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University of Texas System and Coursera Launch the Most Comprehensive Industry Micro-Credential Program Offered by a U.S. University System

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University of Texas System and Coursera Launch the Most Comprehensive Industry Micro-Credential Program Offered by a U.S. University System

By Jeff Maggioncalda, Coursera CEO 

The job market is changing rapidly, and to meet new employer and student demands, universities must also evolve. Today, I’m excited to announce that Coursera and the University of Texas System (UT) have launched a new industry micro-credential program with a goal to prepare every UT campus student, faculty, staff, and alumni for the state’s workforce demands, at no cost to them. This innovative new program shows where the future of higher education is headed. 

Through this expanded partnership, over 246,000 students, faculty, and staff across nine UT campuses now have access to Career Academy on Coursera, which includes more than 35 Professional Certificates from leading companies such as Google, IBM, and Salesforce. UT and Coursera have also made the program available to 246,000 alumni to encourage lifelong learning. The expanded partnership represents the most extensive industry-recognized micro-credential program in terms of reach from a U.S. university system.

“As we continue building upon our successful Texas Credentials for the Future initiative, we are especially grateful for our partnership with Coursera and for the UT System Board of Regents’ commitment to funding this important expansion of our microcredential programs,” UT System Chancellor James B. Milliken said. “Microcredentials are a powerful and effective tool in producing graduates who are both broadly educated and specifically skilled, giving them a competitive edge in the labor market while also enhancing their overall undergraduate experience. The UT System’s continued investment in microcredential courses is critical to meeting our state’s growing workforce demands while always preparing our students for success.”

With the Texas population expected to double by 2050, and Texas projected to have the highest net job growth of any state by 2030, the UT System has made an investment to prepare a large part of the population for fast-changing workforce demands. 

Career Academy offers UT students and alumni the opportunity to explore a wide range of in-demand career paths, such as Data Analyst, Cybersecurity Analyst, and Application Developer. Hands-on projects and interactive assessments allow students to apply their skills in real-world scenarios and practice using workplace tools. At the end of the program, they will also earn career-focused credentials to enhance their job qualifications. According to Coursera’s recent Learner Outcomes Report, 1 in 4 learners who completed an Entry Level professional certificate course secured a new job. 

Participating universities – including UT Austin, UT Arlington, UT Dallas, UT El Paso, UT Permian Basin, UT Rio Grande Valley, UT San Antonio, Stephen F. Austin State University and UT Tyler – are integrating Professional Certificates into their curriculum and co-curriculum in various innovative ways. For example, UT Tyler incorporated data analytics and project management certificates in Criminal Justice courses, and the UT Dallas Jindal School of Business is offering students extra credit for completion of certificates that supplement business-related degrees in high-demand positions like Business Analytics and IT Management.

The University of Texas System and Coursera rolled out the pilot phase of this program to select students in December 2022. In the first semester, approximately 3,000 students spent 30,000 hours learning online, completing over 6,000 courses. Top skills included project management, data analysis, and coding and top courses underscored interest in fields such as data analytics, business, and information technology.  

We’re proud to partner with the University of Texas System to help hundreds of thousands of Texans develop critical workforce skills to boost employment and accelerate the local economy. 

To learn more about Texas Credentials for the Future and the credential courses available at UT academic institutions, visit www.utsystem.edu/sites/texas-microcredentials. To learn more about Coursera for Campus, visit coursera.org/campus.

Hate Networking? ChatGPT Can Make It Easier

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Hate Networking? ChatGPT Can Make It Easier

People in tech are finding ways to use ChatGPT to be more efficient in their jobs — and the AI can also help you fast-track your job search.

Networking can be tough, especially when you’re just starting out in your career and you’re still trying to get a sense of direction. Even if you have a general idea of where to start looking, outreach is time-consuming and it can be hard to know how to navigate interactions and turn a potential relationship into a successful one.

Fortunately, AI can help. Here are a few tips on how you can use ChatGPT to start networking like a pro. And if you haven’t used ChatGPT before, check out our Intro to ChatGPT course to learn the basics.

Level up your LinkedIn profile

LinkedIn is one of the best ways to connect with other professionals in your industry, and ChatGPT can help you improve your chances of getting noticed by the right people.

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Your LinkedIn summary is your first impression with everyone who comes to your page. It helps to write a compelling story about yourself that could resonate with recruiters and hiring managers. If writing isn’t your strong suit, the good news is that ChatGPT can do most of the hard work for you. With a clear and detailed prompt, you can have the chatbot generate a polished summary that you can use as a first draft. For example, someone looking to change careers and find their first tech job could use a prompt like this:

I’m looking for my first job as a software engineer, and I’m optimizing my LinkedIn profile to include relevant keywords and resonate with other engineers and companies in the industry. Could you help me write an engaging LinkedIn summary to add to my profile? Please provide three options, with no more than two paragraphs each, based on the information below.

[insert relevant details and experience.]

You can also use this strategy when it comes time to write a cover letter or fine-tune your resume. HR professionals and recruiters often use AI to analyze profiles and resumes to weigh potential candidates, so including relevant keywords and experiences in your profile summary can help catch their attention. You could read through a bunch of job postings and add relevant skills to your summary manually, or you could leave it to ChatGPT.

It might take some finessing, but after experimenting with a few prompts, you can come up with several quality choices to work from. Then, it’s just a matter of tweaking and editing it so it’s accurate and feels authentic to you. If you need more of a breakdown of how to write a LinkedIn summary with ChatGPT, here are some helpful tips.

Learn how to break the ice

Initiating conversation can be awkward for many people, whether it’s face-to-face at a networking event or reaching out to someone who works your dream job on LinkedIn. And it can be even more difficult for people who are just starting out in their careers or looking for a new one and are coping with feelings of impostor syndrome.

For example, maybe you’re going to a networking event and you need a good elevator pitch — a brief summary of who you are and what you have to offer. Distilling your life story and experience into a concise sound bite is difficult. If you’re struggling to come up with an elevator pitch, just give ChatGPT the relevant details about your skills, experience, and desired outcomes, and let it do the wordsmithing for you. For instance, a prompt for someone looking for their first UX role might look something like this:

I’m a product marketer who taught myself to code, and I’m looking for a job as a UX Designer. Please help me craft an elevator pitch to use at networking events. I have eight years of experience helping brands deepen their understanding of their customers needs and preferences by conducting user research and creating buying personas. I know how to code with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and I’ve built several full-stack applications with MongoDB, Express, Angular, and Node.js. I’m currently looking for UX roles for ecommerce companies.

Here’s what ChatGPT returned for the prompt above.

It’s a little wordy, especially for an elevator pitch. Maybe ChatGPT doesn’t know what an elevator pitch means! With another prompt, we can ask ChatGPT to shorten the passage above and make it sound friendly and conversational:

Great start, but it’s a little long. Please rewrite the passage to be more compact and conversational, with no more than two or three sentences.

Here’s what ChatGPT returns for the prompt above:

Discover networking opportunities

ChatGPT can also help you come up with ways to meet other professionals and experts face to face. Just tell the chatbot what you’re looking for, and it’ll give you a list of options. For example, if you’re learning to code and want to know where you can turn for advice, you could use a prompt like this:

I’m trying to change careers and am feeling stuck. What are some ways I can get in front of people face-to-face and network? Please provide 3 ideas that I can do virtually.

Or if you’re a little further along in your coding journey and you’re looking to explore a specific niche, you could try something like:

I’m a game developer, and I’m looking for virtual events that’ll keep me up to date with the latest innovations in game development, popular tools and trends, and the overall state of the market. Where should I start looking?

It’s important to remember that ChatGPT isn’t always current (it doesn’t have any data after 2021), and it can make things up or get facts wrong. It’s on you to verify your results and make sure that the wording makes sense. Get creative and think of how you can harness ChatGPT to help you prepare for success.

For instance, if you’re attending an event, ChatGPT can fill you in with details on established speakers and relevant conversation starters to chat up other attendees. And if you’re presenting, ChatGPT can help you review and optimize your code — and even give you some ideas for how to structure your presentation.

As you can see, ChatGPT can help you come up with all kinds of networking materials, like introductory outreach messages for LinkedIn, icebreakers that help spark conversation and build rapport, and follow-up emails that help you stay in contact with your network. Check out our case study Write a Sales Outreach Email with ChatGPT to earn more.

It all comes down to the prompt you use and the human insight you bring to the results. AI tools are great, but they aren’t perfect. Check out our AI courses to learn more about how you can use AI tools to get ahead in your career, and if you’re curious to learn about how these systems work, we pull back the curtain in our course Intro to Large Language Models.

7 Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Language Models

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7 Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Language Models

Everyone’s been talking about artificial intelligence (AI) as generative AI systems have become more mainstream over the past year. But the technology underlying these impressive programs isn’t new. The use of language models, computer programs that learn to understand and generate human language by analyzing large amounts of text, goes back decades.

Today, language models are used to build generative AI that can perform tons of different tasks. Here are a few fun facts that’ll give you a sense of their potential — but if you want to learn more about all the cool things you can do with AI, check out our AI courses.

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One of the first language models mimicked a psychotherapist

In 1966, MIT computer scientist Joseph Weizenbaum developed ELIZA, a program that simulated conversation using natural language processing algorithms. ELIZA was groundbreaking at the time, and could simulate a number of roles (including a psychotherapist) to engage users in conversation about their problems.

A conversation between ELIZA and a user.

Despite being simple by today’s standards, ELIZA was surprisingly effective, to the point where people formed emotional bonds with the chatbot. It was a breakthrough in natural language processing and helped pave the way for many of the impressive programs we see today.

Want to learn how to build your own chatbots? We’ll teach you how in our skill path Build Chatbots with Python.

Language models predate the Turing Test

Alan Turing, known to many as the father of AI, created his eponymous test in 1950 to answer one question: Can machines think?

But the use of language models goes back before AI was even conceptualized. At first, language models were basic statistical models that used probabilities to predict the likelihood of a given word based on the words that came before it. The earliest example is the n-gram model, which was referenced by mathematician Claude Shannon in 1948. The n-gram model uses probability and statistics to determine the likelihood of a word by those that come before it. For a more current example, check out Google’s Ngram Viewer that shows you how often given words have been used in books throughout the years.

These early language models were simple and relied on limited data, but they were an important step in the development of natural language processing.

Language models can be trained on multiple languages

There are thousands of different languages across the world, and multilingual language models are being developed to help make AI as linguistically diverse as the global populace. Multilingual language models are very important — not only because diversity in training data helps avoid bias, but also because it’s crucial that everyone is afforded the same access to AI tools and resources.

Today, Google and other search engines use AI to improve their translators, and multilingual language models are becoming increasingly popular as they help bridge language barriers and improve communication across different cultures.

Want to learn more about how computers are taught how to interpret the complexities of human language? You can explore chatbots and other applications of language models in our course Apply Natural Language Processing with Python.

Language models can recognize human emotions

Some language models are taught through a mix of supervised and unsupervised learning algorithms to recognize the emotional subtexts in undertones within text, in a process called sentiment analysis. While most of the models used for sentiment analysis can only discern between positive, negative, and neutral tones, others can recognize specific emotions like joy or sadness.

Tons of brands and businesses use sentiment analysis to get a sense of how their customers are talking about them online. This can help them offer better support, understand how customers are responding to changes or new features, and even keep an eye on competitors. You can also use sentiment analysis for something fun — like analyzing your favorite book or song lyrics for hidden themes (you can try this in our case study Analyze Taylor Swift Lyrics with Python).

Language models can be used for more than text

While language models are often trained on text data, their underlying technology can be used for other data as well. The transformers, recurrent neural networks (RNNs), generative adversarial networks (GANs), and other systems that utilize language models can be trained on audio and image data too. That means you can train a language model to recognize and generate speech or understand and describe images.

For example, AI tools like  DALL-E and Midjourney can generate images based on your prompts. There are also tools like MiniGPT-4 and Microsoft Azure AI Vision that can analyze pictures and provide detailed descriptions and captions, along with various AI programs that can replicate popular vocalists and musicians.

These language models can also make it easier to learn to speak another language. By analyzing patterns in language data, language models can identify areas where people may struggle and provide tailored support. The language learning app Duolingo recently announced new features that allow people learning English, French, and Spanish to practice their skills by chatting with an AI in real time.

Different models have their own ways of learning

There’s a lot of jargon around language models that you’ll come across as you explore AI, and understanding what they mean and how different models work under the hood will help you make more informed decisions when working with AI systems and tools. Some of the most popular include:

  • Foundational models: Pre-trained models used to build larger, more advanced language models.
  • Generative language models: Language models that can generate text. 
  • Statistical language models: Language models that use probability and statistics to predict the likelihood of words based on the ones that came before it.
  • Rule-based language models: Rule-based language models generate output based on given rules and guidelines.
  • Neural language models: Neural language models that use deep learning algorithms and neural networks to understand and generate natural language.
  • Large language models: Large language models, like ChatGPT, are neural language models that use deep learning algorithms and massive amounts of data to perform tasks like translating and summarizing text and even creative writing.

Language models can make mistakes

A common misconception many people have is that AI systems are immune to errors and bias, but language models and AI systems can and do make mistakes — especially when they’re trained with incomplete or faulty data. Language models generate content based on what they’re taught, and any biases within their training data risks being amplified in their output. It also takes a lot of work to keep them up to date. For instance, MIT scientists found that a language model reflected gender-based stereotypes — attaching feminine contexts around flight attendants and secretaries and masculine context around lawyers and judges.

Today’s language models can be used to write everything from books to code for apps and websites. With systems like ChatGPT and GitHub Copilot, there’s a lot of concern about AI taking jobs — but once you start working with AI tools, it’s clear robots won’t be replacing us any time soon.

While language models are great at generating huge amounts of well-structured text and code in no time, they have a hard time with context and replicating human ingenuity. Here’s an example of human vs. AI code that breaks it down in more detail.

Instead of replacing us, AI systems can be great partners that help improve our productivity and efficiency. Here’s an explainer on how software engineers are using AI for more info.

As language models and AI become more popular and continue to find new applications, it becomes increasingly important to understand not only when and how to use them, but also the proper way to use them. If you want to learn more about language models and how AI is being put to good use, check out our courses on machine learning and AI. We’ll show you how to start building and working with language models right away in courses like Language Models in Python: Generative Text.

Types of Learning Management Systems: A Guide

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Types of Learning Management Systems: A Guide

Learning Management Systems (LMS) are software application that facilitates the management, delivery, and tracking of educational content and training programmes. There are various types of Learning Management Systems available, each catering to different needs and purposes. In this article, we’ll look at the different types of learning management systems.

What are the different types of LMSs?

An installed Learning Management System (LMS) refers to a software application that is hosted on-premises or locally on an organisation’s own servers or infrastructure. Unlike cloud-based LMSs, which are accessed over the internet, an installed LMS requires physical installation and configuration on the organisation’s hardware or servers.

A cloud-based LMS is hosted on remote servers and accessed through the internet. Users can access the system anytime, anywhere, as long as they have an internet connection. Cloud-based LMSs offer scalability, easy updates, and reduced maintenance costs, making them popular choices for organisations of all sizes.

An open-source Learning Management System (LMS) is a type of software platform that provides the source code to the public, allowing anyone to use, modify, and distribute the software freely. These systems are often developed collaboratively by a community of developers and are made available under open-source licenses like GNU General Public License (GPL) or MIT License. Open-source LMSs offer several advantages and have become increasingly popular in educational and corporate settings.

A Closed-source Learning Management System (LMS) is a software platform where the source code is not made publicly available to users. In other words, the code is proprietary and owned by a specific company or organisation. Users are granted access to the LMS through licenses or subscriptions, and they do not have the ability to modify or distribute the underlying code.

An LMS with authoring tools is a comprehensive learning management system that includes built-in content authoring capabilities. This means that within the LMS platform itself, users can create, design, and publish interactive learning content without needing to use external authoring software.

An integration-capable Learning Management System (LMS) is a platform that is designed to easily integrate and communicate with other software systems and external tools. Integration capabilities are crucial for organisations that want to create a seamless and connected learning ecosystem by combining their LMS with various applications, content providers, and third-party tools. These integrations can enhance the functionality and effectiveness of the LMS, offering a more comprehensive and personalised learning experience.

A non-integrated Learning Management System (LMS) refers to a standalone platform that operates independently without built-in capabilities for seamless integration with other software systems or external tools. In a non-integrated LMS, users typically do not have direct access to APIs or pre-built connectors that facilitate data exchange with other applications.

An Enterprise Learning Management System (LMS) is a comprehensive and scalable software platform designed to meet the learning and training needs of large organisations and corporations. Unlike smaller LMSs designed for individual instructors or small businesses, an enterprise LMS is tailored to support the complex training requirements of large enterprises with a significant number of learners, diverse training programmes, and advanced administrative features.

A custom-built Learning Management System (LMS) refers to a software platform that is specifically designed and developed from scratch to meet the unique learning and training needs of a particular organisation. Unlike off-the-shelf or pre-packaged LMS solutions, a custom-built LMS is tailor-made to align with the organisation’s specific training goals, workflows, branding, and user experience requirements.

A Mobile Learning Management System (LMS) is a software platform specifically designed to provide a seamless learning experience on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. With the increasing popularity of mobile devices and the rise of remote and on-the-go learning, mobile LMSs have become essential tools for delivering training content and educational materials to learners anytime and anywhere.

Which LMS should I choose for my company?

Choosing the right LMS for your company is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your employees’ learning experience and overall training outcomes. There are several factors to consider when selecting an LMS that best suits your company’s needs. Below are some key considerations to guide you in making the right choice:

  • Assess your training needs:

Begin by identifying your company’s specific training requirements. Consider the type of content you want to deliver (e.g., courses, videos, documents), the number of users, and the training objectives.

  • Scalability and flexibility:

Ensure the LMS can accommodate your company’s growth. Look for a system that is scalable and flexible, allowing you to add new users, courses, and features as your needs evolve.

  • Content management and delivery:

Evaluate the LMS’s content management capabilities. It should support various content formats and offer features like course scheduling, automated enrollments, and progress tracking.

In today’s mobile-driven world, consider an LMS that is compatible with various devices, such as smartphones and tablets, to provide flexible learning options.

  • Integration capabilities:

Check if the LMS can integrate with your existing software systems, such as HR platforms or reporting and analytics. An effective LMS should offer robust reporting and analytics features to track learner progress, identify training gaps, and measure the effectiveness of your training programmes.

Consider the overall cost of the LMS, including licensing fees, setup, and ongoing maintenance. Balance the costs with the expected return on investment (ROI) in terms of improved employee performance and productivity.

Remember that every company’s needs are unique, so take your time to assess various LMS options and choose the one that aligns best with your company’s goals and objectives. Involve key stakeholders in the decision-making process, as their insights can be valuable in making an informed choice.

What’s the difference between LCMS vs LMS?

The main difference between LCMS (Learning Content Management System) and an LMS  lies in their primary focus and functionalities. While both systems are related to learning and training, they serve distinct purposes. An LMS is designed to manage and deliver learning materials, track learners’ progress, and administer training programmes. On the other hand, an LCMS is more content-centric, focusing on creating, organising, and reusing learning content, such as courses, modules, and multimedia assets. In essence, an LMS is primarily concerned with delivering and managing the learning experience, while an LCMS is centred around content development and maintenance. Organisations that require comprehensive content authoring and collaboration capabilities may find an LCMS more suitable, while those seeking efficient learner management and tracking often opt for an LMS. Some systems do offer both LMS and LCMS features, providing a blended solution that caters to various learning needs.

What type of an LMS is Alison’s?

Alison’s cloud-based LMS allows learners to access their courses and learning materials from any internet-connected device, providing flexibility and convenience. With its extensive course catalogue spanning diverse subjects, Alison aims to make education accessible to learners worldwide, enabling them to enhance their skills and knowledge at their own pace and convenience through its user-friendly cloud-based LMS platform.

Alison’s LMS can help you empower your employees for free

Alison’s free Learning Management System (LMS) offers a powerful tool to empower your employees with knowledge and skills at no cost. By leveraging Alison’s extensive library of free online courses, your organisation can provide diverse and valuable learning opportunities to employees, enhancing their professional development and boosting their job performance. The cloud-based accessibility ensures that employees can access these courses anytime and from anywhere, accommodating their busy schedules and fostering a culture of continuous learning. Whether it’s improving technical skills, soft skills, or industry-specific knowledge, Alison’s LMS offers a cost-effective way to invest in your employees’ growth and, in turn, enhance their productivity and overall value to your organisation. With no financial barriers to learning, Alison’s LMS helps you create a learning-centric workplace that nurtures talent and empowers employees to reach their full potential.

Word of the Day: contrail

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Word of the Day: contrail

The word contrail has appeared in three articles on NYTimes.com in the past year, including on Jan. 19 in “Could Air Someday Power Your Flight? Airlines Are Betting on It” by Paige McClanahan:

Scientists have also found that contrails — the wispy, short-lived clouds that sometimes appear in an airplane’s wake — affect the planet’s temperature, perhaps even more so than the carbon dioxide they release. It all adds up to a complex picture, especially given that global demand for aviation is expected to double over the next 20 years.

Can you correctly use the word contrail 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.

Then, read some of the other sentences students have submitted and use the “Recommend” button to vote for two original sentences that stand out to you.

If you want a better idea of how contrail can be used in a sentence, read these usage examples on Vocabulary.com.

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.

New and Improved from IBM!

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New and Improved from IBM!

Aspiring individuals looking to forge a successful career path in the tech industry often encounter many options when it comes to education, licensing, and certification. 

Among the most reputable and sought-after credential providers is IBM, a global leader in technology and innovation. Coursera is proud to collaborate with IBM to offer learners an incentive to expand their skill sets in a given domain with our IBM Professional Certificates, an invaluable opportunity to build expertise with the renowned global leader. 

Reach your career goals with IBM

A Professional Certificate from IBM is a gateway for learners looking to start new careers, gain new skills, earn promotions, and more. Each Certificate will fully prepare you with the most industry relevant knowledge and tools you need to excel in an entry-level role in your field of choice in under 6 months—no prior experience required.

Upon completion of any of these 100% online courses, learners will be prepared with the hard and soft technical skills they need to launch a new career in addition to access to exclusive job search platforms, resume-building support, and mock interviews.

Today, we’re excited to announce the launch of four all-new online experiences from IBM that help learners harness the power of IT and more. Plus, there are a number of updates to a few of our existing IBM courses. All of these new experiences are available today.

IBM Project Manager

The role of a project manager extends beyond the IT industry, and the IBM Project Manager Professional Certificate is great for learners looking for a more broad perspective on the project management landscape. This course equips learners with essential project management skills that they can apply to any industry. From initiating projects to managing stakeholders, controlling project scope, and more, this course covers a comprehensive range of fundamentals that will prepare learners to take the CAPM PMI exam. 

IBM Front End Developer

User experience plays a more impactful role than ever in today’s digital world. With the IBM Front End Developer Professional Certificate, learners will dive into the fundamentals like HTML, CSS, Javascript, and responsive web design. By the end of this course, you’ll learn how to develop visually appealing, user-friendly web applications and create memorable digital experiences.

IBM IT Scrum Master

Agile methodologies have changed the way software development projects are executed, and Scrum in particular is gaining popularity. The IBM IT Scrum Master Professional Certificate equips learners with the skills they need to guide Scrum teams through incremental development cycles. Graduates of this course can help organizations deliver high-quality software products more efficiently.

Discover the newest changes to popular courses

In addition to the all-new content on Coursera, there are a number of content updates for the following existing Professional Certificates:

IBM Data Science

Several courses have been updated with improved content, videos, and hands-on labs.

IBM IT Support

Courses 1-6 have been updated to include a significant number of hands-on labs for more practice.

IBM Full Stack Developer

A significant number of courses have been updated with improved content videos and labs. 

IBM Data Warehouse Engineer

Version 2 has been launched and includes a new course 3. Plus, a new capstone course has been added for more practice.

IBM Cybersecurity Analyst

Labs and projects have been updated for each course.

IBM Applied AI 

Several courses have been updated with improved content, videos, labs, and projects.

Launch your new career today

Embarking on a new career journey in the tech industry requires not only determination and passion, but the right credentials to stand out in the competitive job market. By earning one of IBM’s Professional Certificates, aspiring professionals can position themselves as competent and knowledgeable candidates ready to excel in their chosen fields.

Free August 2023 Wallpaper & Instagram quote

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Free August 2023 Wallpaper & Instagram quote

Free August 2023 Wallpaper & Instagram quote

Free August 2023 wallpaper is here!

Extend your summer days with August wallpaper and bask in the warmth a little while longer. It showcases the most stunning elements of summer – from the soft sand to the crystal-clear waters, the waves gently crashing against the shore, and the endless expanse of the ocean. The serene and tranquil scene is perfect for anyone looking to infuse a little bit of calm into their workday.

Each wallpaper download from August 2023 includes the following:

  • Desktop wallpaper x3 (plain, with the calendar, and with a quote)
  • Phone wallpaper x3 (plain, with the calendar and with a quote)
  • Tablet wallpaper
  • Instagram ready quote

Quote for August 2023

It’s such a great quote that reminds us that life is full of ups and downs, and we can’t control everything that happens to us. However, we can learn to adapt and make the best of any situation. Just like surfing, we can learn to ride the waves of life and find joy in the journey. So, let’s embrace the challenges that come our way and learn to surf through them with grace and determination!

You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf

P.S the square image is also included as a larger file in the download package below! Feel free to post it on your Instagram.

Looking for more? Check our previous wallpapers!

You can get three different desktop options with the free download – one that has a calendar, one without the calendar, and another with a quote. Additionally, there’s a wallpaper available for tablets, and three phone options too. You’ll also find an Instagram-ready square that features the weekly quote.

FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY.

NOTE: This wallpaper is available as a free download through August 31, 2023 only. After that, a $5 download fee applies.

How about a new design?

Since you just got a new wallpaper, consider updating your blog’s appearance with a fresh and modern look too! There are many different blog templates available that can make your page more enjoyable to read and navigate. Take some time to browse through them and see what catches your eye.

Blogger templates

WordPress Themes

Your voice matters!

If you have your favorite quotes and would like them to appear on the next free wallpaper, make sure to post them in the comments below or send us your ideas via email.

Enjoy!

Word of the Day: octogenarian

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Word of the Day: octogenarian

The word octogenarian has appeared in 57 articles on NYTimes.com in the past year, including on April 8 in “At 81, Ann-Margret Is Finally Living Her Rock ’n’ Roll Dream” by Jim Farber:

Pat Boone, who played Ann-Margret’s love interest in the 1962 musical “State Fair,” was at first taken aback by the song she chose for their duet, “Teach Me Tonight,” which he called “a love scene in a song.” “I thought, ‘What am I doing singing this?’” Boone said. “I’m 87 at that point and she’s got to be 80. I had to do it humorously.”

So he ad-libbed the lines “I think we just wrote an octogenarian love song” and “I’ll have to turn up my hearing aid.” For the record, “I don’t wear hearing aids,” Boone added with a laugh.

Can you correctly use the word octogenarian 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.

Then, read some of the other sentences students have submitted and use the “Recommend” button to vote for two original sentences that stand out to you.

If you want a better idea of how octogenarian can be used in a sentence, read these usage examples on Vocabulary.com.

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.

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‘My Heart Was Racing’: The Week 5 Winner of Our Summer Reading Contest

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‘My Heart Was Racing’: The Week 5 Winner of Our Summer Reading Contest

Yugottam Koirala, 18, from Nepal chose an article from the Climate section headlined “Himalayan Glacier Loss Speeding Up, New Report Finds,” and wrote:

In an airport, a friendly immigration officer looks at my passport and smiles. Then out of the blue, she asks me if the Himalayas are as beautiful as they appear in photos. “Uh … they look even better in real life,” I reply.

Wherever I go, I find comfort in knowing that the Himalayas are etched onto my Nepali identity. Clad in white, these mountains are more than just peaks, they are symbols of faith for people across cultures and religions.

So when I first read this article, my heart was racing. As temperatures soar and glaciers melt, the world’s third pole may soon be stripped of its freshwater reserves and biodiversity hot spots, strangling those of us who depend on them for a living.

I see farmers in my country suffering from crop losses due to erratic water supply. I hear warnings that glacial floods will exacerbate living conditions in my riverine hometown. I read depressing projections that a fourth of our Himalayan wildlife may go extinct within this century. Everywhere I look, the fate of our Himalayas seems sealed.

But this article, alongside red-flagging these alarming findings, also reassures me that the world is slowly understanding the dire effects these changes can have on people. So this gives me hope that soon, a slew of research and interventions will follow this shift in public perception.

But until then, at another airport, if an officer asks me about Nepal’s mountains again, what should I say?

_______

In alphabetical order by the writer’s first name.

Angela on “What Owls’ Silent Flight Tells Us About the World”

Haoyuan on “The Heartache of Being Sidelined From Your Favorite Sport”

Jianing on “What Chinese Calligraphy Taught Me About Myself”

Syeda Q. on “First Muslim Woman to Be Federal Judge Confirmed by Senate”

________

Alex on “How to Make a Staycation Feel Like an Actual Break”

Amber T. on “Just Made a Queer Memory? Drop a Pin.”

Connor Simpkins on “Drowning Is No. 1 Killer of Young Children. U.S. Efforts to Fix It Are Lagging”

Emily F. on “‘No Love Is Ever Wasted’”

Hyungyoon Cho on “It’s Seven Grandkids, Mr. President”

Nathaniel T. on “West Bank Teenagers Are Writing Out Their Last Words”

Tips to Ace Your Performance Review

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Tips to Ace Your Performance Review

On one hand, reaching the mid-year mark is cause for celebration, excitement, and anticipation. The year is almost up, and the festive season is fast approaching. On the other hand, it can be filled with dread, nerves, and uncertainty. This could be because your annual performance appraisal is on the horizon and you’re experiencing various emotions and thoughts about your review. We know that this period on your work calendar isn’t always smooth sailing, so we’ve set down some tips to help you ace your performance review.

What is a performance review?

A performance review, appraisal, or evaluation is a formal discussion between an employee and their manager. In this discussion, the focus is to review the former’s performance over the past year, quarterly, or bi-annually, depending on your company policy. The goal of these reviews is two-fold: the first is to provide an accurate evaluation of an employee’s performance and secondly, to create a plan to develop their skills in line with their career goals and job tasks. A good performance review is one where there is a healthy and productive discussion of your strengths and focus areas of improvement.  A bad performance review is one where the employee feels unfairly treated, demotivated, with no clear sense of direction, and more insecure in their job and abilities.

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How to ace your performance review

Aceing your performance review doesn’t start a week or even a month before the review date. Instead, it’s an ongoing process that if executed well, can accelerate your career growth.

  1.       Keep track of your wins

Document your big wins, tasks you handled, projects you managed, and any other achievements of the past year. this can include client comments, manager feedback, stats, and other reviews you have received. These serve as supporting documents you can use to not just say what you’ve done but are evidentiary support that is tangible and specific.

  1.       Welcome constructive feedback

We know. Feedback can be hard to hear. But it is necessary for our growth and development. Hearing negative feedback can be challenging if you hear it as a critique of how terrible you are. However, if your manager delivers it well, feedback, both positive and negative, can enlighten you on areas of improvement. It can also be helpful to remember that feedback isn’t a one-way street. In a performance review, you are also able to share your feedback with your manager and together, ask questions, align your goals with the company’s objectives, and get clarity about your place in the team and the value you bring to the company.

  1.       Honesty is the best policy

We often make the mistake of holding back, not being fully honest, and making promises to our managers with the assumption that they don’t want to hear the truth. This practice is counterintuitive. For one, your manager doesn’t fully know or understand your goals, feelings, and aspirations and therefore can’t help you achieve your objectives. And as an employee, you may start to feel dissatisfied and lose your drive and passion because your job isn’t fulfilling. Honesty is the best policy. When both parties are clear and honest about the current standings and future goals, they are empowered to make good and right decisions and provide you with the support you need to excel.

  1.       Speak up

This is not easy for everyone. But like being honest in a performance appraisal, you need to speak up about your experience and performance. What’s working or not working? Where do you need support? What challenges are you facing that make your job difficult? What are your needs? Ask your manager if there are available (and sponsored) resources you can investigate. It will help to prepare notes ahead of your meeting that has the key points you want to get across. This ensures you don’t forget the important things you want to share, and that you don’t leave the session feeling unheard.

  1.       Have a strategy

Your approach to your performance review will dictate what you get out of it. It’s a necessary evil and the best way to look at it is by changing the way you look at it. The truth is that it’s unavoidable but instead of spending your time and energy wishing it away, you view it as a stepping-stone to getting what you want. This is your opportunity to have the much-needed but never enough time for one-on-one conversations with your manager. Here, you get to assess your standing, discuss where and how you can grow, and what other areas are available for you to contribute to. Go in with a plan and leave with direction.

What to do after your performance review

Remember that as much as the performance review is in one meeting, it’s also a build-up of your professional activities over the year. It’s what happens after and in preparation for your next review that will drive your success. Here are a few ideas of what you can do to ensure your next appraisal goes off without a hitch:

  1.       Review and improve

Once you’ve had your performance review, you need to take stock of the discussion and assess both the good and bad aspects of your appraisal. Have an honest self-check in where you look at what you can do to improve and go back and ask questions for clarification in areas you are unclear about. Then note your plans and objectives for the coming year, aligned with the review outcomes and get on your way to making plans and setting smart objectives for the next year. Alison’s workplace personality assessment is a great tool to help you determine your strengths and weaknesses and recommends courses to work on these areas.

  1.    Have regular check-ins

Ask your manager to have regular check-ins throughout the course of the year. This will help you stay on track and make any adjustments throughout the year when needed.

  1.       Open door policy

We love to hear our managers say that they have an open-door policy but are then disappointed when they don’t practice this. Put this request as part of your “wish list” in your review and be intentional about using it and hold your manager to it.

  1.       Enlist advocates

One of the things you can do is enlist fellow colleagues and peers to be your advocates. This means these people will speak well about you and vouch for you to your manager based on your interactions with them and your everyday performance. Part of your review includes peer reviews so you need to ensure that what your manager will hear is what you want them to know and think about you. But your colleagues won’t and can’t just give glowing remarks about you. You need to shape your reputation in such a way that there’s nothing but good things to say about you when the time comes.

Personality test

Performance reviews are nerve-wracking but a necessary tool to shape our growth and development in the workplace. Have the right approach. Prepare well for it with these tips and you’ll leave the room feeling more in control and better about yourself, your performance, and your place than when you entered. Good luck.

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