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Associated Press
2 days ago
- Health
- Associated Press
Research Links how Literacy Impacts Health and Wellbeing
SYRACUSE, NY, June 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Health literacy is essential to improving health outcomes and empowering communities to manage their health and wellbeing. Adult education classrooms have long played a critical role in this empowerment process. But there remains an important question: How have adult education programs and instructors responded to new health care realities, like the increased use of digital technologies and more speakers of other languages who are utilizing the health care system? In a special issue of Adult Literacy Education: The International Journal of Literacy, Language, and Numeracy, researchers studied what is being done to build health literacy among adults with low literacy and language skills. In one study, researchers reviewed what health literacy interventions were in place across formal and informal educational settings for the growing migrant community worldwide and whether they met that population's needs. They found that, depending on the location and cause of migration, a lack of standardization among health literacy interventions created limitations when it came to outcomes. From this, the research team created a set of recommendations to improve the planning and reporting of interventions. In another case study, a team from an adult literacy program in Arizona discusses how it created a mock patient portal that allows adult learners to practice interacting with the health care system digitally and what they learned about the importance of contextualized learning. 'For millions of adults, both in the US and around the globe, the ability to successfully manage their own health care evades them due to low literacy or language skills,' said ProLiteracy President and CEO Mark Vineis. 'It's imperative that adult educators have access to research like this to better understand the needs of adults and to help shape the way they approach instruction to build healthier communities.' This edition of our journal includes further research about language-based health education, a review of the digital health landscape, and a Forum dialog that considers how we think about 'good learners,' 'good patients,' and language. We partner with Rutgers University to publish Adult Literacy Education. The journal editors—Alisa Belzer, Amy Rose, and Heather Brown—are leading researchers in the adult literacy and education field who believe in the importance of research to complement practitioners' experiences, intuition, and professional learning. In the research journal, adult literacy practitioners, researchers, funders, and policymakers can find evidence-based information to guide their practice, prompt important discussions, and build awareness. We publish the free online journal three times per year to share the latest and best research and practices in adult literacy, numeracy, and English language education. Each article in Adult Literacy Education goes through a blind peer-review process to ensure we are publishing the highest quality information that the field can trust and use. By keeping our research free, we ensure that the important information shared in the journal will benefit all adult learners equally. You can find the new issue of Adult Literacy Education at Writers interested in submitting articles for consideration in future issues of the journal can find author guidelines and a submission form on the journal's webpage. About ProLiteracy We are the world's leader in adult education practice, innovating and building the capacity of literacy programs everywhere—from small community-based organizations to large adult education programs and institutions. We serve over 5,000 adult literacy programs annually and work with partners in 28 countries worldwide. By providing comprehensive training and professional learning, accessible research, grant funding, and leading-edge digital and print learning resources through New Readers Press, we advocate for and unleash the power of literacy to transform lives. Contact: Allison Bleyler McDonald
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
5 Free Google courses that could change your career path in less than 60 minutes
Free AI courses:Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries and changing the job landscape at an unprecedented pace. While automation raises concerns about job losses, it also opens doors for professionals who invest in learning new skills. Companies worldwide are actively adopting AI technologies, making it essential for workers to adapt and stay competitive. One effective way to do this is by taking advantage of online learning resources that offer upskilling opportunities at no cost. Here are five free Google AI courses that help you quickly get key AI skills like LLMs, generative AI, and more.(Pexels) Google, a major player in AI development, provides several free courses that can help learners understand key AI concepts and tools in under an hour. These courses cover foundational topics like Large Language Models, machine learning architectures, generative AI, and more. After completing these courses, you will not only have built your knowledge, but you will also have earned shareable badges to showcase your skills on your LinkedIn professional profile. Also read: India's digital job scene to expand in 2025 with rise in AI and data-driven roles Here are five Google AI courses worth exploring: 1. Introduction to Large Language Models (LLM) This course explains how LLMs, such as Gemini, ChatGPT, and Grok AI, generate human-like text by processing vast datasets. It introduces learners to the basics of LLMs, their practical applications, and techniques like prompt tuning to improve performance. The course also highlights Google tools useful for building generative AI applications. It's ideal for anyone seeking a clear starting point in AI text generation. Also read: Love robots? 5 shows where humanoid robots are unexpected heroes 2. Encoder-Decoder Architecture In about 30 minutes, this course dives into the encoder-decoder architecture used in sequence-to-sequence machine learning tasks such as machine translation, text summarisation, and question answering. Learners will get hands-on coding experience with TensorFlow, Google's open-source machine learning library, and receive a badge after completion to validate their proficiency. 3. Introduction to Generative AI Designed as a microlearning course, this session introduces the basics of generative AI and how it differs from traditional machine learning models. The course also presents Google's tools for developing generative AI apps. It lasts approximately 45 minutes and rewards learners with a shareable badge for their profiles. Also read: Could non-Nintendo chargers shorten your Switch 2's life? Here's what a user's experiment found 4. Introduction to Image Generation This course explores how AI models generate images using diffusion models, a type of machine learning architecture. Participants learn about the theoretical foundations of diffusion models and how to train and deploy them using Google's Vertex AI platform. The course includes a badge upon completion to enhance career opportunities. Also read: Apple reportedly planning to buy Perplexity AI to power future Siri upgrades and AI-driven search features 5. Transformer Models and BERT In this course, learners will be introduced to transformer architecture and the BERT model, with a focus on the self-attention mechanism. The course explains applications such as question answering and text classification. It takes about 45 minutes and offers a badge that learners can share to demonstrate their skills. In short, these free courses offer you a practical way to build foundational AI skills and help you stay competitive in a changing job market. By completing them, you can expand your expertise and prepare for new roles emerging alongside AI technologies. Mobile finder: iPhone 16 Pro Max LATEST price, specs and all details
The Hindu
5 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Google DeepMind unveils on-device robotics model
Google DeepMind has unveiled a Gemini Robotics on-device Vision Language Action (VLA) model that can run locally on robotic devices. The AI model is built for general purpose tasks and can run without the internet. This is Google's first VLA model that has made available for fine-tuning. Developers can sign up for the tester programme and access the software kits. This new model comes two months after the search giant released its Gemini Robotics model based on Gemini 2.0's multimodal reasoning and real-world understanding of the physical world. The flagship model can run both on-device and on the cloud, and is built for bi-pedal robots. The model can also be customised for different robotic form factors. 'While we trained our model only for ALOHA robots, we were able to further adapt it to bi-arm Franka FR3 robot and the Apollo humanoid robot by Apptronik,' the company said in a blog post. With the bi-arm Franks, the VLA model can perform other tasks like folding clothes or work on industrial belt assembly tasks too.
The Spinoff
5 days ago
- Science
- The Spinoff
How is AI affecting New Zealand creatives?
Claire Mabey speaks to four local creatives who say they've experienced a decline in work linked to the rise of AI. A recent study on the 'cognitive cost of using a Large Language Model (LLM) ' found that the critical thinking skills of ChatGPT users may decline over time. 'While these systems reduce immediate cognitive load, they may simultaneously diminish critical thinking capabilities and lead to decreased engagement in deep analytical processes,' says the report. The study was prompted by 'the rapid proliferation of LLMs' across all aspects of our lives, including work, education and home. Despite the uncertain impact of AI on our cognitive abilities, ethical and environmental concerns, and its potential impact on people's employment prospects, many workplaces, including here in Aotearoa, are adopting AI solutions in place of human processes. The creative sector is one of the most impacted by AI, as LLMs and design-based tools offer quick and cheap alternatives to human craft and expertise. The Spinoff spoke to four Aotearoa creatives who have lost work to AI. Here are their stories. Freya Daly Sadgrove, creative writer and editor In 2024 Freya Daly Sadgrove got 'a dreamy job' marking weekly personal development reports from master of engineering students in an innovative course at an Australian university, work she describes as 'essentially marking people's diaries on the quality of their introspection'. Daly Sadgrove was deeply invested in the work and relished the privilege of reading such personal accounts. The most important part of the job, from Daly Sadgrove's perspective, was writing constructive feedback in response, engaging on a deep level with the students' personal revelations to foster their self-awareness and interpersonal skills. Daly Sadgrove says it was subtle work and required a high level of empathy. Most of the markers, including Daly Sadgrove, weren't involved in engineering at all and were hired instead for their ability to understand people and communicate with them. 'I loved it so much,' says Daly Sadgrove. 'I loved the insight I got into the minds of people with very different lives from me.' Daly Sadgrove found the job rewarding, too – she could see how her feedback was having a positive effect on the students week after week. After one semester in the job, Daly Sadgrove was offered it again for the next semester. But this time, she and the other markers were told they would no longer be writing the feedback, but instead would be 'lightly editing feedback generated by a Large Language Model (LLM)'. The changes to the job description were laid out in a document sent to all of the markers, which justified the use of LLMs by saying the AI tools 'remove all the boring parts of the marker job, by getting it to write all the routine 'framing' parts of the feedback … You can focus your efforts on the parts of the feedback students will actually read, giving them the most relevant and effective takeaways.' The university's document said the LLMs would be providing a summary of each section of the students' work and that 'the machine will give feedback that will be good at making the student feel heard. LLMs are not useful for helping students improve or delivering significant insights.' As a writer, Daly Sadgrove said she found it demeaning that the university framed the use of the LLM as a way to remove the 'boring writing parts'. She was confused by the assumption that students weren't reading the markers' feedback, given she had seen weekly evidence that they were. Daly Sadgrove wrote a response to the university to reject the reframed job. 'I am floored by the logic that spends any energy on designing a machine to do the job of making students feel heard,' she wrote. 'Do the students know it'll be a machine making them feel heard? Do you think that will make them feel heard? Or are we planning not to tell the students that our job as humans is specifically not to listen to them, but instead to listen largely to the machine that has processed their thoughts?' Daly Sadgrove, and several of her colleagues, declined the job offer. Jackie Lee Morrison, writer and editor In 2022 Jackie Lee Morrison joined a copywriting company as a project manager and lead editor. The company had positioned itself as a copywriting agency with real, skilled writers. When Lee Morrison joined, the work the company had was steady and growing. So much so that Lee Morrison was involved in recruiting new writers to expand the team in order to meet demand. In November 2022 Open AI's ChatGPT was released to the public and Lee Morrison saw an immediate drop-off in client work as people began to experiment with AI solutions. The release of ChatGPT coincided with the company taking on a major shareholder in the US, which was expected to bring in more US clients. The newly expanded team was ready and waiting for the increase in work, but it never came as the US clients were the first to start experimenting with AI. Given the company marketed itself as using real writers, the internal stance on AI was strict. Lee Morrison says they used several AI detection programmes to vet work. However, from January 2023 copywriting contracts dropped off to the point where there was no longer enough work to support her team, Lee Morrison says. Some writers were let go, others left on their own. Other writers, says Lee Morrison, 'were simply left hanging, waiting for potential work'. Towards the end of 2023, work had dwindled significantly. Lee Morrison says that her manager wanted to keep her on board as long as possible, but even his position within the company was precarious. At the end of the year, Lee Morrison made the decision to leave. 'I think things would've just dropped off,' she says. Ash Raymond James, writer and graphic designer Ash Raymond James has been a freelance writer and designer for more than a decade. He says that AI is having a 'severely negative' impact on his work, particularly in relation to book design and editing contracts as publishing companies and self-publishing clients turn to AI. Ash says clients are asking AI models to edit their work and are using AI tools to create design assets like logos and social media assets. Some clients, he says, have an expectation that his fees will decrease because they assume he will use widely available AI tools that are faster than his non-AI processes. He has seen major companies implement AI elements into their work instead of using human designers. Ash has received many responses from clients saying instead of using his services, they are going to use AI to create design assets themselves, because it is cheaper and faster. 'It is impossible to compete financially,' he says. 'I am being hired significantly less as AI becomes more normalised. From my point of view as a full-time creator, AI is crippling industries and stealing opportunities.' Hera Wynn, designer and animator When Hera Wynn studied media design in 2013, the general mood was that computers were the future and learning computer-based tools was the way forward. 'But it's gone too far the other way,' she now says. After Wynn had a child she found it hard to focus on coding (websites, games and apps) so in 2022 she pivoted to illustration and animation work. 'But I did that just as AI became more open source and now I feel redundant and like I'm running out of time. I'm lost,' she says. 'I feel like hospitality and retail jobs might be the last to survive.'
Business Standard
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Standard
Amyra Dastur Applauds Language's Inclusive Fashion at Elante Mall, Chandigarh
NewsVoir Chandigarh [India], June 16: Style, grace, and timeless elegance converged at Nexus Elante as Language, the contemporary unisex fashion brand, hosted a refined showcase featuring a special appearance by Bollywood actress and fashion muse Amyra Dastur. Best known for its expertly handcrafted leather shoes, bags, and accessories, Language has long stood out in the premium lifestyle segment. Its high-quality leather offerings are thoughtfully made for both men and women, and reflect the brand's deep-rooted commitment to craftsmanship and contemporary design. The event drew the attention of Chandigarh's fashion media and lifestyle influencers, all eager to witness Language's versatile collection that seamlessly blends minimalism with sophistication. A key differentiator for Language lies in its vertically integrated model, with all products crafted in the brand's own factories and tannery, a rarity in the fashion space. This end-to-end control allows Language to ensure exceptional quality while keeping its premium offerings affordable and accessible, setting it apart from most other brands in the segment. Beyond India, the brand is steadily expanding its global footprint with an international presence that includes a store in Dubai and an upcoming launch in Mexico City, underscoring its growing appeal among global consumers seeking thoughtful design and enduring quality. Amyra Dastur, known for her effortless style and charm, praised the brand for its modern, inclusive approach to fashion. "Language has a very refined voice; it celebrates individuality without being loud. What I love most is how their designs don't shout for attention, yet they make a bold statement through simplicity and detail. It's refreshing to see a brand that speaks to both men and women equally, and does it gracefully," she expressed. As the event wrapped up, it was clear that Language had delivered more than just a fashion presentation, it reflected the brand's commitment to redefining everyday wear with timeless appeal, offering a powerful statement on inclusivity in Indian fashion, sustainability, and excellence in craftsmanship, brought to life through the elegance of Amyra Dastur.
