Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2023-08-08T07:45:00

(BPT) – Being a parent means fostering the attributes children need to succeed in life. The aim is to create humans who will be a benefit to society, exemplifying strong character, morals, intelligence, confidence and more. That’s why it’s important to be intentional with what children are taught from a young age, beginning in early childhood education programs.

According to a survey of parents with children ages 0-6 conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care, parents prioritize learning soft skills and social issues in early childhood education over subjects like math, history, geography and science. Parents are looking for a well-rounded experience that isn’t necessarily aimed at teaching the common subjects that come to mind when thinking about “school” in general.

Instead, parents are more likely to want to narrow in on “outcomes” that will propel their children forward in areas that will help them become successful adults.

So what are the key outcomes parents should look for when choosing an early childhood education program? Experts at Kiddie Academy say the outcomes of character, confidence, curiosity, connection, critical thinking and creative expression are the most important.

“When we concentrate on building skills to benefit children for life, especially at a young age, we aren’t solely focused on teaching domains of education that increase subject knowledge, but instead on building a developmental base that will form the foundation for future education,” said Ocie Watson-Thompson, Ed.D, at Towson University and Kiddie Academy curriculum advisory board member.

For children of preschool age, focusing on the outcomes of hands-on, play-based experiences is key. Social-emotional development is another result of early childhood education that should not be overlooked. Everything a child learns in a child care program should build a developmental foundation.

According to NAEYC, early math, for example, is not about the rote learning of discrete facts like how much 5 + 7 equals or worksheets with one correct answer. Rather, it’s about children actively making sense of the world around them and using open-ended playful exploration to encourage children to solve problems in real situations. In this case, the outcome of critical thinking is built around subtle mathematical principles, providing the foundation for learning more complex concepts as children grow.

Other outcomes like confidence, connection and creative expression are built by helping children recognize their strengths and abilities, fostering positive relationships with peers and adults, and through imaginative crafts and play. It’s a building-block concept. Each outcome is the first block in what will eventually grow into a fully developed and sturdy tower.

Parents today find it more important for children to learn practical life skills over traditional academics in the early childhood development years, according to the aforementioned survey. And it appears they’re on to something. Focusing on the practical outcomes a child can learn in their early years can make all the difference in kickstarting a lifetime of learning.

2023-08-08T07:01:00

(BPT) – An A+ school year starts with Scotch™ Brand! Read on for the many uses for Scotch^® Brand Tape.

2023-08-08T04:01:00

(BPT) – When back-to-school time rolls around, it’s always a scramble to make lunches and weeknight meals that are tasty, nutritious, and that don’t take hours in the kitchen. If you find it challenging to adjust to fall schedules and mealtimes, you’ll be happy to know there are ways to make lunches and dinners a lot easier.

Here are tips and tools to keep things simple — and even fun — when it comes to feeding your family.

Simplify meal planning and shopping

To make your job easier, stick with what you know — and what everyone likes. List your family’s favorites, including dishes you enjoy making, then rotate those meals over 1-2 weeks. Develop your shopping list based on this meal roster and use the same basic list each week, taking a quick look to see if you’re running out of anything faster than expected.

The bento-box approach

There’s a reason bento boxes, created in Japan, are so popular in the U.S. Separate compartments make sense, whether lunches contain items you don’t want mixing (like crunchy and wet ingredients), and for kids particular about separating foods. They’re handy for school-day lunches, after-school snacks or any time kids need to eat on-the-go — plus prepping meals ahead and saving leftovers.

A great way to organize, store and transport meals, the GoodCook EveryWare Lunch Bento Box features different size configurations and individual compartments for various entrees and snacks. Adults and kids alike will appreciate that their food is kept safe from spillage while lids are secure, and they will especially enjoy the removable tray with two additional compartments for snacks, sides or even dessert.

Designed to hold an entire meal or up to five different dishes in one easy-to-transport container, the containers are also microwave safe, so they’re essential for hot meals on the go and they’re freezer safe for long-term storage. When the containers are empty, cleanup is a snap since they are dishwasher safe — so they will always be ready to refill for another lunch!

Involve kids in their lunch prep

The EveryWare Lunch containers also help children independently pack their own lunches and snacks. Perfectly portioned for kids’ meals, the split design that stores different contents in one is a must for picky eaters. The colorful turquoise lid adds a playful design touch that appeals to children, encouraging them to try new, equally colorful foods.

Built for lunching, the EveryWare Lunch Cube is perfect for lunch on the go, with two compartments, plus a removable sandwich tray. The containers can be used with or without their trays — making them even more versatile for all kinds of lunch options. Plus, as a set of three containers, it’s easy to prep ahead. Not just for lunch, the square containers allow for kids to get involved with the family’s meal prep routine — or even to learn how to pack leftovers in meal-sized portions for simple reheating on busy school nights.

Transform sheet pan dinners into adaptable meals

If you love cooking meals in one pan to save on time and dirty dishes but you don’t always want to cook everything together, a divided sheet pan is the answer. The GoodCook BestBake MultiMeal 3-in-1 Divided Pan is an innovative solution, allowing you to cook three meal components at once — or mix and match in any way that suits you and your family’s preferences.

You can easily plan when to put each component in the oven depending on cook times without worrying about foods (or flavors) getting mixed up. For example, toss chicken in one compartment and cook until almost done, then add green beans to another compartment and finish everything at once.

The multiple compartments also create more edges, which is great for baking anything that needs crisping. With more edges you’ll get more of that delicious crunch with desserts like brownies. You can also simplify meal prep by cooking separate items, then portion for grab-and-go meals later.

Optimize your fridge and freezer

Maximize food storage by developing a system to tell which foods need to be used first. Date all pre-prepped ingredients, meals or leftovers, and place items that need to be used first in a prominent location. Fortunately, the EveryWare Lunch containers can be used in the fridge, freezer or microwave.

These tips can help take some of the stress out of back-to-school meal prep this year, so you can focus on what’s really important — spending time with your family.

Find more helpful kitchen tools, tips and recipes at GoodCook.com.

2023-08-04T07:01:00

(BPT) – Mars, Incorporated and its family of brands for people and pets is in the business of helping create long-term happiness for you and your furry friends. From packing your pet’s favorite food to finding high-quality veterinary care, here’s how to make taking your best friend on the road safer and easier this summer.

A survey from CESAR^®, proudly part of the Mars family of brands, found that taking our dogs to work can provide mood-boosting benefits like increasing happiness (58%) and relieving anxiety or stress (57%). But do those benefits extend to taking your pet along on vacation?

Traveling with our dogs and cats is a tempting idea: It means we get more quality time together, can make amazing memories with them, AND we don’t have to worry about leaving them behind.

But just like your own vacation planning, travel with pets should come with a few considerations and careful preparation. While you will undoubtedly create unforgettable memories with your pet, there is always a chance pets might get hurt or sick, be uncomfortable or even get distressed in unfamiliar surroundings.

Thankfully, you can prep for travel that helps keep everyone (two- and four-legged friends included) content with these six expert-backed tips from the pet-loving professionals at Mars. We even created a helpful timeline, so you know where to start. Bark voyage!

Before you book: Find a pet-friendly home away from home

It’s easier than ever to find accommodations that will cater to your pet’s vacation wish list — so find the best. Look for hotels and resorts like the more than 5,000 Hilton pet-friendly hotels across the U.S. and Canada that offer unique pet-pampering amenities to ensure their vacay is as luxurious as yours. Hilton partners with Mars to offer pet-owning guests extra peace of mind with access to expert-sourced pet health, wellness, and behavioral support resources courtesy of the Mars Pet On-Demand program.

A few months before: Practice makes perfect

We all can feel out of place when we’re away from home. Same goes for pets. They might face new situations they aren’t familiar with, like taking elevators or being on loud city streets. As much as possible, practice new situations in advance to help ease transitions. Before hitting the road, make sure your pet is comfortable in the car. Carefully observe them and consult your veterinarian on safe options if they show any signs of motion sickness, anxiety or discomfort, which can include gagging, vomiting, drooling and excessive panting. If you’re planning to take your pet on a plane, talk to your veterinary team about behavior, safety and health concerns, so they can advise on a tailored solution for your pet. Also speak with your veterinarian about whether a health certificate might be needed for your pet — for traveling, boarding or staying in hotels.

A few months before: Manage medical care

Just like human health care, keeping up with our pet’s veterinary appointments can get away from us during the busyness of everyday life. With a trip around the corner, book a pre-departure visit to your veterinarian to consult on whether your pet’s health status and temperament are well-suited for travel. Banfield Pet Hospital — the leading provider of preventive veterinary care in the U.S. and part of the Mars Veterinary Health family of veterinary practices — recommends using this opportunity to ensure your pet is microchipped and up to date on vaccines, parasite prevention and other preventive care to help decrease the risk of disease transmission while visiting new places. Different locations may carry different risks — your veterinarian can share what to watch out for.

A week before: Pack with a plan — and well ahead of time

Packing a separate bag with all your pet’s supplies will make it easier to find what you need on the go. Plus, having their favorite toys and blankets can bring them comfort in unfamiliar environments — so long as they aren’t prone to chewing or eating items they aren’t supposed to. Mars is taking the guesswork out of packing by sharing a free packing list from BETTER CITIES FOR PETS™, a program that celebrates and supports cities that strive to be pet-friendly.

Before departure: Locate a local emergency veterinarian BEFORE you need one

Scope out emergency veterinarians in the area you’ll be traveling and bookmark their phone number for easy access. Your regular veterinarian may even be able to help with recommendations. BluePearl Pet Hospital and VCA Animal Hospitals, also part of the Mars Veterinary Health family, offer emergency services to support your pet no matter where you are. The last thing you want to do when you’re dealing with a sick or injured pet is scramble to find a reputable emergency veterinary clinic. And don’t forget to bring copies of your most recent medical records in case they’re needed.

During your trip: Stick to a regular meal schedule

Stick with your pet’s regular feeding routines while traveling to avoid upsetting their schedule — or stomach. Bring your regular healthy treats along, like ones from GREENIES™, TEMPTATIONS™ or PEDIGREE^®, and even if you’re indulging on vacation, avoid giving them minibar snacks and table scraps as some human food can be unsafe for pets, especially if they’re already a bit stressed from travel and the new environment.

2023-08-02T08:01:00

(BPT) – Water is crucial to your life in so many ways. You drink water, bathe in it, use it for preparing and cooking food, plus washing the clothes you wear each day. In fact, about 60% of your body is water, so it’s not surprising that water often becomes a top focus when you’re looking for ways to improve your health.

If you’re concerned about the water you drink and use in your home, you’re not alone. Frequent news stories report problems around the country involving lead, chemicals or other impurities found in tap water. You may have heard about hard and soft water and wondered what kind your house has, and what problems could arise due to hard water. And even if you think your drinking water tastes fine, how can you really know that it’s safe and healthy for your family?

Here are ways you can use smart technology to improve your home’s water for a healthier lifestyle — while also conserving water to help the planet and keep expenses down.

Know your water

It’s important to know whether your water has unsafe levels of contaminants^[1], including viruses or bacteria, that could potentially harm your family. In addition, if you have hard water (containing high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium), this can affect the health and condition of your hair and skin, plus how well your clothes are washed and how they feel against your skin.

Hard water reduces the effectiveness of soaps and detergents and also leaves residue, making your skin and hair dull and dry. Hard water minerals can also build up in your pipes and water-using appliances, causing problems down the road. These issues may cause water-using appliances to be less efficient and need repair/replacement more often. Switching to soft water can resolve these problems, and result in a 50% decrease in purchases of soap, lotion and detergent.

It is impossible to know what’s in your water without getting it tested. Water industry trailblazer Culligan Water makes it easy to test your water for everything from heavy metals, chemical compounds and minerals to its pH level, harmful bacteria and viruses, or other microorganisms. Testing will help determine if your home would benefit from a whole-house water filtration system, a reverse osmosis system (a more comprehensive filtration system focused on drinking water) and/or a water softener to improve its quality and cleanliness.

Use smart water service features

Culligan has evolved to provide the latest technology to meet consumer needs since it was founded 85 years ago. Innovative products such as smart water softeners and filtration systems can connect to your home’s Wi-Fi network to help you optimize these services remotely using a smartphone app. These smart systems monitor water quality and usage while making it easy to stay on top of needed maintenance and timely filter replacements to help keep your water in great condition, every day. You can also prevent water damage from other nearby appliances and save on water bills by using their smart leak detection accessories.

Find answers to your water questions

If you have any questions about water, you can now chat with the first-ever AI WaterBot, Cullie — the latest technological innovation from Culligan that uses ChatGPT conversational capabilities to answer your questions, providing 24/7 educational support about everything water-related and helping you connect with a Culligan service representative when you need more information.

Cullie takes service to the next level by answering any questions you may have about water to make sure you have the best quality water possible for your family.

Opt for smart appliances

Another way to help conserve water — while also ensuring that the appliances you rely on will last longer — is to choose smart dishwashers, clothes washers and water heaters when you’re in the market for new units. Smart appliances allow you to better control how they work, ensuring that the dishes you eat from and the clothes you wear every day are properly cleaned and sanitized for optimal health. Smart water heaters make it easier to control the maximum water temperature, which saves on energy bills and helps prevent burns from overly hot water — an important safety feature if you have children in your home.

Using the latest smart technology can help your family by efficiently and effectively improving your water while also providing peace of mind. Visit Culligan.com/Cullie to get started today.

2023-08-02T09:01:00

(BPT) – There’s something unique about the relaxing, warm days of summer — they make you want to relive your most joyful moments from childhood, and to share those moments with the ones you love. What could be better than enjoying nostalgic, tasty confections with your family on a warm, breezy summer night? Picture it: making s’mores over a fire with your kids or cooling off after a long day at the pool with a frozen dessert.

Fortunately, Chocolove has your sweet tooth covered, along with ideas for taking a trip or two down memory lane as you savor precious moments with family and friends. Even better, Chocolove chocolate is made with traceable cocoa beans and Rainforest Alliance Certified, meaning the chocolate is sourced using methods that support social, economic and environmental sustainability, as well as Non GMO Project Verified.

Here are a few ideas for cherishing special time with loved ones this summer.

Take your s’mores to a whole new level

As you gather around the fire pit on a balmy summer evening, choose Chocolove for the most mouthwatering s’mores you’ve ever tasted. To upgrade that classic chocolate flavor, reach for Chocolove’s Milk Chocolate Bar that offers creamy Belgian milk chocolate. With 33% cocoa, this bar delivers sweetness complemented by creaminess and caramel-like flavors. For dark chocolate lovers, choose Chocolove’s Strong Dark Chocolate Bar, an intense, well-rounded chocolate with 77% cocoa. With a smooth and pleasant finish, it’s perfect for sandwiching in between a toasted marshmallow and your favorite cracker.

Find a sweet way to stay cool

Nothing says the “good old days” like ice cream, but no serving is complete without toppings! With more than 60 flavors to choose from, Chocolove bars are the perfect way to jazz up your ice cream. Just break off a few squares, chop into chunks or shave a sprinkle on top to give your frozen treat an added something special. Whether you reach for Almonds & Sea Salt in Dark Chocolate, a Toffee & Almonds in Milk Chocolate, or opt for a more unexpected, fruity flavor with Ruby Chocolate, you won’t be disappointed. (TIP: Try popping a Ruby Chocolate bar in the freezer — it makes for a refreshing experience, even without the ice cream!)

Make your own ice cream

If you like s’mores and ice cream, try this easy-to-make S’mores Ice Cream recipe:

• 2 Cups of Heavy Cream
• 3 Tablespoons of Sugar
• 3 Tablespoons of Vanilla Extract
• Pinch of Salt
• Chocolove Extreme 88% Dark Chocolate Bar – Chopped
• Mini Marshmallows – Flash Broiled

Add all ingredients to a large mason jar or a stand mixer. Shake or mix until mixture of ingredients doubles in size (approximately 5 minutes). Freeze for 3 hours. Then share it with someone you love!

For any type of summer treat choose love; Chocolove. Find Chocolove at major retailers nationwide, including Whole Foods Market, Safeway, Kroger, Walmart and Sprouts, and at Chocolove.com.

2023-07-28T08:01:00

(BPT) – As the new academic year approaches, there’s an undeniable excitement in the air. Yet, beneath this anticipation lies a pressing challenge for many schools across the nation — a continued shortage of educators.

You may not know it, but you can play a crucial role in addressing this issue by stepping into the role of a substitute educator. Kelly Education®, one of the nation’s most trusted sources for educational workforce solutions, can help.

Beyond the traditional role of a substitute teacher, you can make a difference in our educational system in numerous other ways. You can consider roles from tutor, paraeducator and instructional assistant to food service, custodial and administrative positions. Each job holds a unique value, and every contribution plays a vital part in creating an enriching educational environment for young learners.

The thought of becoming a substitute teacher may seem daunting, especially if you do not have an education degree or previous experience in a classroom setting. But let’s set the record straight: these may not be prerequisites. What truly matters is your passion for nurturing potential and fostering a love for learning in students.

Now, let’s debunk some common myths and shed light on why more people are joining the ranks of substitute teaching and enjoying this rewarding opportunity.

Myth: Training to become a substitute educator comes at a cost.

Fact: Kelly Education offers free training for potential substitute teachers. Regardless of your prior experience in a school setting, you’ll be provided with all the necessary tools to hit the ground running from day one. Substitute educator training aims to equip you with knowledge, tactics and skills essential for thriving in a classroom environment and enhancing student learning. Plus, you’ll receive compensation for post-hire orientation on district-specific policies and procedures.

Myth: Substitute educators are only entitled to a few benefits.

Fact: As a Kelly Education substitute educator, you can enjoy weekly pay with direct deposit, a 401(k) plan, insurance benefits and a service bonus plan that includes employee recognition programs such as Substitute Teacher of the Year.

Myth: Substitute educators have limited opportunities for ongoing education.

Fact: Free post-hire online professional development modules designed specifically for substitute teachers are available. The Kelly Learning Center, an online training portal, offers over 6,000 voluntary, self-paced or facilitated career development courses and access to more than 55,000 e-books and publications — all at no charge for employees.

Myth: Substitute educators must adhere to an unfavorable schedule.

Fact: You have complete control over when, where and what grade levels you wish to work with. Substitute teaching allows you to make a meaningful impact and is tailored to fit your schedule. Create a work schedule that aligns with your lifestyle and priorities, ensuring you never miss out on what truly matters in your life.

Embrace the chance to inspire, motivate and educate the leaders of tomorrow. Join the ranks of substitute teachers today, and together, we can make a lasting impact on students’ lives across the U.S. Visit TeachKidsNow.com to learn more and begin your journey toward making a positive difference in your community.

2023-07-27T13:55:00

(BPT) – It’s time to change up your routines again for getting back to school — are you and your family ready? The biggest challenge can be the shift from looser summer schedules to the many expectations and activities that come with each new school year.

If you’re looking for better ways to keep your family’s routines running like clockwork, here are tips to help set everyone up for a smooth transition from summer to school mode.

Hold weekly meetings

If you don’t already have a set time for family meetings, try a time like Sunday after dinner to meet and discuss anything coming up that week. Are there appointments, events or deadlines everyone needs to know about? Any fun outings or get-togethers planned? Make sure the whole family is up to speed on the upcoming week, and you won’t have surprises like bake sales you didn’t prep for or unexpected birthday parties.

Leverage smart home technology

Between managing new schedules, coordinating after school activities, and keeping track of who’s coming and going, back to school is a hectic time for families. Make life easier by installing this new clever smart home device — the myQ Smart Garage^® Video Keypad. A cross between a video doorbell and a garage keypad, the myQ Video Keypad lets you SEE and CONTROL who opens your home’s busiest entryway — the garage (more than 70% of U.S. homes with attached garages use the garage door as the primary entry point for family and friends). It’s an easy to install, valuable smart home product that lets busy families keep track of daily traffic in and out of the garage.

Kids aren’t always great about checking in, but with a myQ Video Keypad you get peace of mind seeing your kids arrived home safely. It works with the highly rated myQ app so you can keep track of kids coming and going — anytime, from anywhere. And, unlike most cameras that only let you monitor your home, the myQ Video Keypad lets you manage and control who you let in (dog walker, service provider). With the myQ app you can easily create and manage personalized PIN codes and set limits on days and times codes can be used.

If you purchase a myQ Smart Garage Video Keypad in August you will be automatically entered to win the myQ Back-to-School Survival Kit, which includes a myQ smart garage door opener, myQ Smart Garage Camera, Amazon and Walmart gift cards, an iPad and a backpack. Learn more at myQ.com.

Write down your routines

It’s hard for children to follow a new morning or evening routine consistently when they can’t remember what it is, especially when a lot has changed from last year.

For each new school year, write down the schedule for each child’s wake-up and bedtime, plus any chores or activities you expect them to follow, depending on their age and unique schedule. This may include regular hygiene practices like brushing teeth and bathing, as well as homework time and free play time. Writing everything down clearly and posting in an accessible place helps your kids get used to their new routine, so everyone stays on time.

Use pictures to reinforce good habits

For any age, but especially for younger children, visual reminders can also help when setting expectations around things like chores. For example, take a picture of a child’s room when it’s clean, then post it near their door so they know what to aim for when it’s time to clean their room again.

Make sure it’s not unrealistic, but straightforward in terms of expectations — with a short list to match the picture, such as: a floor cleared of toys, dirty clothes in a hamper and the bed made.

Color code everything

If you have two or more kids, you know it can be difficult to keep tabs on which homework or notes from school should go in which backpack.

To solve this problem, have each child pick a color at the beginning of the school year, then make sure that color is prominent in all their school-related belongings such as backpacks, lunch boxes, etc. You can then use consistently color-coded folders for each child’s homework and school notes, colored markers for their additions to the family calendar and any other ways you organize items for each child.

Change can be challenging for children of any age, so using these tips should help make the transition to getting back to your school routines a lot easier, for you and for your kids.

2023-07-27T23:01:00

(BPT) – Heading into the spending-heavy summer holiday season, and in a year where inflation concerns are high, affording food is harder than ever before. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the cost of food items has risen by 7.7% over the past 12 months. While this affects everyone, it is especially difficult for those who have trouble affording and accessing basic necessities.

Many people who struggle with food insecurity also live in food deserts. In these areas, there is little to no access to healthy food options, especially fresh fruits and vegetables. For the millions of Americans relying on SNAP/EBT (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Electronic Benefit Transfer), especially those living in food deserts, accessing nearby affordable fresh food that also accepts SNAP/EBT as a payment method can be a challenge.

While there’s no silver bullet to fixing food insecurity and access issues, companies like DoorDash are introducing products and partnerships to improve food access for all.

Expanding access to affordable food

Since its inception, DoorDash has been on a mission to grow and empower local economies and expand food access through innovative, affordable offerings. As part of this commitment, DoorDash has partnered with and will now accept SNAP/EBT payments on the platform with top grocers, including ALDI, Albertsons, Safeway, Meijer and participating 7-Eleven^® stores, for same-day online delivery from nearly 4,100 grocery and convenience locations nationwide.

Facilitating local delivery can have a transformational impact on food access. The ability to use SNAP/EBT payments to power food delivery can profoundly impact the high rates of food insecurity by connecting families and communities to essential items. Combined, these two initiatives can help SNAP/EBT recipients easily access thousands of grocery and convenience stores at affordable prices on the DoorDash platform.

Why delivery and why now?

More than 2.3 million people live in USDA-defined food deserts and over 4.3 million people live in communities where over 1 in 10 households receive SNAP/EBT benefits, according to data compiled by DoorDash.* With so many people struggling to afford food or even find places to buy food, same-day grocery food delivery could make a huge difference.

“The rise of on-demand delivery has had a transformational impact on food access. This is especially true for vulnerable populations, including seniors, people living in food deserts, and those facing disability or transportation barriers,” said Fuad Hannon, VP of New Verticals at DoorDash. “We’re proud to partner with these merchants to offer SNAP recipients access to quality groceries conveniently through our platform. Through the power of local delivery, enabling SNAP/EBT payments can make a profound impact on reducing food insecurity and connecting people to groceries and the essential items they need.”

“The Alliance to End Hunger is happy to see DoorDash expand its offerings with the inclusion of SNAP recipients. A key issue to ensure food security across the country is improved access, and DoorDash is taking a positive and commonsense step in today’s tech-friendly world,” said Eric Mitchell, Executive Director, Alliance to End Hunger, an organization working on the plans and ways to end hunger in America and the rest of the world.

Enabling SNAP recipients to order groceries through DoorDash can help families meet childcare and work obligations, relieve seniors of the potential stress of going to the grocery store and support people with disabilities who face mobility issues to access nutritious food efficiently and affordably with same-day delivery.

Making food delivery affordable

To make food delivery more accessible and budget friendly, DoorDash is offering SNAP/EBT recipients 2 free months of DashPass, DoorDash’s membership program that offers members $0 delivery fees on eligible orders that meet minimum subtotals from thousands of restaurants, grocery, and convenience stores nationwide.**

With DashPass, customers using SNAP/EBT benefits can save even more time and money on fresh groceries, favorite meals and more.

While there is still a long way to go before everyone can afford and access healthy food, DoorDash’s initiative is a step in the right direction. This announcement comes as DoorDash celebrates its 10th anniversary with its biggest platform updates in a decade. To learn more about DoorDash and SNAP/EBT, please visit doordash.com.

*Based on census tract population data in the DoorDash service area. DoorDash service areas can map to multiple census tracts. DoorDash defines a ‘food desert’ using the following definition provided by the USDA in the Food Access Research Atlas 2019: “Low-income census tracts where a significant number (at least 500 people) or share (at least 33 percent) of the population is greater than 1 mile from the nearest supermarket, supercenter, or large grocery store for an urban area or greater than 10 miles for a rural area.”

** TERMS & CONDITIONS

Offer valid for new Dashpass subscribers only. Must add a verified SNAP/EBT card as a Saved Payment Method on DoorDash. Must redeem offer no later than 12/31/23. Dashpass benefits available for 2 months from date of offer redemption. DashPass benefits apply only to eligible orders that meet the minimum subtotal listed on DoorDash for each participating merchant. Other fees, taxes, and gratuity still apply. Dashpass terms (including how to cancel) here.

2023-07-27T08:01:00

(BPT) – When ChatGPT came on to the scene, it and similar generative AI platforms immediately began sparking heated debates among educators, students and parents about its potential to disrupt education.

A recent study from global learning platform Quizlet found that high school and college teachers and students (aged 14-22) who have used ChatGPT or a similar AI technology agree that it is an effective study tool, with students in particular responding that it helps them to better understand the material and study faster and more efficiently.

Generative AI will be on the minds of students and teachers as they prepare to head back to the classroom this fall. With this technology top of mind, here are some things to consider this school year.

Students study smarter, not harder, with AI

Those that claim the use of AI in the classroom hinders students’ academic potential can think again. Students who spend three or more hours a night on an average weeknight during the school year studying gave credit to ChatGPT and similar AI technologies’ ability to streamline studying by generating helpful resources like study guides. Other popular uses among students included conducting research and summarizing or synthesizing information. Twenty-six percent of students in this group also said that teachers have encouraged them to use AI-generated technology like ChatGPT while they study, whereas students who reported less than two hours of studying on an average weeknight during the school year were less likely to have a teacher recommend using this technology.

UC Berkeley student Sam Clement gives AI-generated learning a thumbs up, saying, “It feels like an extension of my brain, or a supplementary boost to my own thinking abilities.” He added, “Platforms like ChatGPT make studying engaging by allowing me to probe concepts over and over until I understand. It can feel like unlimited office hours, something invaluable to busy college students.”

Students also reported that AI-generated technology has had a positive impact on their mental health, with 73% claiming it helps reduce stress and anxiety, and 57% claiming it decreases their workload.

Teachers give it an “A”

High school and college teachers that have used ChatGPT and similar AI technologies for school cite the top four uses as research, generating lesson plans, summarizing or synthesizing information and generating classroom materials like tests and assignments. Nearly half of teachers agreed that the vast capabilities of AI have made their workload more manageable.

Maureen Lamb, Dean of Educational Technology and Innovative Pedagogy and a member of the Latin faculty at The Ethel Walker School, says, “The notion that tools like Google Bard and ChatGPT are essentially shortcuts focuses on the output rather than what we want the technology to help us achieve. It’s the same question teachers ask ourselves when creating assessments and exams. ‘What skill or concept do I want my students to demonstrate?’ If ChatGPT can provide a teacher with a lesson plan for the day or generate an essay prompt, then great. It gives teachers more opportunity to refine our teaching approach and challenge students appropriate to their unique needs.”

Students and teachers embrace AI in the classroom

Some students and teachers are already working together to set ground rules for using platforms based in generative AI at school and while studying at home. Thirty-seven percent of student respondents have had teachers or instructors talk to them about the proper use of AI technology as it relates to course work, and 60% of teachers say that students are proactively approaching them about using these platforms to enhance their studies. Teachers that have been approached by students about using ChatGPT or similar technologies say their students are either asking for permission to use AI-powered platforms, examples of proper use cases or instructions on how to use AI technologies.

Lamb, who embraces the use and exploration of new technologies in her classroom, says, “A strong and trusting classroom community was something we struggled to find learning virtually during the pandemic. We need to think about technology in the classroom now like we did then.” She adds, “AI should think with us, not for us. Now, more than ever, we should encourage students to trust the power of their own voices. While AI-generated technology is a powerful tool in our toolbox, human voices still hold a huge creative advantage.”

AI can help create equitable learning environments

Students and teachers see a future with limitless potential when learning and AI come together — 42% of all respondents categorized their attitude toward AI technology in education positively. Respondents that disagree with bans on the use of AI technology in schools say that it expands access to information, assists with studying and enhances creativity and critical thinking. Forty-eight percent of teachers predict that ChatGPT and similar AI technology will help students recover from learning loss that was caused by the pandemic.

“Personally, I love the technology and don’t think that its benefits to the classroom have been fully discovered yet,” Clement added. “AI-generated technology allows students to find learning solutions that work for them, and applies what works for them to any and every problem or concept they could need. Teaching students the proper way to use this technology will be key, but I for one am very optimistic about its future.”