Then something remarkable happened. In 1992, after a career spent eking out a living, Mr. McCarthy had a hit. “All the Pretty Horses,” which won the National Book Award and was adapted by Hollywood, set him squarely on a path to literary stardom and an outsize reputation as one of the greatest novelists of his time.
This improbable trajectory — writer toils for decades in obscurity before finding international renown — is the stuff of legend. But it did not occur by accident or happenstance. Mr. McCarthy’s career was made possible by a tectonic shift that was happening in the publishing industry as it moved from the boutique model of the early 20th century to an era of conglomeration. If the first part of his career was illustrative of publishing’s old model, the second half was made possible by a new approach. With his famed reclusiveness and idiosyncratic prose style, Mr. McCarthy might seem like an obdurate anachronism. But his career arc reveals that he was serendipitously of his time.
Daily Word Challenge
Can you correctly use the word happenstance 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 happenstance 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.
Trying to stay up-to-date on tech news in today’s rapidly-changing world can feel like drinking from a fire hose. That’s why subscribing to email newsletters is such a convenient way to stay informed — you get curated insights and thought-provoking articles delivered straight to your inbox, no scrolling endless news feeds or trying to find a link.
Knowing what’s happening in the tech industry at large will give you a valuable edge at every stage of your learning journey and career. If you’re brand new to coding, being able to identify emerging technologies and programming languages can help you decide which skills you should focus on to have a successful and rewarding tech career. Or if you’re an experienced dev who leads a tech team, keeping your finger on the pulse of the tech world can help you guide and direct your team so you can make strategic decisions that align with market demands.
These days, everyone seems to have a newsletter, and we get it: your inbox is precious real estate. To help you cut through the noise, we found the newsletters about tech, coding, and work that are worth a place in your inbox.
in_development
Did you know there’s a Codecademy newsletter? Each month, we’ll send you a heads up about new course launches, upcoming community events, as well as inspiring blog articles to read, and tips straight from other Codecademy learners like you. Check your inbox, because anyone with a Codecademy account is already subscribed to our newsletter. (And if you don’t have an account yet, this is another reason why you should sign up for a free Codecademy membership.) You can also enter your email address in the box below to get access. The next newsletter drops on August 15, so keep an eye out!
Subscribe for news, tips, and more
TLDR
The name says it all: Get the TL;DR version of the daily news around tech with TLDR’s newsletters. There are several newsletters on different tech beats that you can choose from (we’re fans of the TLDR AI newsletter). Best of all, the newsletter is concise enough that you can read it before your team stand-up meeting.
Management Tip of the Day
Folks who are leading a tech team for the first time will appreciate getting these bite-sized management tips from Harvard Business Review in their inbox. Each day tackles a specific leadership issue, like how to nail a presentation when your time is cut short or how to advance your career if your company is downsizing. Even if you’re not managing a team right now, there’s tons of wisdom that you can get from this newsletter so you can feel prepared for the next step of your career.
The Algorithm
MIT Technology Review’s Melissa Heikkilä runs a weekly newsletter all about AI and its effects on society. If you want a thoughtful and pragmatic take on the latest AI innovations making headlines, subscribe to The Algorithm. Melissa includes links to longer articles from publications around the internet that will help you contextualize the age of AI.
Learn something new for free
Frontend Focus
HTML/CSS might’ve been the very first languages you picked up, but there’s always something new you can learn to take your front-end programming skills to the next level. The Frontend Focus newsletter is a sweet way to discover buzzy new front-end coding tools and web dev technologies. In addition to links to relevant news articles, Frontend Focus often shares useful video tutorials and explainers that’ll help you master specific CSS tricks and techniques. And if you’re looking for more hands-on guidance, we have lots of CSS courses that are geared towards developers of all levels.
Rendezvous with Cassidoo
We look forward to reading Cassidy Williams’ friendly and funny web development newsletter every week. Cassidy is a Software Engineer and CTO whose newsletter Rendezvous with Cassidoo highlights intriguing articles and just plain cool finds from the web (plenty of mechanical keyboard content if that’s your thing). She also shares an interview question that’ll help you keep your skills sharp.
Benedict’s Newsletter
This no-frills tech news roundup is curated by Benedict Evans, a tech analyst who has decades of experience in the VC space. The newsletter is a mix of tech news with commentary, links to big ideas, relevant data stories, and “outside interests.” If you need some reading material for your commute or want some perspective on the news of the week, it’s worth subscribing to. (There’s a free version that drops on Tuesdays, or you can pay extra to get the newsletter on Sundays.)
Microlearning has gained popularity in recent years due to its effectiveness in employee training. It offers several benefits that can enhance learning outcomes and overall employee development. In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of using microlearning for employee training.
What is microlearning?
Microlearning is an approach to learning and training that involves delivering information in small, bite-sized units or modules from a few minutes to around 10 minutes in duration. The distinguishing feature of microlearning is its brevity and focused nature. It focuses on delivering specific and targeted content in a concise and easily digestible format. The content is often delivered in various formats, such as videos, interactive presentations, quizzes, infographics, podcasts, or short articles.
The principles of microlearning
In short, the principles of microlearning can be summarized as follows:
Bite-sized: Microlearning breaks down content into small, focused modules that are easily digestible and can be completed within a short timeframe.
Accessible: Microlearning is designed to be easily accessible to learners anytime and anywhere, often leveraging mobile devices and online platforms.
Engaging: Microlearning incorporates interactive and multimedia elements to engage learners and enhance their motivation and interest in the content.
Personalised: Microlearning allows for customisation and personalisation based on individual learner preferences, needs, and job roles.
Reinforcement: Microlearning utilises spaced repetition and reinforcement techniques to enhance knowledge retention over time.
Scalable and adaptable: Microlearning can be easily updated, modified, or expanded as needed, making it scalable and adaptable to changing content or training requirements.
With these principles, organisations can create effective microlearning experiences that maximise learning outcomes and engage employees in continuous skill development.
A few examples of microlearning
The below examples demonstrate the versatility of microlearning in delivering targeted and engaging content in various formats.
Skill demonstration videos:Short videos demonstrating specific skills or tasks can be created and shared with employees.
Interactive quizzes: These quizzes, developed to test knowledge on specific topics, can be completed in a few minutes and provide immediate feedback to the learners.
Infographics: Infographics present information in a concise and visually appealing manner, making it easy for learners to grasp and remember.
Podcast episodes: Employees can listen to these bite-sized podcast episodes during their commutes or breaks, enhancing their knowledge of various subjects.
Mini simulations: Interactive simulations can be developed to allow employees to practice specific tasks or decision-making scenarios in a controlled environment. These simulations provide hands-on experience and immediate feedback.
By utilising such microlearning approaches, organisations can enhance employee learning experiences and facilitate continuous skill development.
The benefits of microlearning for businesses
Microlearning has various benefits and each of these showcases the value of microlearning as an effective approach for employee training.
Time-efficient: Microlearning breaks down training content into bite-sized, focused modules that can be consumed in short periods. This makes it easier to fit learning into their busy schedules.
Engaging and interactive: Microlearning often utilises interactive elements such as videos, quizzes, simulations, and gamification techniques. These elements make the learning process more engaging, enjoyable, and memorable.
Mobile accessibility: Microlearning is highly compatible with mobile devices and employees can access training modules anytime, anywhere, allowing them to learn at their convenience.
Cost-effective: Microlearning can be a cost-effective training solution compared to traditional methods. Creating and updating small learning modules is often more efficient and less expensive than developing comprehensive training programmes.
The drawbacks of microlearning
While microlearning offers numerous benefits, it is important to consider its potential drawbacks as well. Here are a few drawbacks:
Lack of depth: Microlearning modules may provide a limited scope of information. Learners may not gain a comprehensive understanding of complex subjects or topics that require in-depth exploration.
Fragmented knowledge: The lack of integration between modules may make it challenging for learners to connect and apply the acquired knowledge effectively.
Limited context: Microlearning modules may not always provide sufficient context or real-world examples. This can make it difficult for learners to understand how to apply the learned concepts or skills in practical situations.
Potential for superficial learning: Due to the brevity of microlearning modules, there is a risk of surface-level or superficial learning where they complete modules without deeply understanding the underlying principles or concepts.
Technical limitations: Depending on the delivery platform or technology used, microlearning may have technical limitations. Issues with internet connectivity, compatibility across devices, or access to necessary resources can hinder the effectiveness of microlearning initiatives.
It’s important to address these drawbacks by carefully designing and implementing microlearning programmes that complement broader learning strategies. Combining microlearning with other forms of training can help mitigate some of these limitations and provide a more holistic learning experience.
Best practices for microlearning
To fully experience the benefits of microlearning, there are some best practices to consider in implementation:
Identify clear learning objectives: Clearly define the learning objectives for each microlearning module. This ensures that the content remains focused and aligned with the desired outcomes.
Chunk information effectively: Break down content into small, easily digestible units. Keep each module concise and focused on a single topic or skill to maximise learner engagement and retention.
Leverage multimedia: Utilise a variety of multimedia elements such as videos, interactive quizzes, animations, or infographics to make the learning experience more engaging and effective. Use visuals, audio, and interactive features to enhance understanding and retention.
Integrate with the learning ecosystem: Integrate microlearning modules with other learning resources and platforms, such as learning management systems (LMS), to create a cohesive and seamless learning experience for employees.
Evaluate and iterate: Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of microlearning initiatives through learner feedback, assessments, and analytics. Use this feedback to make improvements and iterate on the content and delivery strategies.
By following these best practices, organisations can ensure that their microlearning initiatives are well-designed, engaging, and aligned with the learning needs of their employees.
How can Alison help your employees with learning for free?
Alison offers a wide range of courses and resources for individuals to enhance their knowledge and skills. Here’s how Alison can help your employees with learning for free:
Extensive course catalogue: Alison has over 4500+ courses covering various subjects, including business, technology, health, languages, and more.
Free: Employees can enrol in courses without any cost, making it a cost-effective option for organisations seeking to provide learning opportunities to their workforce.
Flexibility and self-paced learning: Alison’s courses are self-paced, allowing employees to learn at their own convenience and fit learning into their schedules, making it suitable for remote or busy employees.
Certification and diplomas: Learners can earn certificates or diplomas. These credentials can serve as proof of their newly acquired skills and can enhance their resumes or professional profiles.
Specialisations and learning paths:Alison provides specialisations and learning paths that guide learners through a curated series of courses, enabling them to develop expertise in specific areas or pursue a structured learning journey.
Continuous learning opportunities: Alison encourages continuous learning by regularly updating its course offerings. Employees can access new courses or revisit existing ones to stay updated with the latest industry trends and developments.
By leveraging Alison’s free resources and courses, organisations can empower their employees to engage in continuous learning, acquire new skills, and enhance their professional development. It’s a cost-effective way to invest in employee growth and upskilling.
Microlearning has gained popularity in recent years due to its effectiveness in employee training. It offers several benefits that can enhance learning outcomes and overall employee development. In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of using microlearning for employee training.
What is microlearning?
Microlearning is an approach to learning and training that involves delivering information in small, bite-sized units or modules from a few minutes to around 10 minutes in duration. The distinguishing feature of microlearning is its brevity and focused nature. It focuses on delivering specific and targeted content in a concise and easily digestible format. The content is often delivered in various formats, such as videos, interactive presentations, quizzes, infographics, podcasts, or short articles.
The principles of microlearning
In short, the principles of microlearning can be summarized as follows:
Bite-sized: Microlearning breaks down content into small, focused modules that are easily digestible and can be completed within a short timeframe.
Accessible: Microlearning is designed to be easily accessible to learners anytime and anywhere, often leveraging mobile devices and online platforms.
Engaging: Microlearning incorporates interactive and multimedia elements to engage learners and enhance their motivation and interest in the content.
Personalised: Microlearning allows for customisation and personalisation based on individual learner preferences, needs, and job roles.
Reinforcement: Microlearning utilises spaced repetition and reinforcement techniques to enhance knowledge retention over time.
Scalable and adaptable: Microlearning can be easily updated, modified, or expanded as needed, making it scalable and adaptable to changing content or training requirements.
With these principles, organisations can create effective microlearning experiences that maximise learning outcomes and engage employees in continuous skill development.
A few examples of microlearning
The below examples demonstrate the versatility of microlearning in delivering targeted and engaging content in various formats.
Skill demonstration videos:Short videos demonstrating specific skills or tasks can be created and shared with employees.
Interactive quizzes: These quizzes, developed to test knowledge on specific topics, can be completed in a few minutes and provide immediate feedback to the learners.
Infographics: Infographics present information in a concise and visually appealing manner, making it easy for learners to grasp and remember.
Podcast episodes: Employees can listen to these bite-sized podcast episodes during their commutes or breaks, enhancing their knowledge of various subjects.
Mini simulations: Interactive simulations can be developed to allow employees to practice specific tasks or decision-making scenarios in a controlled environment. These simulations provide hands-on experience and immediate feedback.
By utilising such microlearning approaches, organisations can enhance employee learning experiences and facilitate continuous skill development.
The benefits of microlearning for businesses
Microlearning has various benefits and each of these showcases the value of microlearning as an effective approach for employee training.
Time-efficient: Microlearning breaks down training content into bite-sized, focused modules that can be consumed in short periods. This makes it easier to fit learning into their busy schedules.
Engaging and interactive: Microlearning often utilises interactive elements such as videos, quizzes, simulations, and gamification techniques. These elements make the learning process more engaging, enjoyable, and memorable.
Mobile accessibility: Microlearning is highly compatible with mobile devices and employees can access training modules anytime, anywhere, allowing them to learn at their convenience.
Cost-effective: Microlearning can be a cost-effective training solution compared to traditional methods. Creating and updating small learning modules is often more efficient and less expensive than developing comprehensive training programmes.
The drawbacks of microlearning
While microlearning offers numerous benefits, it is important to consider its potential drawbacks as well. Here are a few drawbacks:
Lack of depth: Microlearning modules may provide a limited scope of information. Learners may not gain a comprehensive understanding of complex subjects or topics that require in-depth exploration.
Fragmented knowledge: The lack of integration between modules may make it challenging for learners to connect and apply the acquired knowledge effectively.
Limited context: Microlearning modules may not always provide sufficient context or real-world examples. This can make it difficult for learners to understand how to apply the learned concepts or skills in practical situations.
Potential for superficial learning: Due to the brevity of microlearning modules, there is a risk of surface-level or superficial learning where they complete modules without deeply understanding the underlying principles or concepts.
Technical limitations: Depending on the delivery platform or technology used, microlearning may have technical limitations. Issues with internet connectivity, compatibility across devices, or access to necessary resources can hinder the effectiveness of microlearning initiatives.
It’s important to address these drawbacks by carefully designing and implementing microlearning programmes that complement broader learning strategies. Combining microlearning with other forms of training can help mitigate some of these limitations and provide a more holistic learning experience.
Best practices for microlearning
To fully experience the benefits of microlearning, there are some best practices to consider in implementation:
Identify clear learning objectives: Clearly define the learning objectives for each microlearning module. This ensures that the content remains focused and aligned with the desired outcomes.
Chunk information effectively: Break down content into small, easily digestible units. Keep each module concise and focused on a single topic or skill to maximise learner engagement and retention.
Leverage multimedia: Utilise a variety of multimedia elements such as videos, interactive quizzes, animations, or infographics to make the learning experience more engaging and effective. Use visuals, audio, and interactive features to enhance understanding and retention.
Integrate with the learning ecosystem: Integrate microlearning modules with other learning resources and platforms, such as learning management systems (LMS), to create a cohesive and seamless learning experience for employees.
Evaluate and iterate: Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of microlearning initiatives through learner feedback, assessments, and analytics. Use this feedback to make improvements and iterate on the content and delivery strategies.
By following these best practices, organisations can ensure that their microlearning initiatives are well-designed, engaging, and aligned with the learning needs of their employees.
How can Alison help your employees with learning for free?
Alison offers a wide range of courses and resources for individuals to enhance their knowledge and skills. Here’s how Alison can help your employees with learning for free:
Extensive course catalogue: Alison has over 4500+ courses covering various subjects, including business, technology, health, languages, and more.
Free: Employees can enrol in courses without any cost, making it a cost-effective option for organisations seeking to provide learning opportunities to their workforce.
Flexibility and self-paced learning: Alison’s courses are self-paced, allowing employees to learn at their own convenience and fit learning into their schedules, making it suitable for remote or busy employees.
Certification and diplomas: Learners can earn certificates or diplomas. These credentials can serve as proof of their newly acquired skills and can enhance their resumes or professional profiles.
Specialisations and learning paths:Alison provides specialisations and learning paths that guide learners through a curated series of courses, enabling them to develop expertise in specific areas or pursue a structured learning journey.
Continuous learning opportunities: Alison encourages continuous learning by regularly updating its course offerings. Employees can access new courses or revisit existing ones to stay updated with the latest industry trends and developments.
By leveraging Alison’s free resources and courses, organisations can empower their employees to engage in continuous learning, acquire new skills, and enhance their professional development. It’s a cost-effective way to invest in employee growth and upskilling.
When we slow the pace and cultivate stillness, there is the chance to see such things, or learn to identify bird songs. Perhaps we’ll get so connected that we can eventually discern the subtle difference in sound between a snake moving through the leaf litter and an Eastern towhee or another sparrow kicking it up, or a squirrel diving in head first.
Daily Word Challenge
Can you correctly use the word discern 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 discern 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.
In the past eight months since ChatGPT debuted, AI has gone from a futuristic concept saved for sci-fi plots to a catch-all term for any technology with extraordinary capabilities.
As a developer or code dabbler, you might be well aware that AI is a nuanced topic, and that there’s a difference between AI, machine learning, and deep learning. If you didn’t know, that’s also completely reasonable — even experts have a hard time agreeing on definitions for these terms.
Being able to distinguish between the different systems that often fall under the umbrella term of AI is more than just a flex to use when a conversation turns to the topic of AI. It’s a crucial step towards being an informed developer and thoughtful AI practitioner today. Here are the similarities and differences between AI, machine learning, and deep learning that you need to know about.
Learn something new for free
What is artificial intelligence?
It’s challenging to nail down a definition of artificial intelligence because it’s tough to define intelligence. AI is its own kind of intelligence: “AI refers to intentionally-constructed systems that interact dynamically with the world, typically driven by some kind of large data model,” says Ada Morse, Codecademy Instructional Designer in Data Science.
It’s easy to identify AI systems in our daily lives. Computer vision in a self-driving car detects objects and its surroundings so it can make decisions about where to go. A recommender system analyzes data about the TV shows you’ve streamed and produces suggestions for what to watch next. Virtual assistants like Alexa and Siri pick up the words you say and deliver a response.
A common misconception that people have about AI is that these systems and algorithms can understand, think, or reason. AI is trained to be really good at a particular thing we optimize it for, so it has a very specific type of “intelligence,” Ada says. “Human beings, while we can specialize in things and there are subjects we might be more naturally prone to, our intelligence is more general.” Whether or not an AI system could replicate the broad capabilities of human intelligence (often referred to as “artificial general intelligence” or AGI) remains to be seen.
That said, AI is not entirely artificial either, because several human decisions have to be made behind the scenes to make AI do what we want it to. “We often think that because it’s an algorithm it’s entirely artificial, and therefore somehow has the purity of mathematical knowledge, versus messy human decisions,” Ada says. “It’s really a combo, which is why ‘artificial intelligence’ is such a weird term.”
What is machine learning?
Machine learning is the process of algorithmically detecting patterns in datasets and constructing a model (accurate or inaccurate) of some aspects of reality. Machine learning algorithms are used to train computers to perform lots of tasks in our daily lives. For example, the autocorrect feature on your smartphone is a kind of machine learning called natural language processing, which predicts what words you intend to type next. Your bank likely uses machine learning to determine whether your credit card transactions are accurate or a sign of fraud. And your email inbox uses machine learning to determine which emails to flag as spam.
This chart shows the input and controls that make up an AI system. As you can see, it takes a combination of human decisions and labor, data, real-world input, and algorithms to build an AI system. Want to learn more? Click the chart to check out all of our AI courses and paths.
To recap: AI is an entire system that interacts dynamically with the world, and one component of an AI system might be a machine learning model or algorithm. But a machine learning model on its own doesn’t make up the entirety of an AI system. An AI system includes hardware and software inputs (like computer vision sensors) as well as human-defined controls and fine-tuning that determine how it learns from and interacts with the world. Some AI systems have even used non-machine learning models from fields like game theory.
Want to dig in and learn more about how to make the right machine learning choices? In our beginner-friendly path Machine Learning and AI Fundamentals, you’ll build a solid foundation in data literacy and Python and start writing practical code to solve data problems.
What is deep learning?
Deep learning is machine learning, where the algorithm is a structure called a neural network. Neural networks are also trained on datasets, and when they encounter novel situations or scenarios, they can make predictions based on that previous dataset. If you know some Python, NumPy, and machine learning basics, you can create a neural network in our path Build Deep Learning Models with Tensorflow.
The idea of “neural nets” that can replicate the behavior of neurons in the human brain was first introduced way back in 1944. Nowadays modern neuroscience casts doubt on the idea that perceptrons, the artificial models of biological neurons that simulate decision-making, are a proxy for biological neurons. Nevertheless, the analogy has stuck. Deep learning includes multiple layers of neural networks (hence why it’s called “deep”). Thanks to the advancement of high-speed processors, neural networks have the essential computational capabilities to seamlessly merge into our everyday human experiences.
AI refers to intentionally-constructed systems that interact dynamically with the world, typically driven by some kind of large data model.
Ada Morse
Codecademy Instructional Designer in Data Science
ChatGPT, for example, uses a complex deep learning model to predict what words come next and generate human-like text. In healthcare, deep learning models are used to detect abnormalities in medical scans and predict health outcomes. And even in gaming, deep learning is used to enhance graphics and develop non-player characters (NPC) that exist in a game but aren’t controlled by a human.
When we encounter deep learning in our daily lives the output is often so accurate and complex that it can seem convincingly human. “If you talk to some modern day practitioners of AI, they’ll sort of make the assumption that AI is identical to deep learning — in part because of this false analogy that neural networks are somehow doing something that’s closer to human intelligence than other algorithms,” Ada says.
So, why does this matter?
The difference between AI, machine learning, and deep learning goes beyond terminology. According to Ada, the way we utilize and integrate AI into our lives, as well as how we regulate it as a society, will become a critically significant issue in tech and the world in the years to come.
As a developer, you need to understand the limitations and risks of AI so you can thoughtfully choose the right AI solution for a product you’re building. By gaining a deeper understanding of how the AI tools you employ actually work, you can exercise a greater sense of responsibility in utilizing this technology.
To use a coding analogy: If you’re using a Python function without understanding its inner workings, it’s possible that you’ll misuse it and introduce bugs into your code. “It’s the same just on a bigger level for AI,” Ada says.
She withdrew from the team finals and did not compete in the individual all-around competition. Biles said at the time that she was shaking and unable to nap, describing herself as not being in the proper “head space” to continue and concerned with injuring herself. “It just sucks when you are fighting with your own head,” she said.
She remained determined, though, and on the final day of the gymnastics competition in Tokyo, Biles gathered her composure and with a modified routine won a bronze medal on the balance beam. “I wasn’t expecting to walk away with a medal,” she said at the time. “I was just going out there doing this for me.” She added: “To have one more opportunity to be at the Olympics meant the world to me.”
Daily Word Challenge
Can you correctly use the word composure 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 composure 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.
As a self-conscious recusant from the so-called prestige TV revolution, I take a certain knowing delight in telling people that the only show — broadcast or streaming — that I watch is “Skip and Shannon: Undisputed,” a daily morning talk program on FS1, Fox’s national sports channel.
“Undisputed” is not a name to conjure in the world of middlebrow television criticism. But for the 200,000 or so Americans who tune in each morning at 9:30 (6:30 in the Los Angeles studio where it is recorded), watching Skip Bayless and Shannon Sharpe debate sports — and, occasionally, with a candor rarely found in other forums, politics — is almost as important as drinking coffee.
Daily Word Challenge
Can you correctly use the word recusant 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 recusant 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.
By Marni Baker Stein, Chief Content Officer at Coursera
More than 10 new industry partners joined Coursera over the last year, further expanding our catalog of expert-taught courses that help learners prepare for the next step in their career journeys. This past quarter alone, new partners Akamai, Cisco, HRCI, and MedCerts each launched their first content on Coursera, all available to learners globally today. We’re excited to highlight the following job-relevant offerings from these industry leaders, designed to equip learners with tech, business, and healthcare skills.
Introducing entry-level certificates from Akamai and HRCI
Learners of all backgrounds – no college degree or prior industry experience required – can take an entry-level Professional Certificate on Coursera to prepare for an in-demand career within just a few months. Akamai and HRCI created the following entry-level programs, designed to help equip learners with key tech and business skills.
Customer Consulting and Support Professional Certificate from Akamai – Learners can complete this program in about six months with eight hours of learning per week. Upon completing all six courses, learners will be prepared for a career in customer consulting and support, having explored skills such as customer engagement and how to bridge gaps between technical and business requirements.
Network Engineering Professional Certificate from Akamai – This five-course program helps learners build the necessary skills to step into an entry-level network ops role. Designed to be completed in about five months with eight hours of learning per week, the certificate covers topics such as basic Linux, network concepts, database queries, Python scripting, and IT security fundamentals.
“Akamai is excited to be partnering with Coursera to offer a certificate program that provides opportunity for people who have passion and interest in a technical career,” said Aliyah Torrance, Director, Talent Acquisition at Akamai.
Human Resource Associate Professional Certificate from HR Certification Institute (HRCI) – Upon completion of this five-course program, learners will be ready to kickstart their HR careers. The certificate explores employee recruitment and onboarding, tools for employee engagement, core legal and ethical factors in HR, and how to create policies and procedures that align with organizational goals. It can be completed in about five months with six hours of learning per week and has been specially optimized for mobile.
“For 50 years, HRCI has been the premier credentialing organization for the human resource profession,” said Amy Dufrane, CEO of HRCI. “As such, HRCI understands what today’s emerging HR professionals are looking for—and what the industry demands of them. Through this partnership with Coursera, we are providing learners with access to the resources needed to take their careers to the next level.”
Expanding access to in-demand tech skills with Cisco
Two new Specializations from Cisco draw from its deep technical knowledge and are designed to help learners build beginner-level skills in the areas of network automation and cyber ops.
Network Automation Engineering Specialization from Cisco – This five-course Specialization can be completed in about three months with five hours of learning per week and explores concepts including the basics of NETCONF, RESTCONF, gNMI, and YANG modeling, plus how to script security topics with Ansible and Python.
Cybersecurity Operations Specialization from Cisco – This Specialization comprises seven courses and is designed to be completed in about three months with two hours of learning per week. It covers foundational topics such as network security, cryptography, and ethical hacking.
“As businesses accelerate digitalization, the need for skilled professionals in network automation and cybersecurity continues to grow,” said Par Merat, VP of Cisco Learning & Certifications. “We are excited to partner with Coursera to connect millions of learners worldwide with learning opportunities that foster these essential skills. Offering Cisco’s high-quality specializations on Coursera helps learners accelerate their journey towards a Cisco certification, advance their career, and gain the necessary skills to support their career goals in the future.”
Teaching learners critical healthcare education with MedCerts
Taught by allied health experts, the following two new Specializations from MedCerts teach fundamental, beginner-level healthcare skills.
Human Anatomy and Medical Terminology Fundamentals Specializationfrom MedCerts – By the end of this five-course Specialization, learners will have explored anatomical structures and terminology relevant to the human body. It can be completed in about four months with three hours of learning per week.
Medical Billing and Coding Fundamentals Specializationfrom MedCerts – This Specialization comprises three courses and can be completed in about four months with two hours of learning per week. It helps learners prepare for a career in medical billing, covering the language of insurance, revenue cycles, and more.
“Teaming up with Coursera gives MedCerts a global footprint that significantly expands our reach and visibility,” said Rafael Castañeda, SVP of Strategic Partnerships & Workforce Development at MedCerts. “We’re excited to offer our healthcare expertise to help Coursera offer an affordable and accessible catalog of healthcare Specializations that will drive interest into the allied health world for learners everywhere.”
The word petulance has appeared in seven articles on NYTimes.com in the past year, including on Sept. 5 in “John McEnroe Gets His Revenge” by Matthew Futterman:
He also brought to the court the petulance and nastiness, the relentless attacks on chair umpires and equipment that have become so integral to the modern game, whether it was Serena Williams threatening to shove a ball down a linesman’s throat during her 2009 U.S. Open semifinal against Kim Clijsters or Nick Kyrgios’s tireless tirades at Wimbledon this year.
The tennis gods blessed him with limitless talent. But they also saddled him with a mind prone to the anguish of tennis in a way that many top professionals now openly discuss. There have been therapists who have tried to help McEnroe explore that struggle, sometimes by his own choosing, sometimes at the direction of the legal system, with varying degrees of success, he said.
Daily Word Challenge
Can you correctly use the word petulance 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 petulance 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.
