Categoría: Geovanny Vicente

According to an Inside Higher Education study, higher education faculty are most concerned with ensuring student engagement in virtual learning environments, and the potential for online classes to have an inequitable impact on underrepresented students. The study revealed 87% of respondents are concerned over the impact of virtual classes on students from low-income backgrounds and 77% view the ability to maintain student engagement when teaching online as ‘somewhat challenging’ to ‘very challenging’.

Instructors can use iClicker to take attendance, facilitate active learning and complete in-class quizzes using mobile devices or iClicker remotes. iClicker was developed by teaching professors and is currently used at more than 1,200 institutions by more than 5,000 instructors and more than 10 million students.

«Student engagement is in both iClicker and Perusall’s DNA, as both were created by educators who are recognized as leaders in researching and using active learning and peer instruction methodologies. This new partnership will help make iClicker’s polling, quizzing and assignments even more accessible with Perusall’s content engagement platform and will ultimately support deeper learning, wherever it happens,» said Steven Ray, Vice President of Macmillan Learning Institutional Solutions.

The iClicker and Perusall partnership will make it even easier to facilitate peer-to-peer learning and deep content engagement in virtual environments, at an affordable price. There is early proof that the partnership can help foster deep connections with content and peers in an online learning environment. Last spring, amid the outbreak of COVID-19 that demanded a quick pivot to teaching virtually, University of Louisville Psychology Professor Edna Ross, PhD, used Perusall and iClicker to deliver the same active, peer-to-peer learning methodologies she has become known for delivering in her face-to-face classes.

«Before iClicker, it was very difficult to get input from all of my students and before Perusall it was a struggle to get students to read the material,» explains Ross. «Once class moved online due to COVID-19, students in my class quickly found a rhythm of beginning discussions with Perusall asynchronously and then responding with iClicker questions during synchronous sessions to dive deeper into opinions in class. Using both together really impacted learning and engagement for the entire class.»

The partnership will enable Perusall customers to purchase access to iClicker’s student mobile app at a discounted price, delivering course content and engagement capabilities to support deep learning in both synchronous and asynchronous learning methodologies common in online courses.

«We are excited to partner with iClicker to combine our affordable, digital learning solutions to help students engage more fully with the course content and one another. With so many courses needing to move online this fall, this is important now more than ever,» said Brian Lukoff, Perusall co-founder and CEO.

Click here for more information on how iClicker and Perusall are being used at University of Louisville.

About Macmillan Learning
Macmillan Learning is a privately-held, family-owned company that improves lives through learning. By linking research to learning practice, we develop pioneering products and learning materials for students that are highly effective and drive improved outcomes.. To learn more, please visit macmillanlearning.com or or join our Macmillan Community.

About Perusall
Perusall is a free social learning platform that delivers reading and video assignments to students before they come to class. The platform incorporates content delivery with collaborative annotation tools to ensure students read more, come to class prepared, and are more engaged in the learning experience, enabling instructors to teach more effectively. Automated reports document where students struggle the most to understand course content, allowing instructors to specifically address these issues in class. More than 500,000 students at over 2,000 educational institutions in 75+ countries use Perusall. To learn more visit http://www.perusall.com.

SOURCE iClicker

WASHINGTON, Aug. 5, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — The Elizabeth Dole Foundation and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs have joined together to create a new program, Respite Relief for Military and Veteran Caregivers, which will offer family caregivers of veterans access to no-cost, short-term relief with the help of CareLinx in-home care professionals. The CareLinx donation of $1 million will provide more than 40,000 hours of non-medical home care for more than 1,600 caregivers and their wounded, ill, or injured. The program is being developed as the urgent need for respite care among military caregivers has become critical during the COVID-19 pandemic. The donation is made possible through the generous contribution by Generali, CareLinx’s parent company, who created a fund to support various relief efforts in countries significantly impacted by COVID-19. AARP has also joined as a key collaborator for this effort to help spread the word to military and veteran caregivers. 

«Since the Foundation first began its work, we have seen the desperate need for short-term relief among veteran caregivers. The lack of affordable, convenient professional respite care takes a significant toll on the emotional and physical well-being of these hidden heroes and the limitations created by the COVID-19 pandemic have further reduced their respite options,» said Steve Schwab, CEO of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation. «We are grateful CareLinx has stepped up in such a generous way to make this program possible. We look forward to working with the VA to use CareLinx’s and potentially other contributors’ donations to provide urgent relief to those who need it most, and working with AARP to reach millions of veterans and military families nationwide.»

The COVID-19 pandemic has further strained veteran caregivers who have lost the in-person support of family and friends because of social distancing regulations. Even as states begin re-opening, some of the nation’s most critically wounded or ill veterans and their caregivers will have a long journey back to the pre-pandemic world as their vulnerable immune systems require families to take every precaution against exposure.

«Caregivers charged with caring for our nation’s Veterans face new challenges during the pandemic. They are becoming increasingly isolated and are hindered from getting reliable outside help,» said U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie. «This compassionate and thoughtful program will give them some much-needed relief during this stressful time.»

Today marks the program launch date for eligible caregivers in select regions in California, Florida, and Texas to apply for services. This program will be able to offer selected veteran caregivers approximately 24-hours of respite care by providing a qualified in-home care professional for their veteran. These care professionals will be able to perform tasks such as companionship, grocery shopping, cooking, mobility assistance, transportation, bathing, and other activities of daily living.

«CareLinx is honored to support our military families and veteran caregivers during this unprecedented time,» said Sherwin Sheik, CEO of CareLinx. «This program is a win-win for our nation’s caregivers; it will give family caregivers a much needed break, enable vulnerable veterans to minimize their risk of exposure to COVID-19, and provide new rewarding work opportunities for professional caregivers.» 

Depending on availability of hours, the Elizabeth Dole Foundation seeks to further expand the program to other regions of the country later on in 2020. The Foundation has established a Respite Relief Fund where organizations can contribute funding to support expansion to other regions of the country. Individuals seeking to learn more about the Respite Relief Fund should contact RespiteRelief@elizabethdolefoundation.org.

Eligibility Requirements:

1. You must be a family caregiver to a wounded, ill, or injured veteran or service member (and submit proof of service).
2. Requested relief support includes one of the following: companionship, light housekeeping, grocery shopping and meal preparation, transportation, mobility support/transferring, exercise, toileting, bathing, dressing and grooming. If you and your care recipient need more assistance such as assistance with administering medications, in home physical therapy, or any other type of specialized medical care, you will not be eligible for this service at this time.
3. The military/veteran family must seek respite care relief in Florida, California, and Texas (and only in those zip codes with available services).

For more information, please visit hiddenheroes.org/respite.

About the Elizabeth Dole Foundation
The Elizabeth Dole Foundation is the preeminent organization empowering, supporting, and honoring our nation’s 5.5 million military caregivers – the spouses, parents, family members, and friends who care for America’s wounded, ill, or injured veterans at home. Founded by Senator Elizabeth Dole in 2012, the Foundation adopts a comprehensive approach in its support and advocacy, working with leaders in the public, private, nonprofit, and faith communities to recognize military caregivers’ service and promote their well-being. Learn more about the Elizabeth Dole Foundation at hiddenheroes.org.

About CareLinx
CareLinx is the leading nationwide online home-care platform. Professional caregivers leverage proprietary digital care plans to better assist the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and people with chronic health conditions with activities of daily living. The CareLinx platform helps families and caregivers easily manage all the administrative tasks of their caregiving needs, including scheduling, time tracking, care coordination, and payroll processing. To date, CareLinx has a nationwide network of over 400,000 tech-enabled caregivers who provide personal in-home care for families and support safe transitions of care. The CareLinx platform revolutionizes transparency and facilitates active coordination in the post-acute care environment, leading to increased quality of care, better health outcomes, and significantly reduced total cost of care. Visit us at https://www.carelinx.com.

About Generali
Generali is one of the largest global insurance and asset management providers. Established in 1831, it is present in 50 countries in the world. With nearly 72,000 employees serving 61 million customers, the Group has a leading position in Europe and a growing presence in Asia and Latin America. Generali’s ambition is to be the life-time partner to its customers, offering innovative and personalized solutions thanks to an unmatched distribution network. Learn more about the Generali group at https://www.generali.com/.

About the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs was established to provide veterans the world-class benefits and services they have earned – and to do so by adhering to the highest standards of compassion, commitment, excellence, professionalism, integrity, accountability, and stewardship. The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 174 VA Medical Centers and 1,062 outpatient sites to over 9 million Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program.

About AARP
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation’s largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @AARP and @AARPadvocates on social media.

View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/elizabeth-dole-foundation-and-us-department-of-veterans-affairs-launch-emergency-veteran-caregiver-respite-program-with-carelinx-1-million-donation-301106670.html

SOURCE Elizabeth Dole Foundation

BOSTON, Aug. 5, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Today, Sightline Security, in collaboration with Global Cyber Alliance (GCA), announced the launch of a members-only community forum for nonprofit organizations. The community forum is designed to address the unique needs of nonprofits, provide critical and relevant cyber and information security news, updates, and discussions explicitly to help them solve their distinct cyber and information security challenges. The community forum is a cornerstone of Sightline Security’s approach in working alongside nonprofits to embrace cyber and information security best practices with confidence.

«During normal times, nonprofits face many protection challenges, ranging from a lack of cybersecurity talent to budgets that are stretched very thin, as cybersecurity typically sits low on the funding priority list. Add in our current crisis to the mix, and nonprofits are even more susceptible to security breaches – all while they need to remain focused on responding to the welfare of its constituents and keeping the business going.» (Nonprofit Executive Director, 2020)

«We are thrilled to collaborate with the Global Cyber Alliance to bring this important and needed community space to our members,» said Dr. Kelley Misata, Founder and CEO of Sightline Security. «Thanks to their support and resources, we can welcome more members into Sightline and help them supplement their defenses at a time when they are increasingly vulnerable to attack.»

Sightline’s unique and proven approach ensures nonprofits can easily identify and prioritize the current state of cybersecurity inside the walls of their organizations. The new community forum provides Sightline’s members with critical and timely information, early-stage assessment guidance, introductory learning to security best practices such as the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF), and safe and secure discussion space to bring their unique issues to the table. In addition to accessing the community forum and other Sightline Security resources, nonprofit members can also share critical insights into their cybersecurity efforts and provide a vital feedback loop for security experts and vendors – removing a crucial blind spot into the specific risks facing this expansive community.

«Sightline Security’s work to support the nonprofit community comes at a critical time. Nonprofits are under attack because of the communities they serve and their access to data about them. Cyber attacks on nonprofits undercut their ability to address social issues and needs, and can affect life and death,» said Philip Reitinger, GCA President and CEO. «GCA is proud to support this effort and help bridge the cybersecurity gap for these critical organizations.»

Support Sightline Security and be at the forefront of helping nonprofits improve cybersecurity and reduce risk. As a security start-up organization, Sightline Security is continuing its «Founders Club» fundraising campaign for the remainder of 2020 — to learn more contact the company at hello(at)sightlinesecurity.org.

About Sightline Security
Based in Boston, MA, Sightline Security Corporation takes a holistic and community-centric approach necessary to address the lack of information and cybersecurity capabilities and awareness in the nonprofit sector. Addressing a critical need for these organizations, Sightline is the first solution provider to tailor its approach to providing nonprofits with access to the security tools and expertise that were previously only attainable by commercial businesses or government agencies. Through its innovative combination of assessment, consulting, and training capabilities, Sightline has created a basis for nonprofit organizations to confidently implement information security best practices while removing a crucial blind spot that currently exists in information technology and security industry. https://sightlinesecurity.org/

About Global Cyber Alliance
The Global Cyber Alliance (GCA) is an international, cross-sector effort dedicated to eradicating cyber risk and improving our connected world. We achieve our mission by uniting global communities, implementing concrete solutions, and measuring the effect. Learn more at http://www.globalcyberalliance.org.

SOURCE Sightline Security

ELKHART, Ind., Aug. 5, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Mennonite Church USA — Mennonite Church USA (MC USA), a historic peace church that actively practices biblically-based peace, justice and nonresistance, has issued a call to white people to engage in anti-racism work in the United States and across the world. In an open letter to the denomination, Michael Danner, MC USA’s associate executive director of Church Vitality, invites his fellow white Christians to «engage in proactive, deliberate efforts to oppose and dismantle racism in all of its forms.»

Danner’s letter examines Jesus’ ministry of reconciliation across racial division as central to the work of being God’s people – and separate from political agendas and «popular notions of social justice.» Acknowledging that anti-racism work must occur on an individual and systemic basis, Danner urges white people to specifically take responsibility for examining their own biases, learning to recognize systemic racism and working as people of faith to ensure racial justice.

«Our denomination’s position against racism isn’t new,» said Glen Guyton, MC USA’s first African American executive director and one of its anti-racism trainers. «As a denomination, country and global community, we must move beyond making statements to long-term actions that yield positive results.»

Danner’s letter is a follow up to the denomination’s webinar series, Race, Church & Change. Led by a diverse team of church leaders and centering the voices of people of color, the series addressed questions, including «What role does racial healing and reconciliation play in being anti-racist?» «How do we begin a conversation about white supremacy?» and «What would it look like for congregations to practice racial reparations?»

MC USA also launched an anti-racism resource section within its new website today. The resource portal is designed to meet people where they are in their anti-racism journey.

Danner’s letter joins the voices of other Mennonites who are contributing to an ongoing blog series on the denomination’s website on what it means to do the work of anti-racism, recognize injustice and protest against it.

The denomination also recently launched a Justice Fund to «provide a way for individuals and congregations to support MC USA churches that are actively involved in dismantling racism, addressing police brutality, reimagining policing in our society or combating poverty.»

Mennonite Church USA is the largest Mennonite denomination in the United States with 16 conferences, approximately 530 congregations and 62,000 members.

Editorial Contact: Wil LaVeist, Chief Communication Officer, Mennonite Church USA, WilL@MennoniteMission.net, (574) 523-3077

View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mennonite-church-usa-calls-white-people-to-engage-in-anti-racism-work-301106719.html

SOURCE Mennonite Church USA

NORTH BILLERICA, Mass., Aug. 5, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — The North Carolina State Board of Education recently selected Curriculum Associates’ i-Ready as an approved assessment for Read to Achieve. Now, teachers throughout the state can use the award-winning Diagnostic as part of the Grades K–3 literacy initiative to plan and differentiate their instruction and support student growth. The award-winning i-Ready program serves more than eight million students and approximately 25 percent of all K–8 students in the United States, including 70 percent of North Carolina’s local education agencies (LEAs) and charter schools.

«Developing early reading skills is critical to students’ ongoing achievement across all subject areas,» said Rob Waldron, CEO of Curriculum Associates. «We are currently supporting more than 300,000 students across North Carolina and are committed to the success of the state’s educators and students, whether they are teaching in person or remotely. We look forward to serving even more young learners with i-Ready through the Read to Achieve initiative.»

As part of the Excellent Public Schools Act, Read to Achieve is designed to help ensure all students are reading at grade level by the time they reach Grade 4. The multifaceted initiative aims to eliminate social promotion, facilitate early grade reading proficiency, promote developmental screening and a kindergarten entry assessment, provide a comprehensive plan for reading achievement, support successful reading development for retained students, outline notification requirements to parents and guardians, and implement the accountability process.

i-Ready was selected by the State Board of Education as one of the approved assessments for Read to Achieve based on its ability to measure students’ ability to «read, comprehend, integrate, and apply complex texts needed for secondary education and career success.»

i-Ready makes the promise of differentiated instruction a practical reality for K–12 teachers and students. It combines powerful assessments and rich insights with effective and engaging instruction in reading and mathematics to address students’ individual needs.

The Diagnostic provides educators with actionable criterion-referenced and normative data to deliver impactful, equitable learning experiences. Teachers administer the Diagnostic at the beginning of the school year to chart a course for their instruction and to personalize i-Ready instructional paths. A midyear and end-of-year Diagnostic helps students and teachers measure growth and have data chats. Teacher-led and online instruction continues throughout the year to help students address their learning gaps and access grade-level learning.

To learn more about i-Ready and the Read to Achieve approval, visit CurriculumAssociates.com/Products/i-Ready/Read-to-Achieve-North-Carolina.

About Curriculum Associates
Founded in 1969, Curriculum Associates, LLC designs research-based print and online instructional materials, screens and assessments, and data management tools. The company’s products and outstanding customer service provide teachers and administrators with the resources necessary for teaching diverse student populations and fostering learning for all students.

View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/north-carolina-state-board-of-education-names-curriculum-associates-i-ready-an-approved-assessment-for-its-read-to-achieve-initiative-301106691.html

SOURCE Curriculum Associates

OMAHA, Neb., Aug. 5, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our lives in unique ways—throwing millions of individuals into a new role as family caregiver and challenging seasoned caregivers to take on additional responsibilities in order to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. Whether they’re lending a hand to an aging spouse, parent, relative or friend, more than one in five Americans now serve as unpaid family caregivers, according to the latest research from AARP.

For every family caregiver—veteran or newcomer—it’s often difficult to balance personal obligations such as work and caring for children, in addition to daily caregiving responsibilities. The challenges of tending to a loved one can place significant stress on the person overseeing care. Gradually, this stress can build up and lead to caregiver distress—a situation where an individual may become more susceptible to other health risks such as high blood pressure, diabetes and increased risk of stroke.

«It’s very common to see caregivers placing the needs of their loved ones before their own,» said Lakelyn Hogan, gerontologist and caregiver advocate at Home Instead Senior Care. «But we just can’t pour from an empty cup. By taking time to tend to your own needs and acknowledge the challenges you may be facing, we can create a caregiving environment that is healthy and rewarding for every person involved.»

While caring for an older adult can be a meaningful and fulfilling experience, the daily duties of caregiving can still prompt isolation and self-neglect. To keep your personal well-being top of mind, Hogan recommends the following strategies and tips:

• Schedule «me time.» Even just a few mindful moments each day can help reduce feelings of stress or resentment. A quick walk around the block, a 30-minute music break or a three-minute deep breathing exercise on a meditation app can make all the difference. If you’re struggling to find time for just yourself, try asking other family members and friends to momentarily step in. Or, consider seeking out a professional caregiver for intermittent help.
• Create a gratitude jar. It can be easy to lose sight of why you took on this role in the first place. Try to remain optimistic by using note cards to record what you are thankful for. Place them by your desk or bedside table – and at the end of the year or season, reflect on the small moments that made you smile. This simple exercise can even retrain your brain for positive thinking. If you need help getting started, try filling in the blank: The best part of being a caregiver is __________.
• (Actually) unplug. Plan for respite care to take single days off or even enjoy a week-long vacation. When you’re away, stay away. Talk about things other than caregiving, crack open a book you haven’t been able to get to and treat yourself to something special as a reward for everything you’ve accomplished. Whenever possible, avoid long periods of time on social media, which can leave you comparing yourself to others or feeling down in the dumps about your current situation.
• Explore workplace benefits. Balancing a career and caregiving can come with its own set of challenges. But oftentimes, employees aren’t aware of what their company offers in the way of family-friendly benefits. Especially now during the current work environment, many companies have introduced flexible arrangements, such as more paid time-off or remote working solutions. Take time to familiarize yourself with the benefits your employer may offer, and be sure to use them to your advantage.
• Join a support group. Social distancing can create feelings of isolation for caregivers, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Dedicate time each week to connecting with other caregivers and lifting one another up. Lean on your own support group, whether your «team» is friends, family or even an online community like Home Instead’s Caregiver Stress Facebook page.

Practicing self-care is not selfish. We are all living in uncertain times and adjusting to the new normal. By making time for yourself, you can ensure you’re able to provide the best care for your loved one for years to come. And, most importantly, don’t forget that the care you’re providing is making a significant impact on your loved one.

For more resources to help manage stress or identify the things that might make caregiving more challenging for you, visit CaregiverStress.com.

ABOUT HOME INSTEAD SENIOR CARE
Founded in 1994 in Omaha, Nebraska, the Home Instead Senior Care® franchise network provides personalized care, support and education to enhance the lives of aging adults and their families. Today, the network is the world’s leading provider of in-home care services for seniors, with more than 1,200 independently owned and operated franchises that provide more than 80 million hours of care annually throughout the United States and 13 other countries. Local Home Instead Senior Care offices employ approximately 90,000 CAREGivers℠ worldwide who provide basic support services that enable seniors to live safely and comfortably in their own homes for as long as possible. Home Instead Senior Care franchise owners partner with clients and their family members to help meet varied individual needs. Services span the care continuum – from providing personal care to specialized Alzheimer’s care and hospice support. Also available are family caregiver education and support resources.

Visit HomeInstead.com. Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

SOURCE Home Instead Senior Care