Category: Brandpoint

2024-11-19T12:35:00

(BPT) – In an era of rapid technological advancement and evolving educational needs, teachers across the country are turning to open educational resources (OER) to transform their classrooms. These freely accessible, openly licensed materials are reshaping the landscape of education, offering a host of benefits that empower educators and engage students like never before.

In the K-12 landscape across the U.S., OER — which are free to use, customize, and share — have been growing in popularity over the past several years and have been adopted across many states around the country. In fact, a recent report by research organization Bay View Analytics found that awareness of OER among K-12 educators is at an all-time high (32%) — up 4% from last year — and 30% of teachers report using OER in their classrooms.

“We’ve seen a meaningful increase in awareness and use of open educational resources among K-12 educators over the years,” said Julia Seaman, director of research at Bay View Analytics. “In our view, OER usage is continuing to trend upwards.”

Five reasons why teachers are integrating OER into their teaching:

1. Free and Accessible

With shrinking budgets and rising textbook prices, OER provide a much-needed financial reprieve. Educators can adopt entire open textbooks, or they can modify, rearrange or mix and match desired materials to suit the educational goals and objectives of their classroom and district with well-developed content that’s highly engaging and easily accessible to their students.

“Michigan had the goal of developing an OER repository with enough quality resources so that any teacher at any point in the school year can come and find something to use the next day in class,” says Gina Loveless, Education Technology Manager with the Michigan Department of Education.

2. Customizable Content

Unlike traditional textbooks, OER allow teachers to tailor content to their students’ needs. “One of the things educators appreciate about OER is the ability to tailor the materials to meet the unique needs of their students,” said Rebecca M. Henderson, Ed.D., Student Services Administrator at Westmoreland Intermediate Unit in Pennsylvania. “With OER, teachers have the flexibility to use the resources as-is or modify them to create more engaging, personalized learning experiences for their classrooms.”

3. Collaborative Teaching and Learning

OER and the community around them foster a spirit of collaboration among educators. Because of the open nature and lack of copyright restrictions with OER, educators can share resources, exchange ideas, and build upon others’ work. The GoOpen National Network is one community of educators that collaborate on using OER to transform teaching practices and student learning.

4. Up-to-Date and Relevant Material

In rapidly evolving fields, the use of OER helps ensure that students have access to the most current information. “We truly value incorporating current, relevant materials that make learning more meaningful, while helping students develop essential 21st-century skills such as digital literacy, collaboration, and critical thinking,” said Amber Hoye, Co-Director of The Pathways Project, an OER network of educators and students.

Providers of OER, such as OpenStax, and OER libraries, such as OER Commons, contain a wealth of customizable resources that easily allow teachers to incorporate real-world examples and relevant updates into curriculum.

5. Enhanced Student Engagement

The interactive and multimedia nature of many OER materials captivates students in ways traditional textbooks cannot. “We know K-12 teachers need to find digital material that is adaptable, flexible, and engaging,” shared Kelly Arispe, Co-Director of The Pathways Project. “Open educational resources come in a lot of different forms, including activities that teachers can integrate into their curriculum to differentiate to students’ needs. With OER, our students see themselves better reflected in their learning materials and can learn at their own pace. Many of the activities we create allow students to practice as many times as they need, which is really important for skill mastery.”

As the educational landscape continues to evolve, using and creating OER is a powerful way for educators to create dynamic, personalized learning experiences. By embracing these resources, teachers are not only adapting to the changing needs of their students but are also playing a crucial role in shaping the future of education.

Educators can explore open educational resources to use in their classrooms by using the digital public library OER Commons, managed by ISKME (Institute for the Study of Knowledge Management in Education), and check out the Knowledge Is Meant to Be Shared YouTube channel to learn more about OER.

2024-11-19T09:01:00

(BPT) – Been to the dentist lately? If you’re like the majority of Americans without dental insurance, your answer might be a chagrined “well … no.” The likely culprit behind people putting off that visit is cost, according to the Dental Lifetime of Care study from Synchrony, a leading consumer financial services company. Conducted on behalf of Synchrony’s financial solution, CareCredit, a credit card used to purchase health and wellness products and services. The study found that out-of-pocket dental care can range from $51,000 for a single adult to more than $95,000 for a couple and family during a lifetime!

Cost is a factor that contributes to 92% of people without dental insurance delaying general dental care, according to the Synchrony study. It’s an understandable trade-off when you’re weighing a potentially expensive visit to the dentist you have to pay for out-of-pocket against paying your mortgage or buying groceries. But dental care is one thing you shouldn’t put off. Good oral health is an important key to good health, period.

If you don’t have dental insurance through your employer, CareCredit may be a financing option to consider. It’s a credit card that patients can use for products and services that aren’t covered by insurance, including dental, and is accepted at 80% of dental practices nationwide. CareCredit allows you to pay overtime for routine care and unexpected dental care, rather than in one big chunk, making it possible for people to visit the dentist more regularly. This could include care needed for a toothache, a cracked tooth, or swelling of your face and jaw, among other conditions.

Meanwhile, it’s essential to also take care of your teeth at home between those visits. Here are some ways to practice good oral health:

Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes at a time. That’s the magic number recommended by the American Dental Association. Brushing for two minutes removes 26% more plaque and food than brushing for shorter periods.

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. They’re gentler on your teeth and gums and they can actually clean your teeth better because they can nestle into tight spaces better than hard bristles can.

Use fluoride toothpaste. It’s tried and true for a reason. Fluoride helps reduce tooth decay.

Floss every day. It removes plaque and food debris from between your teeth and strengthens your gums.

Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Didn’t know staying hydrated helps your teeth? As you’re getting your eight glasses per day, you’re also rinsing away debris and food particles.

Limit sugary drinks and snacks. Love cookies? So does the bacteria in your mouth! Sugar fuels harmful bacteria, which produces acid that attacks the enamel on your teeth.

Don’t smoke. Among an ocean of other reasons, it’s a huge risk for gum disease and oral cancer.

See your dentist! All of these tips will help you maintain good oral hygiene between visits. So, even if you haven’t been to the dentist in a while (or longer than that) just go. They’ve seen it all and will be glad you came. So will you.

The CareCredit credit card is a convenient and reliable solution that offers financing options for qualified consumers to receive the care they want and need. Before moving forward with any treatment, check to see what financial assistance, health insurance, specialty savings accounts (Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts), provider payment plans and third-party financing may cover.

In addition to dental care, CareCredit can also be used for hearing, chiropractic, cosmetic procedures, vision, even pet care products and services not covered by your insurance. For more information, visit https://www.carecredit.com/.

2024-11-19T08:01:00

(BPT) – The journey from high school to college is exciting and exhilarating. To help guide your college-bound child on the road to college this fall — including navigating the costs — check out this infographic for tips from CollegeAve.com.

2024-11-19T07:01:00

(BPT) – You know those people who have their holiday shopping done before Thanksgiving? They have a secret tactic: A theme. One year, they get everyone cozy gifts like pajamas, slippers, soft throws, candles. The next it’s kitchen stuff. This year, one of the hottest trends in holiday giving is technology, and the gizmos and gadgets on the market right now are fun, highly useful and surprisingly affordable. Why not take a page from those efficient holiday shoppers and find something tech-tastic for everyone on your list?

Here are five hot ideas for trendy tech gifts that won’t break the bank.

The ultimate holiday bundle

Metro by T-Mobile is offering holiday bundles this year, and it doesn’t get any easier than this to surprise your family and friends with affordable high-tech gifts. Bring your phone number to Metro and get the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G and Samsung Galaxy Watch FE 40mm for only $99.99 when signing up for Metro Flex Plus and adding a smartwatch line. And, you can also score a Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 5G for $49.99 when adding a tablet line at Metro by T-Mobile.

That’s a phone, a smart watch and tablet, all in one place! Boom, shopping for your spouse or kids is done.

Tech accessory organizer

Working from anywhere is how we’re doing it these days, but it’s so easy to forget the cords, chargers and other accessories that make it possible. The Essential Tech Folio by Marks and Graham solves this frustrating problem beautifully. This sleek, leather organizer has room for your new Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 5G, a notebook, all of your cords and chargers, plus credit cards and keys. Pack it up and go!

Rate plans that keep on giving

What’s better than giving the gift of an upgrade to your loved one’s smartphone plan? At Metro, Metro Flex Plus customers get the best benefits in prepaid including an Amazon Prime membership (valued at $14.99/month) with fast, free delivery, nonstop streaming and exclusive member savings. Customers also get one-of-a-kind deals and freebies every week with T-Mobile Tuesdays, like discounts on Shell gas and $5 movie tickets; a free season-long subscription to MLB.TV and Scam Shield to identify and block spam and scam calls. And this is all on top of unlimited talk, text and 5G data on the nation’s fastest prepaid network.

Photo prints on the go

Does your teen have thousands of photos on their phone but zero prints of those photos? How about you? The Canon Ivy 2 Mini Photo Printer is a handy, fun way to instantly print your selfies and dog photos directly from your new Galaxy smartphone. It uses no ink — huh? — but instead has colorful dye-based crystals embedded inside the paper. The photos come with a peel-and-stick backing, so you can place them anywhere. This is a perfect party accessory!

Turn the TV into a work of art

With all of the money you’ll save with these affordable gifts, treat yourself to the Samsung Frame, which turns your blank TV screen into a work of art. Instead of just a black screen when you’re not watching it, the Frame cycles artwork masterpieces or your own photos. Look for sales on Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Technology gifts and gadgets are a fun, affordable way to surprise and delight your loved ones this holiday season, and get your shopping done quickly so you can relax and actually enjoy the festivities. To learn more about these offers and find a one-stop wireless gift shop near you, visit MetroByT-Mobile.com.

2024-11-19T08:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Pfizer

‘Tis the season when work and school are in full swing, the holidays are fast approaching — and all kinds of germs are invading your indoor get-togethers.¹ It’s easy to put your health on the back burner, but nobody wants to have their busy schedules — or the holiday cheer! — disrupted by illness this time of year.

Keeping a checklist of handy to-dos can help prevent your health from slipping to the bottom of your priorities and allow you to create a “no-brainer” family wellness routine.

Make healthy habits routine

Establishing regular sleeping and waking times, starting the day with a balanced, protein-rich breakfast, ensuring everyone has a water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day — these are all habits you can easily incorporate into your family’s daily schedule.^2-4

Make your own list based on these ideas, tailoring it to your family’s health needs and priorities. Keep it short and easy to understand, then post in a prominent place like your family digital calendar or fridge door as a helpful reminder.

Find ways to stay active

Get creative when it’s cold outside. You could hold family move-and-groove dance parties or explore indoor activity centers or community gyms nearby to keep your family moving. Consider turning an area of your home into a fitness station or active game zone.

When it’s not too frigid outside, bundle up and enjoy a nature walk together, or rediscover fall and winter sports — like snow tubing, skiing, skating, and more.

Take simple steps to help prevent illness

While you can’t avoid every respiratory virus that might be making its way around school or work, you can take steps to help keep them at bay. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), regular handwashing is one easy way to help cut down on the spread of viruses.⁵ The CDC also recommends staying home when you’re not feeling well or until your symptoms have improved and you no longer have a fever.⁶ You may want to encourage others to do the same, and put off get-togethers when someone in your group is feeling sick.⁶

This is also the perfect time to catch up on your family’s annual wellness visits. Ask your doctor about any vaccination that can help protect you from viruses like the flu and COVID-19 which can become severe if you’re infected, especially during the peak season for respiratory illnesses.^7-9

Why wait? Get treatment when you’re sick

If you start to feel sick and are stuck with a bad cough, fever, or body aches, don’t wait to contact your doctor — it could be COVID-19. There are factors that the CDC identifies as putting someone at high risk of getting very sick, so if COVID-19 strikes, act fast!¹⁰ Even mild symptoms can quickly become severe, which is why it’s important not to “wait it out.”¹¹

If you or a loved one are at high risk and start to notice symptoms or test positive, know that there are treatment options available and go ask your doctor if prescription medicine for COVID-19 may be right for you. Again, urgency is important as treatment needs to be started within days of getting sick.¹²

Don’t have a doctor? You can book an appointment to connect with one through a telehealth service of your choice. Book here and learn more at COVIDKnowAndGo.com.

While the holidays can get extraordinarily hectic, prioritizing your health with this checklist can help you and your family make the most of whatever the season brings.

© Pfizer Inc. All rights reserved. PP-C1D-USA-0992. November 2024.

Sources:

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. COVID-19 can surge throughout the year.
2. National Institutes of Health. Good Sleep for Good Health.
3. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Healthy Breakfasts.
4. National Institutes of Health. Hydrating for Health.
5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Handwashing.
6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Preventing Spread of Respiratory Viruses When You’re Sick.
7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Benefits of the Flu Vaccine.
8. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Benefits of Getting Vaccinated.
9. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Immunizations for Respiratory Viruses Prevention.
10. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. People with Certain Medical Conditions and COVID-19 Risk Factors.
11. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms of COVID-19.
12. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If You Get Sick with COVID-19, Antiviral Treatments Can Protect You Against Severe Illness.

2024-11-19T06:31:00

(BPT) – What do you enjoy most during the Holly Days? If you answered “festive eats” you’re not alone! Food brings people together and adds good cheer all around when you get to spend extra time with those near and dear.

For any holiday gathering large or small, be ready to amp up the fun — and flavor — with quick and easy appetizers you can whip up in no time at all. Using short-cuts from ready-made products like those from Farm Rich and a few creative add-ons, you’ve got an array of holiday apps ready for hungry kids, unexpected guests, holiday movie nights, late-night gift wrap marathons and more.

Here are 7 tasty ideas to get you started.

1. All about that dip

You can make any appetizer the star of the table with the right dips. Try jazzing up your Farm Rich favorites with this roasted jalapeno ranch recipe from TheTableofSpice cookbook author Sweta Patel. Her creamy dip adds a festive touch to popular eats like Buffalo Style Boneless Chicken Bites, Loaded Potato Skins and Jalapeno Peppers.

2. Kids’ fave

Need a super-easy holiday snack the kids will gobble up? These new Pepperoni Pizza Roll-Ups are easy for little hands to hold, and you can make as many as you need (since grown-ups will probably want to sneak a couple, too!). They might even make a savory snack for Santa. Now available at Walmart stores nationwide.

3. Perfect party finger foods

Did somebody say, “spinach artichoke dip?” For a more adult taste, try these new Spinach Artichoke Dip Bites, filled with a creamy blend of spinach and artichokes, mozzarella, cream cheese and Parmesan. Stock up for a quick holiday app to break out when guests stop by or bring to your next holiday party. (Be sure to pick up an extra carton or two just for yourself!)

4. That’s Italian!

Chef and cookbook author @TaraTeaspoon created this heartwarming meal, Italian Meatball Risoni, featuring frozen Italian Style Meatballs. “For this dish, I used Risoni, also known as orzo, and simmered it in a hearty tomato sauce with crisped pancetta, which turned into a delightful red pasta pilaf! The orzo pasta makes the perfect base for the meatballs and a super easy holiday dinner the whole family will love,” Tara explains.

5. Slow cooker deliciousness

Need another holiday meatball idea? These Pomegranate Glazed Meatballs are easy and elegant! Prepare in a slow cooker early in the day while you head to work or run errands and they’ll be ready to devour by evening.

6. Lights, camera, snack time!

“It’s a beaut, Clark!” Host a family holiday movie night and fill your table with a variety of holiday snacks and sweets. Feed everyone’s appetites while watching your favorite flick with a snack board loaded with tasty fun like Mozzarella Sticks, Potato Skins and Jalapeno Peppers, along with crackers, fruit, veggies and dips. Check out this inspo from influencer Gee Collins of TheGeeLife.

7. Holiday brunching

Forget the milk n’ cookies, make Santa this drool-worthy chocolate hazelnut board, a delectable idea from Nicole Sharmaine featuring French Toast Sticks. Add strawberries, peppermint, marshmallows and more for extra color and sweetness. A spread like this will also provide an extra incentive for little elves to help out on a marathon gift-wrapping day. Want another dish to dress up your brunch spread? Make Pumpkin Pie Bread Pudding as a breakfast casserole — it’s super easy to assemble the night before and heat up in the morning.

The holidays are already some of the busiest days of the year, so take it easy on yourself. Plan your food options early, stock up on Farm Rich, make fun recipes ahead of time and you’ll be ready for a delightful “Appy Holiday!” Check out more festive tips and recipes at FarmRich.com.

2024-11-19T08:01:00

(BPT) – Creating lunches for your kids every day can be challenging, but as the holiday season approaches, life can get even more hectic, making this daily task seem daunting. While the holiday season is a stressful and busy time of year, it’s still possible to assemble balanced, nutritious lunches your kids will eat — and actually enjoy.

What’s the key? Thinking of lunches as a group of easy-to-fix, easy-to-eat snack foods. The popularity of snack foods for kids’ lunches is growing because they are often completely eaten, and they can be a huge time saver during a busy season when parents need easy solutions.

Why snack lunches work

The appeal of snacks to fill your kids’ lunchboxes is understandable — you can quickly reach for an assortment of packable items, and easily arrange them in bento box-style reusable containers. Kids love them because they’re fun to eat, it’s easy for them to see what their options are, and those snack-type items are often the first things in the lunchbox they reach for.

How to turn snacks into a full, balanced meal

The key to making snacks into lunch is thinking outside your typical idea of “snacks,” which may conjure images of items with zero nutritional value and perhaps too much sugar, salt and preservatives. Instead, think of snacks simply as finger foods that can contain the right mix of nutrients and energy your kids need to fuel their busy days.

Here’s a quick guide of the food groups to include in your children’s snack lunches:

Whole grains/starches: Think beyond bread to include pita, flatbread, crackers, naan and bagels.

Protein-rich foods: Choose from meat sticks, string cheese, hard-boiled eggs and more.

Fruits: Consider fruits like berries that are easy to pack and eat, mandarin oranges/small tangerines or dried fruits.

Vegetables: Opt for options like baby carrots, broccoli florets and colorful bell pepper slices.

You can also find tasty and wholesome snack options that straddle more than one food group, like Nature’s Bakery bars, which combine whole grains and real fruit in their plant-based, nut-free, dairy-free, and Non-GMO certified snack bars. Kids — and parents — will love these soft-baked, tasty bars that are easy to pack in a lunch or to stow in your purse, briefcase, gym bag or glove compartment for a delicious snack option, any time. Their family-favorite Fig Bars are available in Original Fig, Blueberry, Raspberry, Strawberry, Apple Cinnamon and more — including gluten-free varieties.

“Nature’s Bakery bars are ideal for kids’ lunchboxes and your snack pantry,” said Registered Dietitian Sarah Remmer. “And you can rest assured knowing that their ingredients are plant-based, dairy-free and nut-free, making them wholesome and school-friendly for any child’s lunch kit.”

Snack lunch creation inspiration

Keep lunches interesting and varied by organizing your ingredients around a theme, and your kids will soon be eager to check out their lunchboxes each day just to see what tasty options await them. Here are three ideas to get you started:

1. Charcuterie boards aren’t just for grownups anymore

Create a kid-friendly charcuterie experience by compiling choices like tasty crackers, meats, cheeses, cucumber rounds, nut-free trail mix, Nature’s Bakery bars, chia pudding and berries.

Want to make a fully plant-based board? Opt for smoked tofu, tempeh strips, plant-based cheese, hummus, a variety of Nature’s Bakery snack bars, roasted chickpeas or edamame.

2. Travel to the Mediterranean

Invite conversations about global travel and cultures with a trip to the Mediterranean. You can combine options like mini naan bread, hummus, mini caprese salad skewers, a Nature’s Bakery Blueberry Fig Bar, fruit and dried chickpeas.

3. Fun finger food favorites

Choose easy-to-eat selections that you know your kids love, including things like edamame beans, seed butter and banana roll-ups, string cheese, a Nature’s Bakery bar plus mini carrots.

Balanced, snack-based lunches are a great way to navigate the holiday season’s busy schedule while keeping your kids nourished and satisfied. With a little creativity and the right ingredients, snack lunches can become your go-to lunchtime and snack time solution your kids (and you) will love.