Myopia Message course is $45 USD per virtual seat, with the first chapter available to preview at no charge. Reduced course fees are available for select countries to increase global accessibility, and for bulk purchases. Visit the Myopia Profile website at www.MyopiaProfile.com to register or learn more about this and other courses. From humble beginnings as a two-page download, Myopia Profile has grown into a company fostering a thriving, engaged community of thousands of eye health professionals around the world across web and social media platforms. It is the largest and most popular multi-channel professional educational resource dedicated to childhood myopia management. Join the discussion on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.
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Smart Energy Education Offers Energy Technology & Policy eCourse
EPIcenter is proud to partner with Smart Energy Education, funded by global Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) leader Itron Inc. and CPS Energy, to offer access to the Introduction to Energy Technology & Policy (ETP) eCourse - a new opportunity for professional level education. This course will be taught virtually by author, energy expert and professor Dr. Michael E. Webber and his team of senior researchers from The University of Texas at Austin. Smart Energy Education (SEE) is partnering with Dr. Webber of the UT Austin Cockrell School of Engineering and Disco Learning Media, a subsidiary of Upstryve Inc, (OTCPK: PBYA), to underwrite scholarships for San Antonio area residents who enroll in the ETP eCourse. Postsecondary students, rising managers or mid-level executives who want to deepen and broaden their knowledge in the energy industry, oil & gas specialists, or professionals in other sectors such as finance, consulting, and human resources who want to break into the energy sector should consider taking the course. “The worldwide energy sector is going through dramatic shifts in energy demand, end-uses and sources,” said Dr. Webber. “Population and economic growth are driving up total demand. Industrialization, urbanization, electrification, and motorization are changing how we use energy while a push for domestic, low-carbon, and renewable fuels is changing our sources of energy.” Dr. Webber and his team will guide participants through cutting edge energy concepts while also giving a broad overview of energy’s critical role in society, emphasizing the economic, environmental, and security trade-offs for various fuels and technology. The EPIcenter Energy Think Tank (EETT) is designed to expose wider audiences to energy issues and has the infrastructure and leadership team to support this SEE initiative. The EETT is administering the scholarship application process. “Our Think Tank encourages community members to engage with the energy industry regardless of industry affiliation,” Kimberly M. Britton, CEO of EPIcenter, said. “This partnership is a natural fit for EPIcenter to bring together people from many industries to learn more about energy innovation, evolution and implementation.” SEE is part of a larger energy-literacy program initiative to build a strong future talent pipeline. The goal of the initiative is to demonstrate how improving energy and water literacy can foster community engagement and inspire collaborations among communities to solve the world’s greatest challenges of the future. The synchronous online course is being offered via Zoom January 4-26, 2022, though sessions will be taped in case registrants need to participate on a flexible schedule. To learn more details about the course and about the scholarship opportunity, please visit bit.ly/EnergyeCourse. Students who complete the course and pass the ETP: Technology and Policy interactive e-course exam will earn a certificate in “Energy, Environment, and Sustainability.” Upon completion, students are also awarded 1.6 Continuing Education Units (CEUs). EPIcenter continues to fulfill its mission of propelling energy innovation and thought for our global future with a think tank, incubator and accelerator, strategic partnerships, advisory engagements and critical conversations around energy. To learn more about EPIcenter, please visit www.epicenterus.org
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Osmo’s STEM Week Sale & Amazon Deal of the Day (11/8)
Osmo announces a STEM Week sale that encourages kids ages 3 to 10+ to explore reading, writing, math, coding, drawing, creative problem-solving, and more. From 11/7 through 11/13, save up to 40% off select kits, games and bundles at PlayOsmo.com, Amazon, Target, Best Buy & other retailers. Osmo’s Amazon Deal of the Day runs on Nov. 8--one day only--and features 20% off select items at Amazon.com. Kits and games up to 25% off through 11/13 at PlayOsmo.com and multiple retailers include: Little Genius Starter Kit (base included) Genius Starter Kit (base included) Coding Starter Kit (base included) Creative Starter Kit (base included) Pizza Co. (base required) Detective Agency (base required) Super Studio Disney Mickey Mouse & Friends (base required) Super Studio Disney Princess (base required) Super Studio Disney Frozen 2 (base required) Math Wizard and the Secrets of the Dragons (base required) Math Wizard and the Magical Workshop (base required) Kits and bundles up to 40% off through 11/13 exclusively at PlayOsmo.com include: Pre-School Starter Kit Explorer Starter Kit Ultimate Expansion Bundle Essential Math Bundle Osmo’s Amazon Deal of the Day (11/8) features 20% off these items at Amazon.com: Genius Starter Kit for iPad + Case for iPad (base included) Genius Starter Kit for iPad + Grab & Go Small Storage Carry Case (base included) Coding Starter Kit for iPad + Case for iPad (base included) Coding Starter Kit for iPad + Grab & Go Small Storage Carry Case (base included) Creative Starter Kit for iPad + Case for iPad (base included) Creative Starter Kit for iPad + Grab & Go Small Storage Carry Case (base included)
