The Frye Institute of Education http://fryeinstitute.org Helping Nonprofits Elevate Their Digital Presence Tue, 08 Jun 2021 18:37:55 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.20 Big Data for Social Good: Improving Nonprofits & Public Health http://fryeinstitute.org/big-data-for-social-good-helping-improve-nonprofits/ http://fryeinstitute.org/big-data-for-social-good-helping-improve-nonprofits/#respond Mon, 19 Oct 2020 22:27:54 +0000 http://fryeinstitute.org/?p=71 In almost every industry these days, big data is one of the most critical components of progress and growth. This is true of big business, like Amazon, but did you know that it’s also possible to use big data for social good? Today we will examine a few social service applications that prove big data is for more than just the fortune five hundred companies of the world. Read on for a list of ways that big data and machine learning can be used.   How Data Can Improve Nonprofit Performance The world of nonprofit is benefitting immensely from the...

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In almost every industry these days, big data is one of the most critical components of progress and growth. This is true of big business, like Amazon, but did you know that it’s also possible to use big data for social good?

Today we will examine a few social service applications that prove big data is for more than just the fortune five hundred companies of the world. Read on for a list of ways that big data and machine learning can be used.

 

How Data Can Improve Nonprofit Performance

The world of nonprofit is benefitting immensely from the use of big data. The fact of the matter is that nonprofits benefit internally from big data collection the same way that the big companies do.

The collection and analyses of data allow for several things to happen in the world of the non-profit. First, the organization is able to analyze the performance of their company and their staff (limited though it probably is) in the present tense.

Once they understand what performance goals they are meeting and where they are underachieving, it becomes much easier to make plans for future productivity and further refine projections.

What comes out of this is an improved capacity for performance and project management, i.e company leadership’s ability to set unique goals with each of their employees in order to get the very most out of their time at work.

Through data analyses, not only can you see what areas in performance management need improvement, but you can also subsequently monitor your non-profit staff’s ability to meet those improvements through further analyses once an intervention plan has been implemented.

This strategy also helps to identify housekeeping needs, such as whether or not your staff, or even an individual member of your staff, would be benefited from additional training or resources.

Do keep in mind, of course, that data, perhaps especially performance data, is highly subject to change. In order to really make the most of this resource at your non-profit, you will need to make data analyses a continuous effort.

Find out more about new B.I. and big data trends here.

 

Big Data for Social Good: Enhancing Public Health

big data for social good

Big data is also now a critical component of the world of health. As a business, or rather, an avenue for business, the world of healthcare does benefit from big data in the same performance and management optimization ways that other companies do.

However, the most important effect that big data is having in the world directly relates to using big data for social good: improving healthcare services and prepare healthcare organizations and providers to meet the needs of the individual communities that they operate within.

Big data is being implemented now by patients as well as providers. Health apps that track heart rate, steps, and workout intensities serve to radically improve individual understanding of how well they are meeting their own health and fitness goals.

Perhaps in the future, this data will be shared with and implemented by physicians as well.

But there is more to big data in health than simply what you can learn from wearing a Fitbit. The medical industry is now able to use big data for prevention by analyzing a patient’s history, family history, opioid addictions, and the factors of their unique lifestyle in order to implement informed plans of treatment and overall health improvement.

Of course, this data has already existed for about as long as contemporary healthcare practices have. But the digital age allows for new opportunities.

Whereas before, patient data was archived, and potentially inaccessible to the physician attending to their care, there are now increasing efforts to consolidate this information digitally for more comprehensive and informed healthcare wherever the patient goes.

 

References

Forbes

Rutgers University’s online Master of Public Administration

Social Work Today

University of Nevada, Reno online Master of Social Work

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7 Ways Telemedicine Can Benefit Your Medical Practice http://fryeinstitute.org/telemedicine-benefits/ http://fryeinstitute.org/telemedicine-benefits/#respond Tue, 29 Sep 2020 21:48:24 +0000 http://fryeinstitute.org/?p=106 Telemedicine is a developing facet of medical technology that can bring many benefits to both patients and providers. Aside from the obvious time savings and ease of getting medical care from the patient’s perspective, Telemedicine can be a huge benefit to doctors and small developing practices. 1. More patients are seen in a shorter amount of time One of the biggest obstacles to juggle when it comes to providing great medical care in an office setting is being able to fit more patient’s into each doctor’s schedule while still offering optimal time for the visit. With telemedicine virtual consults, a...

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Telemedicine is a developing facet of medical technology that can bring many benefits to both patients and providers. Aside from the obvious time savings and ease of getting medical care from the patient’s perspective, Telemedicine can be a huge benefit to doctors and small developing practices.

1. More patients are seen in a shorter amount of time

One of the biggest obstacles to juggle when it comes to providing great medical care in an office setting is being able to fit more patient’s into each doctor’s schedule while still offering optimal time for the visit.

With telemedicine virtual consults, a lot of the extraneous (but time-consuming) parts of an in-person office visit are eliminated, making more time for the doctor to talk to each individual. If scheduled properly, this means that each doctor should be able to virtually visit with more patients in a given period of time, without making any sacrifices in the quality of care.

2. Remote monitoring to avoid adverse outcomes and prevent admissions

When it comes to in-person visits, the doctor has a short window of time to educate and check in on the patient. All of the time in between in-person visits leaves the doctor pretty much in the dark as to how the patient is adjusting to the treatment, how symptoms are developing (if any), and generally how the care is going.

Telemedicine allows for many quick remote monitoring “check-ins” to see how medications and conditions are working out for each individual, with very little effort expended on the patient’s part.

These remote monitoring options can improve patient outcomes and compliance with treatments, potentially reducing future adverse events or hospital admissions long term.

3. Faster answers to patient’s questions and concerns

Questions and concerns are inevitable when it comes to treating patients.

And, much of the time, patients can feel that getting a doctor on the line for a question can be a hassle without the right systems set up.

A telemedicine platform can work with your current office structure while offering your patients quicker follow up to concerns via a structured and HIPAA-complaint system that can function even after hours.

4. Less missed follow up visits

Follow up visits can often be brushed off and ignored by patients due to them not wanting to deal with the hassle of an in-person office visit. By increasing the east of a follow-up visit by performing a virtual follow-up visit, patients are more likely to be compliant with attendance and have better health outcomes in the process.

5. Less concern of exposure to infectious diseases

The concerns of coming into contact with others who may have infectious diseases may be a worry for many patients, especially if they are already immunocompromised.

Conversely, if someone is not feeling well, they may not want to venture out to their local doctor’s office and risk exposing others to whatever they may have.

While for more severe conditions, it is necessary to get immediate care in an in-person setting, for less severe issues, it can be just as effective being seen virtually, without worrying about infectiousness.

6. Less lost time due to cancelations or commutes

Commutes aren’t just time-consuming for patients, but medical practices can also suffer when a patient is late due to traffic or traveling from far distances. Cancellations of in-person office visits can throw off the schedule of practice for a whole day or may leave a gap in the workflow that could have been used to see another patient.

In addition to the commute times for patients, doctors must travel to the office, and sometimes multiple locations. By getting rid of commutes and travel with Telemedicine consults, efficiency and lost time driving is regained for each visit.

7. More flexibility and expanded care for distanced or traveling patients

With in-person office visits, the clientele is often limited to those that live in close contact with the office location. This can limit the overall patient number, as well as excluding those that live far from lots of medical care options.

Telemedicine allows a clinic to expand their patient to reach potential while giving those that live in more rural areas better access to healthcare.

For patients that are traveling, or live in different areas during certain times of the year (like snowbirds), Telemedicine can offer distanced virtual visits.

This avoids the patient having to use alternate and potentially unfamiliar health care options short term while providing more business for the medical office itself by retaining patients all throughout the year.

8. Ability to automate appointment booking

With in-person visits, much of the scheduling and reminding tends to be done by a receptionist. This is time-consuming and expensive. With telemedicine, appointment booking software can save the organization time and money while delivering a great experience to the patient.

Customers can book appointments online with real-time availability, automatically receive reminders via text and email, and even make payments or deposits.

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Future of Education: 6 Key Insights http://fryeinstitute.org/future-of-education-6-insights/ http://fryeinstitute.org/future-of-education-6-insights/#respond Wed, 13 May 2020 08:21:27 +0000 http://fryeinstitute.org/?p=78 What is in store for the future of education? The obvious answer is tech related. That should come with no surprise as in today’s world, we heavily depend on technology to help manage our day-to-day activities and educate ourselves on the latest topics and trends. This digital era has pushed technology into nearly every aspect of daily life. Phones are no longer made to just dial a number, they’re connected to high-speed networks and act as mini-computers at our fingertips. Cars can drive themselves. Video games are changing into virtual reality headsets. Refrigerators can bring you the news and weather report and tell you...

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What is in store for the future of education?

The obvious answer is tech related. That should come with no surprise as in today’s world, we heavily depend on technology to help manage our day-to-day activities and educate ourselves on the latest topics and trends.

This digital era has pushed technology into nearly every aspect of daily life.

Phones are no longer made to just dial a number, they’re connected to high-speed networks and act as mini-computers at our fingertips.

Cars can drive themselves.

Video games are changing into virtual reality headsets.

Refrigerators can bring you the news and weather report and tell you when your out of cheese.

Heck, tech is even changing educationAI’s are teaching classes. Online education is turning into a great way to earn a degree. Online education is becoming so popular that by 2020 researchers predict that half of all classes will be held online.

The Future of Education Is Here

Think online education is only limited to a few subjects? Nope! Online learners can get degrees in everything from forensic psychology to leadership to nursing. Learn more by checking out some of these top programs:

While some technological devices serve little purpose other than to entertain, there’s a substantial deal of advances and benefits that we get from the utilization of today’s technology.

This digital era we live in is exciting yet nerve wrecking because we are vastly advancing as a society through the use of technological software.

Listed below are 6 insights of what our future education may look like with the use of technology advancement.

 

  1. More Personalized Learning

Every student learns differently and at different paces. Learn four ways on how to hack college here.

Technology allows educators to create a unique learning style and environment based on each student’s ability process. Technology software such as DreamBox, a math educator program is used throughout the US in many classrooms.

This educational software adapts to the student’s skill level and it lets each student learn at their own pace. Adaptive learning software is changing the role of traditional classroom textbooks and students are now able to tackle on subjects with the assistance of a tailor-made computer program to educate their personal learning needs.

 

  1. Core Requirements Will Shift

Technology is changing our society and driving our economy.

Core requirements for students will shift to learn the language of coding, programming and other STEM fields, the same way they learn to read and write.

With the potential advancement and expansion of technology, it has become one of the most important pieces of our society, that this sector holds promising work opportunities for those who are educated and trained. Computer science, coding, and programing should become priority if we want to remain economically competitive.

 

  1. Tech Will Help Educators & Counselors Assist Students Across the Globe

Around the world there are students struggling to obtain the same educational experience compared to their global peers.

Technology can be the bridge to increase educators and counselor’s efficiency as well as customize students’ experiences at relatively low costs which holds a great promise for schools and students around the globe. Tech will also provide more cultural opportunities for students such as using VR to learn in a classroom across the world or even actually studying abroad in places such as Cuba or Thailand.

Keeping educators and counselors up-to-date with the fast-growing technology will require ongoing training and instruction.

Having access to broadband internet is the largest challenge facing many rural communities, however, through technology-assisted therapy solutions, rural social workers will be able to have access to online content.

 

  1. Introduction of AI

Artificial intelligence is already being utilized in our education system via tools that help students develop skills and instructors to create testing systems.

The primary goal for educational AI is to bridge the gap between learning and teaching.

student holding a yellow sticky note highlighting AI

AI can drive efficiency, personalization and streamline administrative works which will allow teachers to focus on providing the highest quality education.

Using AI technologies, teachers will have the power to reach students in new ways and to improve the learning environment.

 

  1. 1-to-1 Computing

As schools adjust to the technology revolution, more education institutions are providing students with their own computer, notebook or tablet. In 2013 and 2014, schools purchased more than 23 million technical devices for classroom use.

Putting these devices into the hands of students helps to improve communication skills, implement creativity and provides a greater access to information.

Technology also helps students to study at the student’s own pace while becoming more familiar with the devices powering the technology revolution. Implementing

1-to-1 computing in all schools will be a challenge due to tight budgets, however, will provide students with the tools to understand new technologies and to be best equipped for a technologically driven world.

 

  1. Games & Education Mix

As technology drives gaming forward, it becomes more difficult to separate the online and virtual realities with the real world. Education technology becomes more advanced with each passing year and better identifies how kids learn.

The future of education will involve a combination of gaming and education where the two become inseparable. These improvements to learning based games will help students enjoy the learning process and better retain the information they receive.

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Lifelong Learners: Mental Wellness Is Essential While Continuing Your Education. Here’s Why http://fryeinstitute.org/lifelong-learners-mental-wellness-is-essential-while-continuing-your-education-heres-why/ http://fryeinstitute.org/lifelong-learners-mental-wellness-is-essential-while-continuing-your-education-heres-why/#respond Mon, 15 Jul 2019 19:24:30 +0000 http://fryeinstitute.org/?p=94 The go-go world can leave you feeling overwhelmed and drained. If you don’t take the time to recharge, however, fatigue could turn into something worse. This is especially true with where the future of education seems to be going: online education where there are flexible due dates, meaning students can wait, procrastinate and cram half a quarter in a few nights. Obvious this kind of continuous and extreme mental activity can lead to fatigue. When this happens, your mind goes into overdrive. It’s sort of like driving down a hill in the wrong gear. If you continue to drive a...

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The go-go world can leave you feeling overwhelmed and drained. If you don’t take the time to recharge, however, fatigue could turn into something worse.

This is especially true with where the future of education seems to be going: online education where there are flexible due dates, meaning students can wait, procrastinate and cram half a quarter in a few nights. Obvious this kind of continuous and extreme mental activity can lead to fatigue. When this happens, your mind goes into overdrive.

It’s sort of like driving down a hill in the wrong gear. If you continue to drive a car quickly in low gear, this will eventually wear out the engine and the car will break down.

The same applies to fatigue. When your mind is under duress, it’s going a mile a minute. Meanwhile, excessive activity is draining your body and your mind.

Continuous fatigue can cause symptoms, including insomnia, irritability, mental blocks, poor diet and poor motivation. Left untreated, it can result in more serious behavioral health problems such as anxiety or burnout.

Many of today’s skilled professions require continuous learning. What’s more, a growing number of adults over the age of 50 are going back to school.

Sometimes, people who are juggling their personal and professional lives, as well as ongoing learning, can exhaust their executive function. When this happens, they may find difficulty making even simple decisions. Over time, a heavy and continuous cognitive load can lead to a complete breakdown.

Of course, hard work is necessary to succeed in life. However, determined professionals must balance their ambition with their own wellness. The following 5 tips can help individuals improve their well-being as they pursue lifelong learning.

 

Tip 1: Get Time on Your Side

You have the free will to adjust your schedule as needed. In fact, this is a great way to ensure your mental health.

For instance, maintaining a routine schedule and getting up early every day can enhance your sense of accomplishment. By allowing yourself to clear your mind before you start your day, you can prepare for the day ahead.

This positive wellness habit will allow you to plan your day. What’s more, you’ll feel more in control over your daily activities.

 

Tip 2: Develop Emotional Intelligence to Reduce Stress

Emotional intelligence lowers stress and reduces the chances of burnout. In addition, it leads to increased job satisfaction and improved leadership.

People who develop their emotional intelligence are self-aware, motivated and know how to practice moderation. Also, they enhance their social skills and have a genuine concern for others. With sincere empathy, emotionally intelligent leaders build better teams.

 

Tip 3: Limited Your Social Media

It takes a lot to grab the attention of the public. Resultantly, media outlets leverage the power of doom and gloom to capture the eyes and ears of viewers. The onslaught of bad news about politics, the world and current events can make you feel downright miserable.

Now, social media extends the reach and influence of the world’s news outlets. With ongoing communications on your cell phone, television and even your computer, it may seem impossible to escape from a barrage of negative information.

At times, you need to give your mind a break. It’s a good idea to take an occasional time-out from social media and the news to clear your head. In fact, it helps to go a step further sometimes and take a break from technology altogether – if only for a brief moment here and there.

 

Tip 4: Learn to Think Positive

Problems can arise at breakneck speed. When putting out fires, it’s easy to forget about taking care of yourself as one problem after another emerges.

Many small problems can build up to one big ball of anxiety. To sustain your mental well-being, you must adjust your thinking to prevent problems from affecting you exponentially.

A whirlwind of problems can send you spiraling down the drain of worry. When you feel pressure, you must train yourself to approach obstacles in the right state of mind.

Rather than allowing every potential negative outcome to race through your mind, turn the table on trouble by recapturing a firm grasp on reality. Give yourself a moment to recognize facts and dismiss fiction so that you can develop a sensible solution. Learning how to think and act positive will end up not only benefiting yourself, but also those around you and society as a whole. Learn more about ARIS and ABA therapy and how it can help.

 

Tip 5: Take Care of Your Body

Poor physical health wears not only on the body, but also the mind. Left unchecked, poor health can cause you to fall into a ruthless cycle of emotional and physical deterioration.

Fortunately, you can break this cycle easily. Exercise is an effective way to promote your physical and mental health. Physical activity produces endorphins. It’s a “feel-good” chemical that’s naturally produced by the brain.

Endorphins relax the muscles and relieve physical tension. When your body feels great, good mental health will follow.

There are times that nothing you do seems to yield improvements in your mental state. When this happens, it’s time to look outside of yourself for answers. You can seek help from a behavioral therapist, or you use an app such as TalkSpace to find counseling online.

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Women in STEM: Resources, Tips & Future Projections http://fryeinstitute.org/women-in-stem-resources-tips-projections/ http://fryeinstitute.org/women-in-stem-resources-tips-projections/#respond Tue, 05 Feb 2019 23:42:11 +0000 http://fryeinstitute.org/?p=90 According to research, women are woefully underrepresented in leadership roles compared to men, this is particularly true for women in STEM. Aspiring female executives can do their part to end gender disparity in the workplace by taking advantage of the many tools and websites that are freely available. These resources can help them to get on track for a STEM career or help professional working women to expand their existing roles. Unfortunately, women who make it to the highest corporate ranks are exceptions to the status quo. In academic engineering environments, for example, women typically represent a quarter of the...

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According to research, women are woefully underrepresented in leadership roles compared to men, this is particularly true for women in STEM. Aspiring female executives can do their part to end gender disparity in the workplace by taking advantage of the many tools and websites that are freely available. These resources can help them to get on track for a STEM career or help professional working women to expand their existing roles.

Unfortunately, women who make it to the highest corporate ranks are exceptions to the status quo. In academic engineering environments, for example, women typically represent a quarter of the student body. In corporate America, however, the percentage of female leaders dwindles drastically.

While more male professionals have come to recognize the importance of women in managerial roles, many still overlook the role of females in technology. According to gender equality advocates, there’s still a strong mindset that technology is not for women.

Today, professions that require a background in STEM training are largely dominated by men, even more so than in business. For example, journalists often note the male-dominated culture of Silicon Valley when writing articles about technology. Advocates for women in technology warn that female students must take more interest in STEM learning paths to level the playing field in the real-world work environment.

 

The State of Women in STEM

Female technology leaders express that the gender disparity in STEM learning and professions is one of the most urgent and important issues of today. Numerous empirical studies have already proven the cognitive equality of women compared to male professionals. Still, they are still held back in business and technology due to deeply entrenched stereotypes.

This problem typically starts early for women, with girls shying away from STEM-related learning paths. The trend then continues through college and University training and persists in the workplace.

 

The Hard Numbers Behind Gender Inclusiveness

Most people view men and women equally capable. In poll after poll, men and women express that they believe that females possess the same important qualities and behaviors that are essential for key leadership roles. Despite this, most women still fail to advance to top leadership in business and technology.

As an example, there are 25 women out of 100 US senators, which is a historic all-time high. In addition, there are only 102 women posted as voting members of the House of Representatives out of 435 members of Congress.

 

How STEM Education Can Help Women Rise to Leadership

 By midcareer, male professionals are 70-percent more likely to advance to executive roles, and by late career, men are 142-percent more likely to advance to a VP or executive level post. This ties into the tendency of many female students the bypass training that can prepare them for executive leadership.

According to a study conducted by Microsoft, young women are less likely to pursue STEM learning paths and professions. Advocates for women in STEM express that female professionals must work to change this circumstance. Furthermore, express the advocates, academic stakeholders must work together to tear down stereotypes about females and STEM learning.

 

Rising to the Top

In the entire history of fortune 500 CEOs, only 64 female executives have joined the ranks of this esteemed list. Among women who do rise to the top of their fields, the path to leadership is typically different than that of their male peers.

Studies regarding female executive leadership typically reveal that women invest in their own career development. Alternatively, men normally advance through the ranks via connections, mentors and networks. According to studies, female professionals often witness the achievements of their male peers before deciding to invest in themselves, while male professionals are systemically uplifted to higher positions.

 

Entrepreneurial Opportunities for Women

Around the globe, the number of female entrepreneurs is rising rapidly. In fact, the number of female business leaders rose twice as fast as their male peers between 2015 and 2016. This is exceptional news for the economy. Studies show that enterprises led by women perform twice as well and generate 60-percent more value for investors than those helmed by men.

Despite this, financiers still fail to support female entrepreneurs as generously as male business leaders. As a result, many female business leaders often struggle to find funding to launch their ventures.

Encouraging young women to pursue STEM training is only the beginning. Advocates and educators must do more to inspire them to follow through with the learning track and do the same in their professional endeavors. Advocates for women in STEM lament that the efforts to bolster women in business and technology is of little use if they don’t stay the course.

To create a gender-equal future, more young women must rise to the occasion and pursue leadership roles in business and technology. By doing so, they will create a better future and inspire other young women to do the same.

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Ed Tech: 4 Ways It Can Improve Society http://fryeinstitute.org/ed-tech-4-ways-it-can-improve-society/ http://fryeinstitute.org/ed-tech-4-ways-it-can-improve-society/#respond Tue, 31 Jul 2018 23:50:54 +0000 http://fryeinstitute.org/?p=65 Technology is everywhere. That’s why it’s essential for educators to utilize ed tech as a regular classroom resource to help prepare students to positively impact their communities. These innovative technologies make learning fun and engaging, as well as entice and hold the attention of today’s technologically savvy students. Additionally, educators with new technology resources have the freedom to develop new teaching concepts. The technology fosters collaboration and provides students with a vast amount of learning materials. Maintaining pace with the technological evolution of society is vital for the continuing success of the educational system. Modern ed tech allows teachers and...

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Technology is everywhere. That’s why it’s essential for educators to utilize ed tech as a regular classroom resource to help prepare students to positively impact their communities. These innovative technologies make learning fun and engaging, as well as entice and hold the attention of today’s technologically savvy students.

Additionally, educators with new technology resources have the freedom to develop new teaching concepts. The technology fosters collaboration and provides students with a vast amount of learning materials.

Maintaining pace with the technological evolution of society is vital for the continuing success of the educational system. Modern ed tech allows teachers and students to share ideas, conduct research, work together and – most importantly – learn.

Ed tech is growing increasingly important, as employers demand more workers that are skilled in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) sciences. Using technology to develop STEM skills is an effective practice for educators.

The following 4 entries showcase more ways that technology improves society and prepares students to make a positive impact on the modern world.

 

Improvement 1: Ed Tech Provides Flexible Education Options

Many universities offer online learning programs within a variety of subjects, including engineering, social work & even education.

These online programs provide students with the flexibility to work and take classes simultaneously. Some online courses also give students the opportunity to complete learning modules in the order that they desire.

Additionally, the students are free to take classes at their leisure, as long as all work is turned in by a predetermined deadline. This gives learners the flexibility to complete assignments at convenient times, such as before work, during lunch breaks, at the end of the day or during their days offs. Learners are also free to complete online coursework wherever they can connect to the Internet.

Students that participate in online learning are not subjugated to isolation. The platform provides learners with access to their professors and peers.

Modern leaning portals incorporate well-known communication tools, such as email, teleconferencing and video chat. The portals also integrate familiar mediums such social media, group chats and discussion forums.

 

Improvement #2: Enhanced Learning Tools for Special Needs Students

More than 6.5 million United States children live with disabilities. Assistive technologies in the academic setting aids this population with learning as well as athletic activities.

Special needs students who have historically faced challenges participating in coursework have greatly benefited from the introduction of new assistive technologies in the classroom.

As an example, Google Classroom aids educators in evaluating and tracking student performance and keeping course related information organized.

The platform gives teachers insightful information regarding special needs students, allowing teachers to craft customized learning paths that improve the outcome of classroom training. In addition, students can make the most of lessons by moving through course work at a comfortable rate of speed.

 

Improvement #3: Expanding the Reach of the Classroom

Internet connectivity and technology have combined to create a global learning environment. Technologies such as smartphones, broadband and cellular networks allow educators to deliver lessons to students, no matter where they’re located geographically.

For example, the well-known learning website Khan Academy delivers lessons to approximately 12 million students around the world every month, and comparable learning platforms are working to achieve similar outcomes.

This is of special importance to low-income communities around the world where education is a vital tool for improving students’ quality of life. These classrooms are increasingly gaining access to digital devices, such as tablets, computers and smartphones. When put to good use, technology empowers teachers and students by allowing them to create personalized, accessible and ingenious learning experiences.

 

Improvement #4: Making the Grade in Mathematics

New technology in the classroom has proven effective in helping students learn mathematics. Computer-managed learning evaluates student performance and issues assignments based on students’ learning needs.

In-depth training platforms, such as Cognitive Tutor programs and I Can Learn software, provide computer aided and non-computer activities that sharpen students’ math skills. This computer-aided instruction (CAI) delivers learning objectives that are appropriate for each students’ abilities. To date, the educational technologies have produced positive results for learners.

Educators no longer question the effectiveness of technology in the classroom. Today, they want to know how to acquire more technology resources for students.

Technology in the classroom has already transformed the landscape of education. Using logic and reason, technology developers and educators work together to produce effective teaching tools.

As time goes on, technological learning resources increase in creativity. In addition, educators around the world can now network and collaborate to develop new and exciting teaching concepts.

Helping students to learn is the primary objective and the biggest challenge for educators. As a result, student advocates continue to work on ensuring that the new technologies improve in deepening and enhancing the student learning experience.

In modern classrooms, chalk and poster boards have all but given way to digital resources. The new technologies engage and enlighten modern learners, while increasing student collaboration and their exposure to peers and thought leaders from around the world. In the end, new technologies in the classroom make learning more meaningful and entertaining for students.

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Looking to Make a Positive Impact? Consider These 5 Careers http://fryeinstitute.org/make-positive-impact-with-5-careers/ http://fryeinstitute.org/make-positive-impact-with-5-careers/#comments Wed, 14 Mar 2018 21:41:36 +0000 http://fryeinstitute.org/wp/?p=1 Many individuals observe the difficulties faced by others and wish that there was something they could do about it. Some people effect changes by choosing a career where they can help people. The help may come in the form of a service that improves the human condition or a salary substantial enough for donating to charitable causes. The average person spends approximately 80,000 hours working. That’s a lot of time that’s available to make a positive change in the world. In the medical field, each physician saves approximately four lives every year. While this seems like a relatively small number,...

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Many individuals observe the difficulties faced by others and wish that there was something they could do about it. Some people effect changes by choosing a career where they can help people. The help may come in the form of a service that improves the human condition or a salary substantial enough for donating to charitable causes.

The average person spends approximately 80,000 hours working. That’s a lot of time that’s available to make a positive change in the world. In the medical field, each physician saves approximately four lives every year.

While this seems like a relatively small number, physicians collectively make a big difference in community health outcomes, and as the health care provider shortage settles in, this positive outcome is threatened.

Advocacy is another way for individuals to benefit society. This encompasses working with various groups such as grass roots campaigns and charitable organizations. The more passionate individuals are about a cause, the more likely that their work will yield positive outcomes.

The following 5 highlights showcase a few career paths chosen by individuals who enjoy helping others.

Career 1: Surgeon

Surgeons provide invasive treatment for patients born with deformities or diagnosed with injuries and sicknesses. The doctors work as general surgeons or practice different specialties, such as cardiovascular, neurological, orthopedic or plastic surgery.

Many of these professionals conduct procedures that have never been performed.

Sometimes, they must manage the thoughts and emotions that come with providing service for a patient and not knowing whether the treatment will succeed and the resulting consequences of a negative outcome. However, when procedures go well, as they often do, surgeons have the privilege of witnessing the powerful improvement they’ve made in a patient’s quality of life.

Career 2: Psychologist & Psychiatrist

Although similar, psychiatrists are not psychologists. Both study the mind and specialize in treating mental health and substance abuse disorders, but becoming a psychiatrist requires additional study as they are able to provide patients with prescriptions.

While in undergraduate school, students that study psychology will have the choice on whether or not they’d like to continue on to become psychiatrists.

If more school is not for you, there are a number of other careers choices for psychologist majors. If you’re interested in learning more, check out a resource created by Maryville University Online that lists careers for psychology degree holders.

Career 3: Acupuncturist

Acupuncturists treat patients by inserting thin needles through the skin at varying depths. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), a United States agency that monitors alternative medicine, reports that proof of the concept is limited, except for the fact that the practice does relieve pain.

However, traditional Eastern Chinese practitioners state that the treatment “balances vital energy.” Western health experts surmise that the practice provides benefits by affecting neural pathways.

The World Health Organization (WHO) deemed acupuncture as an effective practice in 2003. However, the practice is still in the early stages of acceptance in the West, with forward-thinking colleges and universities in the United States starting to offer doctoral training in the field in league with traditional medical education.

Career 4: Anesthesiologist

Anesthesiologists specialize in working with treatments that numb some or all of a patients’ body or renders them unconscious for a medical procedure. Anesthesia medicines provide consistent pain relief, while allowing the body to maintain full functioning.

Physician anesthesiologists typically lead a team of specialists working in the discipline. The physicians make anesthesia related decisions before, during and after surgical procedures, and they are responsible for patient safety throughout the intervention.

Career 5: Nurse Practitioner 

With the changing healthcare system and the progressing nursing shortage, right now is a great time to become a Nurse Practitioner. Nurse practitioners provide behavioral treatment for patients of all ages. The treatments that they provide range from general check-ups to educating patients to prescribing medications, and job projections highlight that over the next 10 the need for nurse practitioners is expected to grow by 30%.

Today, doing good is a cultural movement in the United States. That movement is reflected in the career choices made by individuals who want to do their part to improve society. Whether it through time, commitment or charitable giving – everyone can make a positive difference in the lives of others.

For those that choose their work as a means to make a difference, their passion for a cause reflects in their daily work ethic. As an added bonus, these individuals enjoy the feeling of knowing that their time is well spent in making the world a better place.

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