Mediaboss Marketing

Library makerspaces offer community members the opportunity to tinker, design, experiment, and create with a range of technology in an informal learning space. However, because current makerspaces and maker tools are highly vision oriented, blind and visually impaired (BVI) people have limited access to these learning opportunities. A new project being led by JooYoung Seo, assistant professor in the School of Information Sciences (iSchool) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and Kyungwon Koh, associate professor in the iSchool and director of the CU Community Fab Lab, seeks to address this problem by creating accessible maker programs for BVI learners and developing training materials for librarians and maker professionals on accessible making. The researchers were recently awarded a three-year $498,638 National Leadership grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS grant LG-252360-OLS-22) for their project, Promoting Computational Thinking Skills for Blind and Visually Impaired Teens Through Accessible Library Makerspaces.

For the project, the iSchool and CU Community Fab Lab will partner with the American Printing House for the Blind, Young Adult Library Services Association, and Reaching Across Illinois Library System Makerspace Networking Group. The research also has received support from the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) and the Disability Resources and Educational Services (DRES) and Information Accessibility Design and Policy (IADP) program at the University of Illinois. Activities will include training maker professionals and conducting an accessibility status assessment, hosting a summer camp with BVI teens to co-design accessible maker curriculum, testing the developed accessible maker programs in four Illinois library makerspaces, and training library users who will benefit from a more inclusive and accessible makerspace.

Just as curb cuts help more than a person who uses a wheelchair, accessibility features added to maker tools and learning materials can make the system more usable by everyone, said Seo. The tangible making activities and integrated curricula in our project will bring the current maker movement a new insight into how we can broaden the participation of maker and STEM learning for underserved populations of diverse abilities.

The goal of the makerspace project is to not only enhance BVI learners computational thinking skills and STEM interests but also help librarians and maker professionals become more confident and capable when working with BVI populations.

This is one of the very few research projects conducted by, with, and for BVI learners, where their nonvisual approaches and sensory abilities, such as touching, hearing, smelling, and some remaining low vision, are utilized as a central asset in realizing the full potential of multi-modal maker learning, said Koh.

Kohs areas of expertise include digital youth, the maker movement, learning and community engagement through libraries, human information behavior, and competencies for information professionals. She holds an MS and PhD in library and information studies from Florida State University.

Seos research focuses on how to make computational literacy more accessible to people with dis/abilities using multimodal data representation. He is an RStudio double-certified data science instructor and accessibility expert who is certified by the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP). Seo earned his PhD from the Learning, Design, and Technology Program at Pennsylvania State University.

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.

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New project to explore the use of conversational AI in libraries - EurekAlert

You spent years training to become a dentist. After graduation, you probably worked for a dental clinic before opening your own practice. You spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on state-of-the-art equipmentnot to mention the nice reception area furnishingsand renting an office in a prime location. Then came the challenge of building your base of loyal patients. The skills that it takes to be an amazing dentist are quite different than the skills needed to be a great marketer or salesperson.

What can dental practice owners do to increase their profiles and attract new patients? Theres no single magic bullet, but it all comes down to one thing: branding. Unless they have a specific need, when people look for a new dentist, its challenging for them to differentiate between all the Google search results for local dentist.

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Of course, there are vast differences between practices, but its almost impossible to convey this to the public in the few minutes they spend online to search for a new dentist. The good news is that you dont need an MBA, nor do you need to break the bank, to become a proficient marketer and stand out in a crowded market.

Create a visual identity. Lets face it; many dentists logos and brochures are boring. But that doesnt mean yours should be! Rather than just having the name of your practice and a stock image on a white background, add elements that cut through the clutter. You can hire a professional graphic designer (I highly recommend this before you take a stab at Photoshop), or you can visit a site such as Fiverr and buy a range of logos quickly and inexpensively.

Get into the community. Just having an office in an area isnt enough to grow your roster of patients. Make sure that your brand is visible at local events such as farmers markets, fundraisers, churches, and networking groups like BNI.

Leverage your happy patients. More than 70% of online consumer decisions are guided by reviews and ratings. Make sure that you are incentivizing your patients to leave five-star reviews on sites like Yelp and Google.

Use stickers and signs to get your brand into the public consciousness. Even though so much of our time is spent online, theres no substitute for a physical connection. Along with the toothbrush, giving patients a memorable token like customized stickers from StickerYou that display your logo or image can drive brand recognition and value.

Double down on SEO. Because so many people search online for services, including dentistry, you need to ensure that your website and Google business pages are optimized for success. Make sure that you have the right keywords, hyperlinks, and other relevant information that will help guide people to your door. SEO experts can assist without you having to worry about Googles latest algorithm change.

Theres no single way to bolster your business. It takes time and patience to get people to choose you over other area practices. But by following some basic branding best practices, you can give yourself a clear advantage in even the most competitive marketplace. And because all the activities I listed here are relatively simple, you dont have to worry about losing focus on what matters most: keeping your patients healthy.

This article originally appeared inDE Weekend,the newsletter that willelevate your Sunday mornings with practical and innovative practice management and clinical content from experts across the field..Subscribe here.

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5 ways to enhance your brand and stand out in a crowd - DentistryIQ

When I first was outed at age 14, I realized I would have to learn how to navigate a world that didnt fully accept me. Part of that was figuring out how to access health care as a gay person and a minor at odds with his parents. Though my family knew of my sexuality, they didnt accept it.

Its especially hard for LGBTQ+ teens to receive adequate information about health care when their parents are often unable or unwilling to get them the support they may need. One study found that a third of the youth they sampled came out to their parents and were accepted, one third were rejected and the final third did not come out until their later teenage years and early 20s. Many teens delay coming out due to fears that their families wont accept them.

For health care providers to offer the best care they can, patients have to be open with them. This often includes being honest when talking about partners, the kinds of sex engaged in and what kind of protection was used. But, for this to happen, patients must also feel safe and comfortable in the presence of their doctor.

As a young gay man, I understood the importance of regular STI checks. In my search for a provider, I found myself in an office in rural South Carolina and waited hours for anyone to see me. Before the doctor made her way into my room, I heard her praying with the patient next door. It went on for about 15 minutes. And when she finally made it to me, she seemed uncomfortable at my honesty, confirming my worries that I didnt belong there.

Many LGBTQ+ youth continue to struggle to find safe and accepting health care providers while overcoming other barriers like a lack of insurance and transportation. The labor of finding safe spaces is placed entirely on the patient, with little accountability for providers that arent trained or prepared to work with them.

The stakes of getting this wrong are high. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2.6 million gay and bisexual students face significant disparities that put them at risk for negative health outcomes. LGTBQ+ youth are shown to have greater sexual health, physical safety and mental health risks compared to their straight and cisgender counterparts.

Health care providers must do better. Right now, the health care industry is foundationally unprepared to offer equitable health care to the LGBTQ+ community; the only way this reality will change is if providers invest in the necessary resources.

At the minimum, prospective patients should be able to easily see on a providers website, social media and office spaces that LGBTQ+ patients are welcome. It only takes five letters to make health care just a little more accessible. Providers must also work to ensure they have proper training. Resources from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services are available to help educate providers about the needs of LGBTQ+ patients.

If other LGBTQ+ people find themselves in the same boat I used to be in, its important to be honest, ask questions and acknowledge that access to appropriate health care is a basic right. We all deserve to be treated fairly. If a health care provider isnt accepting of our identities, for any reason, then they are not the provider for us.

Andrew Baldino is a freelance content writer and SEO specialist. He lives in coastal South Carolina.

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LGBTQ+ youth need inclusive health care - Alton Telegraph

Any physical activity that gets your heart beating a little faster is useful. If youve never tracked your heartbeat while exercising, it might be worth trying. For moderate exercise, the recommended target is roughly 50 to 70 percent of your bodys maximum heart rate. (To calculate your maximum heart rate, subtract your age from 220.) Many people will hit this target during a brisk walk, Dr. Lewis said.

Estimating your maximum heart rate can help you gauge how hard you should be walking, running or cycling. But its not perfect, since your natural heart rate during exercise may be higher or lower. Plus, the fitness levels and heart rates among people the same age can vary, and not all exercises raise your heart rate the same amount. Consider talking to your doctor before establishing your goals.

Just moving your body in some way is going to be helpful, Dr. Garber said. Thats a really important message.

Many people exercise with weight loss in mind, but merely increasing physical activity usually isnt effective. In a 2011 review of 14 published papers, scientists found that people with bigger bodies who did aerobic exercise for at least two hours a week lost an average of only 3.5 pounds over six months. And in a small 2018 clinical trial, women who did high-intensity circuit training three times a week didnt see significant weight loss after eight weeks. (They did, however, gain muscle.)

Exercise improves your overall health, and studies suggest that it has a larger effect on life expectancy than body type. Regardless of your size, exercise reduces your risk of heart disease, some kinds of cancer, depression, type 2 diabetes, anxiety and insomnia, said Beth Lewis, a sport and exercise physiologist at the University of Minnesota.

Ive always assumed that the healthiest exercisers work out almost every day, but research suggests otherwise. In a study published in July, researchers followed more than 350,000 healthy American adults for an average of over 10 years. They found that people who exercised at least 150 minutes a week, over one or two days, were no more likely to die for any reason than those who reached 150 minutes in shorter, more frequent bouts. Other studies by Dr. Lee and her colleagues have drawn similar conclusions.

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Four Fitness Facts to Fuel Your Workout - The New York Times

Each summer, the L.A. Times High School Insider provides a summer internship full of immersive professional learning opportunities. Young journalists from across the country experience the day-to-day life of a professional journalist. The program aims to teach students core journalism fundamentals and multimedia skills while exposing them to a professional work environment and mentorship at the Times.

HS Insider is hosting eight interns this summer who will pursue stories about their communities, local arts, news, mental health and more. In partnership with the Tony Ross Internship Fund and the Jack and Denny Smith Memorial Fund for Literacy, interns will write stories, produce videos and podcasts all published on latimes.com/hsinsider.

During the five-week-long virtual program, interns are immersed in intensive journalism training and are paired with editorial mentors who support their personal and professional development.

Photo courtesy of Delilah Brumer

Delilah Brumer is a rising senior at Daniel Pearl Magnet High School and the incoming Editor-in-Chief of the Pacemaker-winning Pearl Post. She has previously served as a staff writer, Social Media Editor, Opinion Editor and Online Editor-in-Chief. She has been on the Student Advisory Board of the Los Angeles Times High School Insider for the past two years. Last summer, she was an intern at Girls Life Magazine. She has won more than 30 local, state and national journalism awards. Her skills include WordPress, SEO, AP style, Adobe Indesign, DSLR photography, Canva, SNO, social media management, writing and copy editing. She likes to write news and features articles about education policy. She plans to pursue a career in investigative journalism. In her free time, Brumer loves to listen to indie rock music.

Photo courtesy of Pamela Garcia

Pamela Garcia is a graduate of John H. Francis Polytechnic High School where she wrote and served in various editors positions for her schools newspaper, The Poly Optimist. This fall, she will attend Cal State Northridge as a journalism major. In addition to written journalism, she also explored the realm of broadcast journalism through her high schools news show, The Poly 10. She likes writing opinion pieces about major social issues, and all things entertainment. In her free time, youll most likely find her at a concert, or at her desk trying to rank up on a video game.

Photo courtesy of Meera Hatangadi

Hello! My name is Meera Hatangadi and I am a recent graduate of Allen High School in Texas. I first became interested in journalism during my sophomore year of high school and have since been involved in journalism through my school newspaper, High School Insider, and various programs such as Wordshop and Media Ahead. I enjoy writing mainly features and opinion pieces that explore more underrepresented elements of my community. Outside of the journalistic sphere, I spend my time reading books, performing Bharatanatyam (an Indian classical dance), and learning to play the ukelele.

Photo courtesy of Frankie Smith

Hi, I am Frankie Smith and I am a rising senior at Notre Dame High School. At my school, I produce stories for my schools weekly news broadcast, Notre Dame Television Productions. I mainly create feature and news stories, my favorites being a spotlight on my competition cheer team, a trip to the farmers market where I interviewed some vendors, and Valentines Day cooking video. I am also an anchor for the show, helping to guide it and make it engaging for the audience. On my own, I have a blog called Life According to Frankie, geared towards teens. I love writing about lifestyle, fashion, food and wellness. One of my favorite parts of my blog is the social media accounts I run for it. It helps me express my eye for visual aesthetics and content creation.

Photo courtesy of Sriya Datla

Sriya Datla, a rising senior at El Camino Real Charter High School, serves as a Student Advisory Board Member at LA Times HS Insider. Sriya explores the intersection between the STEM field and journalism, connecting her passion for the two fields by sharing her stories and experiences through her Youth in STEMpodcast. She enjoys listening to and making podcasts, aspiring to bridge the divide between the STEM field and journalism. She also advocates for mental health through Active Minds, a nonprofit organization, and writes opinion stories to empower young adults to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and create communities of support. In her free time, you can find Sriya in her Taekwondo studio as a 3rd Degree Black Belt!

Photo courtesy of Camila Aguero-Salas

Camila Salas is a recent graduate of Don Antonio Lugo High School where she reported for her school website, DAL Quest News, for two years. She has also published stories for the HS Insider. She is a commentary writer and enjoys diving into issues that pertain to social justice and young activism. As a queer and Latinx woman, she hopes to use her voice to elevate other voices in underrepresented communities. In her free time, she enjoys dancing and was part of her school Hip Hop Team for three years.

(Photo courtesy of Sungjoo Yoon)

Hi! Im Sungjoo. Im a rising senior at Burbank Senior High School in Burbank, California and Im interested in all things related to journalism! After serving as the Editor-in-Chief of The Burbank Bulldog, my school newspaper, I began writing opinion pieces (my preferred vice) independently and have since been published in publications like the New York Times, Salt Lake Tribune, and of course, HS Insider. One other area of interest / fun fact about me would be that I am a reigning national high school debate champion, and I also love reading political theory.

Valeria Macias is a recent graduate from South Gate High School where she served as Editor-in-Chief for two years at their school newspaper, The Rambler. Aside from journalism, she spent most of her time in high school leading the Varsity Tennis team and aiding in several different clubs and organizations, such as peer college counseling, school site council, yearbook and the HSI Student Advisory Board.

This fall she will be attending USC, majoring in journalism and looking to pursue a minor in political science or sports administration. Most of her writing pieces dive deeper into her community and city news where she hopes to be a voice for people who are misrepresented in the media.

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Meet the 2022 summer interns - Los Angeles Times