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What’s Going On in This Picture? | March 18, 2024

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What’s Going On in This Picture? | March 18, 2024

1. After looking closely at the image above (or at the full-size image), think about these three questions:

2. Next, join the conversation by clicking on the comment button and posting in the box that opens on the right. (Students 13 and older are invited to comment, although teachers of younger students are welcome to post what their students have to say.)

3. After you have posted, try reading back to see what others have said, then respond to someone else by posting another comment. Use the “Reply” button or the @ symbol to address that student directly.

Each Monday, our collaborator, Visual Thinking Strategies, will facilitate a discussion from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Eastern time by paraphrasing comments and linking to responses to help students’ understanding go deeper. You might use their responses as models for your own.

4. On Thursday afternoons, we will reveal at the bottom of this post more information about the photo. How does reading the caption and learning its back story help you see the image differently?

We’ll post more information here on Thursday afternoon. Stay tuned!

More?

• See all images in this series or slide shows of 40 of our favorite images — or 40 more.

• Learn more about this feature in this video, and discover how and why other teachers are using it in their classrooms in our on-demand webinar.

• Find out how teachers can be trained in the Visual Thinking Strategies facilitation method.

Students 13 and older in the United States and Britain, and 16 and older elsewhere, are invited to comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff, but please keep in mind that once your comment is accepted, it will be made public.

Are You Tired of Influencers?

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Are You Tired of Influencers?

Are influencers all over your social media feed? How do you feel when you come across videos or photos of product recommendations, “hauls” and “unboxings,” or when creators direct you to their TikTok shops and Amazon storefronts?

Do you enjoy this type of content? Or are you tired of it?

In “Champagne. Caviar. Bora Bora. Are You Not Entertained?” Madison Malone Kircher writes about the mixed reactions to a recent influencer trip put on by the beauty brand Tarte Cosmetics:

A group of influencers are on a private jet to Bora Bora. They sip Veuve Clicquot, sample caviar and dance in their seats to Fergie’s “Glamorous.”

Welcome to Trippin’ With Tarte, a promotional extravaganza sponsored by the beauty brand Tarte Cosmetics, a company known for regularly inviting social media influencers on lavish trips.

For those not on the guest list, TikTok and Instagram have provided a front-row seat to the spectacle of influencers having a glorious time, and the Tarte excursions have become social media’s version of a hit reality TV series.

The Fergie-underscored video, posted on TikTok by the online creator Abby Baffoe, has been viewed 1.3 million times since Friday. The reaction has been decidedly mixed, with some commenters expressing annoyance with the conspicuous consumption on display and suggesting that they may be suffering from influencer fatigue, a weariness with content that has become the stuff of social media cliché.

“I’ve been influenced! To buy any brand but Tarte,” one TikTok user commented.

The 30 influencers on the four-night trip, as well as their plus ones, stayed at the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora in bungalows atop crystal blue waters. Their rooms were filled with gifts, including luggage, clothing, swimsuits, beauty products and record players. On social media, the influencers chronicled their activities — getting makeovers, snorkeling, jet skiing, partying by the pool, playing with dogs from a nearby animal shelter (to which Tarte made a hefty donation) and imbibing plenty of cocktails.

The article goes on:

Tarte’s guests are not required to post on social media, but most of them can’t resist documenting almost every moment for a collective audience of millions. Imani Blackmon, who works for a clothing company in Anaheim, Calif., counts herself among the fans of the Tarte trips.

“I personally get excited,” Ms. Blackmon, 29, said, “just because I do love to see all the glam and the glitz. I watch the Kardashians, I love award shows and all of that because you kind of get to escape your reality of your personal life.”

For other viewers, Trippin’ With Tarte has lost its appeal.

“Seeing them taking private jets to Bora Bora does not make me want to go buy something from Tarte Cosmetics,” Ellie Frazier, 24, said in a video she posted on TikTok. Ms. Frazier, a recruiter in Greenville, S.C., is one of the many people who called out the brand for being out of touch with its customers.

Students, read the entire article and then tell us:

  • How do you feel about influencer culture on social media right now? Why?

  • What is your reaction to the Tarte trip? Do you think it’s a fun peek into a life of glitz and glamour? Or do you find it out of touch?

  • Are you influenced by influencers? Have you ever bought something an influencer recommended? If so, were you happy with your purchase, or did you regret it? Did that experience make you want to keep buying what influencers recommend?

  • Do you think we have reached “peak influencer culture”? That is, are most consumers tired of creators trying to sell them stuff online? If so, does your generation still generally like and trust what influencers have to say?

  • What are the biggest problems with influencer culture — if there are any at all?

  • Would you like to be an influencer someday? Why or why not?

Students 13 and older in the United States and Britain, and 16 and older elsewhere, are invited to comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff, but please keep in mind that once your comment is accepted, it will be made public and may appear in print.

Find more Student Opinion questions here. Teachers, check out this guide to learn how you can incorporate these prompts into your classroom.

Pink Head, Green Check

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Pink Head, Green Check

What do you think this image is saying? How does it relate to or comment on society or current events? Can you relate to it personally? What is your opinion of its message?

Tell us in the comments, then read the related article to learn more.

Students 13 and older in the United States and Britain, and 16 and older elsewhere, are invited to comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff, but please keep in mind that once your comment is accepted, it will be made public and may appear in print.

Find more Picture Prompts here.

Word of the Day: advocate

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Word of the Day: advocate

The word advocate has appeared in 879 articles on NYTimes.com in the past year, including on Feb. 26 in “They Promoted Body Positivity. Then They Lost Weight” by Katie J. M. Baker:

Few people, if any, become body positive proponents without struggling with the same societal standards they speak out against. “I’ve seen creators say things like, ‘It’s just too hard, life is too hard, in this body,’” said Katie Sturino, a body acceptance advocate. “It can feel like betrayal, but it’s a symptom of our culture and how in our society it is still the worst thing to be fat. People are still terrified of being in a bigger body.”

Ms. Davis acknowledged that with her weight loss came affirmation — more party invitations, more attention from men. “I so badly want to be like, ‘What you look like doesn’t matter,’” she said. “But it sure does change how people treat you.”

… But given that she is still working on her own issues — and given that she’s no longer plus size — she doesn’t feel it’s her place to advocate body positivity online.

“There was a time when I was in a body where I was experiencing fatphobia,” she said. “Now that I’m not in that body currently, I don’t think my voice is needed.”

Can you correctly use the word advocate in a sentence?

Based on the definition and example provided, write a sentence using today’s Word of the Day and share it as a comment on this article. It is most important that your sentence makes sense and demonstrates that you understand the word’s definition, but we also encourage you to be creative and have fun.

If you want a better idea of how advocate can be used in a sentence, read these usage examples on Vocabulary.com. You can also visit this guide to learn how to use IPA symbols to show how different words are pronounced.

If you enjoy this daily challenge, try our vocabulary quizzes.

Students ages 13 and older in the United States and the United Kingdom, and 16 and older elsewhere, can comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff.

The Word of the Day is provided by Vocabulary.com. Learn more and see usage examples across a range of subjects in the Vocabulary.com Dictionary. See every Word of the Day in this column.

Digest #173: Responsible Use of AI in Education

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Digest #173: Responsible Use of AI in Education

By Carolina Kuepper-Tetzel

A recent guest post on “The Benefits and Risks of ChatGPT for Education” provided a balanced view on the use of AI in education by highlighting some of the pitfalls and opportunities to support various aspects of teaching and learning. Generative AI is not going anywhere and so it is vital for educators to reflect on how to best use it and to instruct their students on how to navigate this new development responsibly. In today’s digest, I have put together some resources that encourage responsible use of AI in education.

 

1.       “AI and education: Kids need AI guidance in school. But who guides the schools?” by the World Economic Forum

This article presents seven principles for AI in education and takes the stance that schools should proactively teach about responsible use of AI with an emphasis on boosting critical thinking, evaluation, and AI literacy. The principles serve as a useful framework for educational institutions.

 

2.       “Using ChatGPT to create teaching materials: marking criteria & rubrics” by Dr Emily Nordmann, University of Glasgow

Marking rubrics are incredibly helpful to increase consistency and transparency in marking. Providing students with feedback on their reports, essays, or other coursework is essential for their learning and rubrics can support this process. However, writing rubric descriptions is challenging. It turns out that AI can be used for this. This article offers a step-by-step guide on how to use AI to design marking rubrics.

A Lifelong Learner Earns the Gies iMSA to Further Stand Out

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A Lifelong Learner Earns the Gies iMSA to Further Stand Out

For over two decades, Eric has been an integral part of AT&T, a company that’s experienced staggering growth and transitions over the years. He’s contributed to its evolution at many job levels, starting as an intern and paving a unique career path in multiple roles on several teams, eventually landing in finance.

Yet, there came a point when Eric decided he needed more control over his trajectory within the company. Eric already held a master’s in economics and finance and a law degree, but he was looking for something to set him apart. “I wanted to distinguish myself from everybody,” he reveals.

Eric planned his next career move with a strategic mindset and started searching for a degree to not only bolster his academic accolades but also gain practical skills for his current role. He chose to pursue the online Master of Science in Accountancy (iMSA) from Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Spotting the iMSA on LinkedIn was the start of Eric’s journey. “You know what? I should check this out,” he thought. Intrigued by the affordability of the program, the prestige of the university, and particularly the high rank of the degree, he saw it as a distinctive opportunity. For him, the online environment was a great fit, as he was eliminating the need for an hour-long commute to the nearest university. He even says, “I feel like I get more interaction with the professor than I would with a traditional setting.”

Upon enrolling, Eric built a comprehensive understanding of top-notch analytical techniques through the iMSA program. The coursework includes live lectures and other video materials on Coursera, which Eric used to dive deeper into subjects. Eric was particularly impressed by a data analytics course in the program, valuing how he could apply the lessons to his job.

Beyond the virtual classrooms, working with other iMSA learners from around the world was an enriching cultural experience for Eric. Through the numerous team projects, he connected with peers across different time zones from Sydney to Ghana, and even some at AT&T. Engaging with such diverse groups, he realized, was a special learning experience, making his studies rewarding in unique ways.

Between the rigorous curriculum and evolving work responsibilities, Eric was able to find a balance. “I dedicate time on Saturdays and Sundays to focus on my schoolwork,” he shared.

With the iMSA program, Eric did more than just strengthen his accounting knowledge. “This degree really reinvigorated my career,” he beams. He credits earning the degree for his return to finance work at AT&T, and for a new role that heavily involves accounting.

Eric’s story is a testament to the iMSA’s value, as his enhanced skills and knowledge have directly impacted his career path. However, his journey isn’t over. By the end of the year, he’ll undertake even more accounting-based responsibilities at AT&T, and his professional future is full of potential.

In Eric’s words, “Don’t hesitate around an online program,” as you can enjoy top-tier learning from anywhere. Benefitting from a flexible academic environment and esteemed faculty, learners like Eric continue to stand out in their careers as they pursue their professional ambitions with the Gies iMSA.

Learn more about the iMSA program from the Gies College of Business.

Film Club: ‘Motaz Azaiza Captured Gaza’s Suffering. But ‘Nothing Changed.’’

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Film Club: ‘Motaz Azaiza Captured Gaza’s Suffering. But ‘Nothing Changed.’’

Note to Teachers: The film includes graphic and disturbing images. Please preview it to make sure it is appropriate for your students.

“Motaz Azaiza Captured Gaza’s Suffering. But ‘Nothing Changed.’” is a six-minute film profiling a Palestinian photographer who is documenting a war while also trying to survive it. When war between Israel and Hamas broke out in Gaza on Oct. 7, Motaz Azaiza, 25, turned his camera to covering pain and loss in a territory under siege. “I didn’t want to be a war photojournalist,” Mr. Azaiza says in the film. But in doing so, he attracted millions of followers — riveted both by his powerful, unfiltered images and his bravery.

What did you learn about the role of photojournalists during a time of war? What can we learn about the people who risk their lives to document tragic conflicts?

Students

1. Watch the short film above. While you watch, you might take notes using our Film Club Double-Entry Journal (PDF) to help you remember specific moments.

2. After watching, think about these questions:

  • What questions do you still have?

  • What connections can you make between this film and your own life or experience? Why? Does this film remind you of anything else you’ve read or seen? If so, how and why?

3. An additional challenge | Respond to the essential question at the top of this post: What can we learn from Motaz Azaiza’s story and about the role of photojournalists during wartime?

4. Next, join the conversation by clicking on the comment button and posting in the box that opens on the right. (Students 13 and older are invited to comment, although teachers of younger students are welcome to post what their students have to say.)

5. After you have posted, try reading back to see what others have said, then respond to someone else by posting another comment. Use the “Reply” button or the @ symbol to address that student directly.

Want more student-friendly videos? Visit our Film Club column.

Students 13 and older in the United States and Britain, and 16 and older elsewhere, are invited to comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff, but please keep in mind that once your comment is accepted, it will be made public.

The latest courses, Specializations, and Professional Certifications in UX design, generative AI, real estate, and cybersecurity

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The latest courses, Specializations, and Professional Certifications in UX design, generative AI, real estate, and cybersecurity

With more world-class content launching every week, there are always new topics to explore, new skills to learn and new ways to achieve your goals. These latest courses, Specializations, and Professional Certificates cover everything from UX design and generative AI to real estate and cybersecurity. What will you learn next?

*Recently Updated* Google UX Design Professional Certificate by Google

Want to launch a successful UX design career? The recently updated Google UX Design Professional Certificate is the perfect place to start. With recent improvements including an increased focus on Figma which is one of the industry’s most in-demand tools, new content on user interface (UI) design to further expand your skill set, and streamlined course content for faster learning; there’s no better time to boost your career with a Professional Certificate in UX design from Google. 

Generative AI for Everyone by DeepLearing.AI

Prepare for an AI-powered future and learn how generative AI works with AI pioneer Andrew Ng. You’ll gain a unique perspective on AI and discover how to empower yourself and your day-to-day work with this technology. Engage in hands-on exercises and receive tips on effective prompt engineering, and learn how to go beyond prompting for more advanced uses of AI.

Generative AI Fundamentals by IBM

In this comprehensive 5-course series, you’ll delve into the foundational aspects of generative AI, covering key concepts, capabilities, models, tools, applications, and platforms. Discover how to craft effective prompts using prompt engineering techniques to achieve desired outcomes from AI models. Explore the limitations of generative AI and delve into the ethical considerations for its responsible use. Lastly, recognize how generative AI can elevate your career and contribute to workplace enhancements.

Keller Williams Real Estate Agent Professional Certificate by Keller Williams

Gain the knowledge and skills to excel as a real estate agent with the Keller Williams Real Estate Agent Professional Certificate. Learn how to generate leads, interpret market data, manage client relationships, and much more.

As an agent, you become your own boss and can take control of your day-to-day as well as the trajectory of your entire career. You’ll discover the career paths a person can choose after obtaining a real estate license and learn from industry leaders on best practices while applying your learning through real-world applications. If you are looking to own your own business, enjoy a fast-paced work environment, and are passionate about building relationships with people, then this program is right for you.

IBM and ISC2 Cybersecurity Specialist Professional Certificate 

Prepare for a career in the high-growth field of cybersecurity with the IBM and ISC2 Cybersecurity Specialist Professional Certificate. In this program, you’ll learn in-demand skills like cryptography, network security, and security risk assessment to get job-ready in less than 4 months, with no prior experience required. Cybersecurity specialists help protect the security of an organization’s infrastructure, network, applications, and data. 

Gain the essential skills employers are seeking for entry level cybersecurity specialists roles including intrusion detection, event analysis and threat mitigation. In addition to jump starting your career in cybersecurity, you’ll build a strong foundation for future career development in other paths such as computer science, software development, or information technology.

310 Prompts for Argumentative Writing

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310 Prompts for Argumentative Writing

Does social media harm young people’s mental health? Do video games deserve the bad rap they often get? Should parents track their children? Who is the greatest athlete of all time?

Every school day, we publish new questions for students based on the news of the day, including prompts, like these, that inspire persuasive writing.

Below, we’ve rounded up over 300 of those argumentative prompts, organized by topic, all in one place. They cover everything from parenting and schools to music and social media. Each one, drawn from our Student Opinion column, links to a free New York Times article as well as additional subquestions that can help you think more deeply about it.

You can use these prompts however you like, whether to inspire an entry for our new Open Letter Contest, to hone your persuasive writing skills or simply to share your opinions on the issues of today. So scroll through the list below and see which ones inspire you to take a stand.

If you enjoy these questions, know that you can find all of our argumentative writing prompts, as they publish, here. Students 13 and up from anywhere in the world are invited to comment.

Students 13 and older in the United States and Britain, and 16 and older elsewhere, are invited to comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff, but please keep in mind that once your comment is accepted, it will be made public and may appear in print.

Find more Student Opinion questions here. Teachers, check out this guide to learn how you can incorporate these prompts into your classroom.

What’s Going On in This Graph? | March 27, 2024

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What’s Going On in This Graph? | March 27, 2024

On Wednesday, March 27, teachers from our collaborator, the American Statistical Association, will facilitate this discussion from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Eastern time.

5. By Friday morning, March 29, we will reveal more information about the graph, including a free link to the article that includes this graph, at the bottom of this post. We encourage you to post additional comments based on the article, possibly using statistical terms defined in the Stat Nuggets.

We’ll post more information here on Thursday afternoon. Stay tuned!

More?

• See all graphs in this series or collections of 75 of our favorite graphs, 28 graphs that teach about inequality and 24 graphs about climate change.

• View our archives that link to all past releases, organized by topic, graph type and Stat Nugget.

• Learn more about the notice and wonder teaching strategy from this 5-minute video and how and why other teachers are using this strategy from our on-demand webinar.

• Sign up for our free weekly Learning Network newsletter so you never miss a graph. Graphs are always released by the Friday before the Wednesday live moderation to give teachers time to plan ahead.

• Go to the American Statistical Association K-12 website, which includes teacher statistics resources, Census in the Schools student-generated data, professional development opportunities, and more.

Students 13 and older in the United States and Britain, and 16 and older elsewhere, are invited to comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff, but please keep in mind that once your comment is accepted, it will be made public.

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