Principals, curriculum directors, and other school administrators each have an integral role to play within the school system, overseeing responsibilities essential to the success of their staff and students. From navigating budget constraints to signing off on the approvals of newly hired employees, if you’re a current or aspiring school administrator, your daily to-do lists can feel never-ending. However, the reward of witnessing children being taught by supported and empowered teachers is deeply fulfilling.
Still, balancing your administrative duties and personal life can present challenges. Achieving a work-life balance is essential in ensuring your well-being and effectiveness both inside and outside of the school’s walls.
Today, we’re exploring four strategies to help school administrators achieve a harmonious work-life balance.
As a school administrator, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with the numerous responsibilities you conquer daily. But by setting realistic goals, you can cohesively focus your efforts while also prioritizing your tasks more effectively. So, rather than trying to tackle everything at once, consider breaking down your long-term objectives into smaller, achievable steps.
For example, if your goal is to improve your school’s overall academic performance, start by identifying specific areas of focus, such as core subjects like English and math. Collaborate with other administrators and teachers to develop targeted intervention strategies and instructional approaches that you can roll out throughout the school year and beyond. By breaking down your goal into manageable tasks that you, other administrators, and teachers can complete each month, you can make steady—and realistic—progress while avoiding burnout.
At home and on the job, collaboration and delegation reign supreme. Need help picking up the kids from school? Great, ask a friend or loved one. Looking for someone who can conduct thorough conduct classroom observations so you can manage this quarter’s budget? Wonderful, reach out to a fellow administrator.
Once you acknowledge that it’s nearly impossible to handle every minute task on your own, you’ve unlocked a new realm of possibilities. From there, you can begin assigning tasks to team members that align with their strengths and provide support as needed.
Not only does this take some of the pressure off of your workload, it also fosters a sense of ownership amongst members of your staff. By delegating tasks, you can utilize the talents of teachers and other employees, empowering them to take initiative and increasing their confidence in their abilities.
As a school administrator, knowing when to disconnect from work priorities, particularly outside of office hours, can be challenging. However, what starts as responding to ‘just one more email‘ or spending ‘a few minutes’ reviewing proposed documents during personal time can quickly escalate into a flood of emails and an hour of skimming extraneous work-related documents. Over time, this can exacerbate feelings of burnout.
To mitigate this, establish designated periods for attending to work tasks while also allocating separate times for personal endeavors. This ensures a clear boundary between work and personal life.
During your dedicated personal time, make a concerted effort to adhere to these boundaries, rewarding yourself with self-care activities when you successfully disconnect from work-related devices and enjoy time at home. This practice promotes a healthier work-life balance and guards against the encroachment of work-related stress into your personal time.
Did someone say self-care? The practice of replenishing your mental, emotional, and physical energies is essential for maintaining well-being, and it’s one of the most important ways to achieve a more fulfilling work-life balance when you’re off duty. It’s also a practice that has the potential to reduce your stress levels, increase your energy, and lower the likelihood of getting sick.
So, on the weekend or after you get home from work, set aside time for activities that rejuvenate you, such as:
With a busy family and work life, sometimes it’s hard to make yourself a priority. We get it. Instead, try to think of self-care as an imperative task of vital importance on your to-do list: an item that’s crucial to the success of both your professional and personal life.
Whether you’re a seasoned educator seeking to advance your career in school administration or a newcomer to education, The University of Texas Permian Basin offers an online Master of Arts in Educational Leadership that prepares students to become qualified principals in a K-12 setting.
In as little as one year, you can complete this 30-credit program, gaining the skills and knowledge needed to provide leadership, build effective instructional teams, ensure a high-quality and safe educational experience for students, and more.
UTPB offers affordable tuition, rolling admissions, and the flexibility to complete the coursework on your own timeline. Check out our site’s page to learn more, and when you’re ready, apply for a spot in our program!
Sources:
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/caring-for-your-mental-health
What if your neighborhood stayed powered through the next hurricane? That’s exactly what happened in Babcock Ranch: America’s first solar-powered city. Built with sustainability and storm resilience in mind, this Florida town is changing the future of energy and urban design.
If you’ve ever lived in Florida or watched news coverage of hurricanes hitting its coastlines, you understand the state’s vulnerability to these storms. In 2004, Florida endured four hurricanes (Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne) in the span of a little over a month. Hundreds of thousands of residents lost power, with only 17.5% relying on portable generators to sustain basic appliances.
More recently, in 2022, Hurricane Ian wreaked havoc in southwest Florida, causing widespread destruction and leaving 2.7 million people without power. Some endured a week or more without electricity, braving extreme heat and humidity.
Despite facing the same powerful 155-mile-per-hour winds as neighboring towns, a community near Ft. Myers called Babcock Ranch emerged unscathed. Thanks to meticulous planning and reliance on solar panels for electricity, all 2,000 homes in the neighborhood retained power.
But what is Babcock Ranch—and how did it come out nearly unscathed when surrounding towns were left flooded, damaged, and without power?
Let’s take a closer look.
Before we explore what makes Babcock Ranch a sustainability success story, here’s a snapshot of how this innovative town is making waves—powered entirely by the sun.
As with most grand plans, the beginning of Babcock Ranch began with a simple vision by its founder, Syd Kitson. According to VOA News, Kitson wanted to build a city that worked hand-in-hand with the environment. In 2015, his dream was realized as they broke ground on its construction, and Babcock Ranch was born.
The town, which spans over 18,000 acres of land, has become a series of distinct neighborhoods, schools, restaurants, nature trails, and more amenities that make it a desirable place to live. But what really sets it apart from other towns is the fact that it runs entirely on
So how does Babcock Ranch power 2,000 (and growing) residences and additional commercial spaces at once? Partnered with Florida Power and Light, Babcock Ranch houses a solar energy center on 440 acres of land.
Not sure what that looks like? Picture this: 333 football fields, filled with approximately 33,000 solar panels soaking up the sun’s energy all day long. Together, those panels generate about 75 megawatts of clean energy. To put this in perspective, one megawatt produces enough electricity to power approximately 200 homes. So, there’s plenty of solar energy to go around—and even some left over to serve customers living outside of Babcock Ranch.
Many of Babcock Ranch’s current residents moved there because of its potential to withstand hurricane damage. But how did its builders ensure the town’s safety ahead of the devastation wrought by Hurricane Ian on neighboring cities?
A few strategies they implemented when developing the town include:
Thanks to the careful planning involved in constructing the solar-powered town, Babcock Ranch emerged relatively unharmed from the havoc Hurricane Ian caused in Ft. Myers, Sanibel Island, and other nearby cities. Apart from minor damage like fallen trees, the town maintained power throughout and after the storm, proving that America’s first solar-powered town is, indeed, the place you want to be when a hurricane hits.
Whether you aspire to become a chief sustainability officer or a climate change policy analyst in emerging sustainable cities, The University of Texas Permian Basin offers several online graduate credentials in energy business, including:
All of our programs offer year-round start dates and affordable tuition rates and are AACSB accredited. Whether you’re new to the energy industry or interested in advancing your role, find the program that’s right for you and apply today!
Thanks to “Landman” on Paramount+, everyone’s curious about what a landman really does. Set in modern-day West Texas, the show follows Tommy Norris (played by Billy Bob Thornton), who manages a crew of roughnecks while contending with wildcatters, cartel members, and a disgruntled ex-wife. The real job is dynamic, rewarding, and essential to how the…
Powerful turbines humming in unison across a field. Solar panels floating on the ocean, their synchronized mirrors following the sun’s path. The future of renewable energy is here, and it’s gaining momentum. In fact, renewable energy sources now generate nearly 30% of the world’s electricity—a massive leap from just 20% in 2011. Solar energy is…
In the early morning hours of April 26, 1986, reactor number four at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant exploded. As the reactor building was destroyed, over 100 radioactive elements were launched into the atmosphere. Today, Chernobyl remains frozen in time. A protective radiation shield entombs the nuclear reactor’s remains. The Ukrainian city of Pripyat lies…
When financial records don’t add up, forensic accountants are often the ones called in to figure out why.
Forensic accounting is the practice of reviewing financial records to investigate fraud, embezzlement, money laundering, and other financial crimes. These professionals combine accounting knowledge with investigative skills to uncover what really happened.
Fraud examination is closely related to forensic accounting, but it has a narrower focus. While forensic accounting covers a wide range of financial investigations, fraud examination centers specifically on identifying, investigating, and helping prevent fraud. In practice, the two fields often overlap.
Forensic accountants examine financial records for irregularities, inconsistencies, and signs of misconduct. Depending on the case, their work may include:
Some forensic accountants work for accounting firms, corporations, insurance companies, or financial institutions. Others work with government agencies or law enforcement.
One reason forensic accounting appeals to many students is that the work can vary so much from case to case. Forensic accountants may investigate crimes such as:
Other types of financial crimes include:
Wondering what it takes to become a forensic accountant or how they help solve financial crimes? We’ve got answers to the most common questions about this field below:
What’s the difference between forensic accounting and fraud examination?
While the two are closely related and often overlap, forensic accounting is a broader field that involves the investigation of financial discrepancies and disputes, often for legal purposes. Fraud examination is a more specialized area that focuses on detecting, investigating, and preventing fraud. Many professionals are trained in both areas.
What qualifications do you need to become a forensic accountant?
Many forensic accountants hold a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license and some also pursue a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) credential. A bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field is typically required, and many forensic accountants pursue a master’s degree in accounting or business to deepen their expertise and advance their careers.
Where do forensic accountants typically work?
Forensic accountants work in a wide range of settings, including public accounting firms, law enforcement agencies, insurance companies, government organizations, and large corporations. Some also work as independent consultants or expert witnesses in court.
What types of crimes do forensic accountants investigate?
They investigate financial crimes such as embezzlement, insurance fraud, money laundering, tax evasion, bribery, securities fraud, and corporate misconduct. Their work often plays a critical role in legal proceedings and regulatory actions.
Whether you’re interested in forensic accounting or another accounting path, The University of Texas Permian Basin offers online programs designed to help students build strong accounting knowledge and career-ready skills. Options include:
Not sure which is the right fit for you? Contact us with any lingering questions, and when you’re ready, your application is just a click away.
Sources:
https://www.investopedia.com/terms/f/forensicaccounting.asp
https://www.investopedia.com/terms/w/white-collar-crime.asp#toc-money-laundering
Other articles you may be interested in:
When you hear the word “accountant,” who comes to mind? Someone balancing spreadsheets and filing taxes? If so, you’re on the right track. But there’s more to it. Within the field of accounting, one credential stands apart: the Certified Public Accountant (CPA). While both accountants and CPAs manage finances, advise clients, and ensure the accuracy…
Picture this: You’re a junior accountant, and your manager asks you to tweak a report to make the numbers look better. The request sounds harmless enough—just a small tweak—but you know it’s not above board. Now you’re stuck. Do you follow orders and risk crossing an ethical line, or do you push back and risk…
You’ve always been an analytical thinker. A problem solver. Maybe a math whiz, too. There’s a career that matches your strengths. Certified Public Accountants—or CPAs—excel in these qualities. Let’s explore why a CPA is no ordinary accountant and what it takes to become one. Want to Be a CPA? Here’s What You Need to Know …
Once upon a time, renewing your driver’s license meant sacrificing a precious half-day off work, enduring the chaos of an overcrowded Department of Motor Vehicles, and patiently awaiting your turn as they called out your name. You’d then go through the ritual of proving your identity with a physical ID and completing a cumbersome paper-based application. Fortunately, those days have made way for more streamlined digital solutions.
Despite these advancements, certain aspects of government operations still lag in the digital age. Shockingly, only a mere 2% of government forms have transitioned to digital formats, resulting in inefficiencies and decreased accessibility. Additionally, a staggering 45% of government websites remain incompatible with mobile devices.
As our government’s public administrators endeavor to keep pace with the ever-evolving technological landscape, it’s crucial to consider the numerous benefits that a comprehensive digital transformation could bring to their administrative processes.
A digital transformation aims to provide more transparent and citizen-centric services at the local and national levels. This encompasses a spectrum of initiatives, from deploying smart infrastructure solutions such as intelligent transportation systems and smart grids to digitizing social welfare programs for easier access by those in need.
This shift from paper-based procedures to digital platforms not only enhances the experience for citizens nationwide but also empowers public administrators to adapt and thrive in an increasingly digital environment.
With the adoption of digital processes, citizens and public administration personnel alike can benefit from the following advantages:
Thanks to online portals and mobile apps, several government services have become easier for users to access, whether you’re paying taxes or applying for healthcare benefits. Rather than going to an in-person location, you can complete many of these tasks from the comfort of your home with the help of a Wi-Fi connection and a mobile device or computer.
Not only are certain government-related processes easier to complete, they’re also much more efficient than their paper-based counterparts. Digitization creates automated workflows and reduces the amount of data entry needed to complete simple tasks. Plus, storing data on the cloud gives public administrators real-time access to documents, allowing them to make informed decisions at a quicker pace.
With more information and records available online, the public has increased access to government data, such as budgets, spending, and ongoing policy updates. This transparency between citizens and the government can foster trust and empower citizens to become more active in democratic processes.
From a public administration standpoint, a digital transformation of processes eliminates the hoarding of information amongst departments. Instead, the digital era of interconnectivity promotes collaboration between government departments.
With so much information available at the click of a button, government officials can use advanced analytics and predictive modeling techniques to sort and analyze large amounts of data. This helps them to identify trends and predict outcomes more accurately and efficiently.
For example, incorporating more data-driven strategies could better allocate healthcare resources based on each community’s health needs or identify areas with higher crime rates.
Long gone are the days of storing hundreds of thousands of paper files, alphabetized or arranged chronologically. Instead, digital technology has streamlined numerous administrative processes in government, ranging from record-keeping to document retrieval.
With the help of workflow management systems and electronic document management, government officials can collaborate, coordinate, and communicate their tasks to one another more efficiently.
Other benefits of streamlining public administration processes include:
At The University of Texas Permian Basin, you can elevate your career in public administration with our Master of Public Administration program. This comprehensive 36-credit program is offered entirely online, catering to the needs of busy working professionals who are eager to advance in the public or nonprofit sector.
Recognizing the diverse landscape of public administration, we provide flexibility by offering 15 credits of elective courses. This allows you to tailor your education to align with your professional goals and interests. Our robust course list enables you to refine your skills with specialized offerings, such as:
But the advantages don’t stop there. As a virtual student, you’ll enjoy:
Take the first step towards unlocking your potential in public administration. Apply today!
Sources:
https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/briefing-room/2023/09/22/why-the-american-people-deserve-a-digital-government/
https://www.usaspending.gov/
https://www.congress.gov/help/find-bills-by-subject
When you think of adding artwork to your walls of your home, you might envision the iconic graphics of pop art or the nature-inspired strokes of impressionist pieces. No matter the style of art you’re after, you’re sure to find something to express yourself in the deep catalog of works available to the modern masses.
However, 500 years ago, this was not the case. In the 15th and 16th centuries, only royalty and the extremely wealthy had access to art, which typically depicted — well, themselves.
So, how did we progress from exclusive portrayals of the privileged few to inclusive representations of daily life? Join us as we explore the evolution of artistic focus from the elite to the everyday man and woman.
As a commoner during this period, obtaining a piece of artwork to adorn your walls was not just a luxury but often an unattainable dream. If by some stroke of luck you could afford such a luxury, the artwork itself would likely be a portrait of a nobleman, gazing imperiously at you from the expanse of the wall.
But why was art so inaccessible to the average person?
There were two main causes: the steep cost of commissioning artwork and the scarcity of available artists to undertake such work. The high cost associated with acquiring art was impossible for most, narrowing its availability to the realm of the elite. Art quickly became a symbol of status and power, prompting well-to-do individuals to commission artists who could immortalize their likeness in portraits. These portraits were not only decorative but also served as conspicuous displays of their wealth, further elevating their social standing.
During the time of the Renaissance, from the 14th to 17th centuries, society gradually revived its interest in Greek and Roman culture. This fostered an appreciation of philosophy, science, and creativity, laying the groundwork for a transformation of artistic expression.
Thus, artists in the 1600s began to focus more heavily on the human experience and the many layers of human emotions. They began creating artwork that reflected the individuality of all people, regardless of their wealth and status.
Additionally, the numbers of the middle class grew and became more capable of buying artwork that aligned with their own experiences. These pieces often reflected the lives of ordinary people. Famed Renaissance artist Pieter Bruegel the Elder was known for painting compositions that captured the everyday lives of rural and village life, from daily routines to annual festivities.
Following the dominance of Romanticism in the 1800s, Realism emerged as a powerful and influential artistic movement, captivating both artists and art enthusiasts alike. Realism sought to portray life authentically, encapsulating its beauty as well as its brutality. And what better subjects to convey the truth of the era than the ordinary men and women engaging in everyday activities?
From “The Elder Sister,” a tender depiction of a girl gently rocking a baby to sleep against a backdrop of lush greenery, to “The Gleaners,” an evocative portrayal of three women laboring in a wheat field, Realism offered viewers a window into the lives of people from all walks of life. Gone were the days of art reserved exclusively for the elite. Instead, Realism democratized art, making it accessible to a wider audience and reflecting the diverse experiences of humanity across the globe.
As society progressed into the 20th century and beyond, art continued to evolve, reflecting the ever-changing artistic landscape of human society. Throughout the past century, numerous artistic styles have flourished, from the abstract expressionism of esteemed artists like Jackson Pollock to the surrealism of luminaries such as Salvador Dalí.
Now, whether your artistic appreciation dwells in the geometric shapes of Cubism or the subconscious symbolism that encapsulates surrealism, you can find a diverse array of art from landscape to minimalist available at the click of a button.
A degree in humanities offers far more than just an appreciation for art and an understanding of world civilizations. At The University of Texas Permian Basin, our online Bachelor of Arts in Humanities provides a comprehensive grasp of human culture, history, literature, and the arts. Additionally, it equips you with essential skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication, which are invaluable for success in a wide range of industries.
As an online student, you’ll have the flexibility to complete your work on your timeline. During your lunch breaks? Great! Prefer working on the weekends? That works for us, too.
Forge a path toward a career that aligns with your passions. Start the next chapter in your life—apply today!
Sources:
https://www.open.edu/openlearn/mod/oucontent/view.php?id=17161&printable=1
https://www.history.com/topics/renaissance/renaissance
https://www.oxfordartonline.com/page/1626
https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/roma/hd_roma.htm
https://www.abebooks.com/art/art-through-the-ages/
https://www.theartist.me/art-inspiration/25-most-famous-realism-paintings/
Have you ever wondered how a particular TikTok trend goes viral so quickly? How about why we never take the blame when something goes wrong, but we’re the first to take credit after a personal victory?
Cue the social biases, a subset of cognitive bias that shapes how we view—well, everything. From relationships and workplace dynamics to healthcare and politics, social biases color our perception of almost every aspect of our lives.
Join us as we dig into four of the social biases that have shaped us on both an individual and societal level.
Most of us have heard the phrase “jumping on the bandwagon” before, but what does it really mean? Let’s use the Taylor Swift phenomenon as an example. With sold-out concerts all over the world and songs that consistently top the charts week after week, it’s clear that T. Swift is beloved by fans worldwide.
While many fans have loved Taylor from her very first era, others are just now jumping on the bandwagon because everyone else is, too—whether they’re true Swifties or not.
The bandwagon effect can occur in all areas of our lives, from politics to the food we eat and everything in between. But what is the psychology behind the bandwagon effect? Below, we dissect some of the root causes driving this “herd mentality”:
If you make it to work on time, it’s because you’re a punctual person. But, if you’re late, it’s due to unforeseen circumstances, like the person in front of you who was driving 10 miles under the speed limit. Or maybe you were unlucky enough to hit every red light. Whatever the reason, the cause was definitely an external force.
That’s a self-serving bias, a predisposition that affects how you perceive your achievements and failures. Many people will gladly take credit for their successes while attributing their failures to outside factors.
But why do we all rely so heavily on this bias in our daily lives? Mostly, we find it essential to protect our self-esteem. It hurts our confidence to take responsibility for something that went wrong at work or school. So, instead of recognizing our failures as a natural part of life, it’s easier to blame something else to avoid humiliation.
Like the self-serving bias, the actor-observer bias involves attributing internal and external factors to the behavior of others as well as yourself. However, this bias explains the reasoning for other people’s actions as a result of negative internal factors.
For example, let’s say you notice a car weaving in and out of traffic. Instead of wondering if the driver has an emergency and is taking someone to the hospital (i.e., an external cause for their behavior), you assume they’re a careless and reckless driver, attributing the behavior to their personality (i.e., internal factors).
Have you ever placed your trust in someone simply because they had an impressive job title? For example, let’s say you recently participated in an important company-wide meeting in which the CEO was presenting data. Whether their information was accurate or not, you’re more likely to believe them simply because they hold a position of power. However, if a colleague with a similar job title as yours were presenting the same data, you may be more inclined to question the accuracy of the information.
Authority bias has been instilled in us since childhood. Our parents instructed us to listen to authority figures, like our teachers, and public service officials like police officers. While it’s engrained in us to trust what people in authoritative positions say, it’s important to challenge this bias by thinking for yourself and questioning someone when you have doubts or concerns, no matter their title.
Curious how social bias shows up in the real world? Here are seven everyday scenarios that you might recognize—or may have experienced yourself.
Understanding social bias can feel a bit overwhelming at first, especially because it often operates under the surface. This quick FAQ clears up some common questions and helps break things down in a straightforward way.
Recognizing social bias starts with paying closer attention to your thoughts, decisions, and interactions. Here are a few ways to become more aware:
No one is completely free from bias, but noticing it is the first step toward making more fair, inclusive, and thoughtful choices.
As a student in The University of Texas Permian Basin’s online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program, you can learn more about how social biases affect our perceptions of ourselves and others. These perceptions play a role in our everyday decisions, from the music we blast on the way to work to the politicians we vote for in elections.
Some of the exciting courses you can expect to take in our online psychology program include:
Learn more about our online bachelor’s in psychology program and make a decision that could positively impact your entire future. Apply today!
Sources:
https://effectiviology.com/bandwagon/
https://newristics.com/heuristics-biases/authority-bias
Ever reach for your phone and instantly face a barrage of messages, notifications, subscription reminders, and social media updates? You’re not alone. Scientists have estimated that the average person processes about 74 gigabytes of information daily: equivalent to watching 16 high-definition movies back-to-back in a single day. Cognitive overload is real. And over time, constant stimulation quietly changes how we think, focus, and feel. In this article, we’ll explore: What Does Cognitive Overload Mean? Cognitive overload happens when your brain receives more information than…
When someone struggles with depression, homelessness, or discrimination, who steps in to help? A psychologist? A social worker? A sociologist? These three fields all address human challenges, but they explore humanity from very different angles: one from society, one from the mind, and one from the front lines. So what are the similarities and differences between sociology, psychology, and social work? This guide clears up…
The Cold War between the U.S. and the Soviet Union lasted nearly 45 years. This period of global tension was fueled by political differences, expansionism, a nuclear arms race, and constant propaganda. But these factors were symptoms of a deeper, underlying psychological force: group polarization. Both sides steadily grew more entrenched in their opposing views,…
Every day, your brain processes an enormous amount of information. To keep up, it relies on mental shortcuts called cognitive biases to make decisions more efficiently. While these shortcuts can be helpful, they don’t always lead to the best outcomes.
One category, decision-making biases, affects how we choose between options, especially in uncertain or high-pressure situations. Here’s a closer look at what those biases are and four common types that can shape your daily choices.
A decision-making bias is a type of cognitive bias that influences how we choose between options. These mental shortcuts help us make quicker decisions, but they can also lead us away from the most rational choice.
Sometimes, that’s harmless. You might default to your usual dinner order because it feels easy and familiar.
Other times, it can lead to less practical choices, like agreeing to run a 5K next week when your running shoes haven’t seen the light of day since “Tiger King” dropped.
Here are four common decision-making biases that shape your choices throughout the day.
Overconfidence bias happens when you overestimate your skills or judgment in a particular area.
Maybe you’ve watched enough “Top Chef” to feel ready for a gourmet dinner challenge. Suddenly, coq au vin seems totally manageable, even though you still check the pasta box directions every time. That inflated confidence can push you toward decisions that don’t quite match your actual ability.
The sunk cost fallacy happens when you keep investing in something because of the time, money, or effort you’ve already spent.
Say you buy a year-long gym membership in January. By spring, you dread going, but you keep showing up anyway because you already paid for it. Even when walking away would make more sense, your past investment keeps influencing the decision.
Status quo bias pulls you toward the familiar, even when a better option is available.
For example, your doctor may recommend a new medication with better benefits, but sticking with the one you already know feels safer. In that moment, familiarity can outweigh logic.
Anchoring bias happens when the first piece of information you see shapes the way you evaluate everything that comes after it.
Think about scanning a menu and spotting the most expensive entrée first. Once that number is in your head, the other dishes may start to seem more reasonable, even if they’re still pricey. That first number becomes the anchor, whether or not it should
With The University of Texas Permian Basin’s online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, your higher education decision is simple. Our program offers online students plenty of benefits, including networking, flexibility, and affordability—all on a timeline that works for your schedule.
Take the first step toward deciding your future and apply today!
Don’t miss part two of our series on cognitive bias, where we’ll discuss social biases and how they influence the way we behave and perceive ourselves and others.
Sources:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/daviddisalvo/2013/06/22/your-brain-sees-even-when-you-dont/?sh=26e4097d116a
https://www.masterclass.com/articles/overconfidence-bias
Ever reach for your phone and instantly face a barrage of messages, notifications, subscription reminders, and social media updates? You’re not alone. Scientists have estimated that the average person processes about 74 gigabytes of information daily: equivalent to watching 16 high-definition movies back-to-back in a single day. Cognitive overload is real. And over time, constant stimulation quietly changes how we think, focus, and feel. In this article, we’ll explore: What Does Cognitive Overload Mean? Cognitive overload happens when your brain receives more information than…
When someone struggles with depression, homelessness, or discrimination, who steps in to help? A psychologist? A social worker? A sociologist? These three fields all address human challenges, but they explore humanity from very different angles: one from society, one from the mind, and one from the front lines. So what are the similarities and differences between sociology, psychology, and social work? This guide clears up…
The Cold War between the U.S. and the Soviet Union lasted nearly 45 years. This period of global tension was fueled by political differences, expansionism, a nuclear arms race, and constant propaganda. But these factors were symptoms of a deeper, underlying psychological force: group polarization. Both sides steadily grew more entrenched in their opposing views,…
Did you know that there are approximately 33.2 million small businesses in America? About 46% of workers in the United States are employed by these tiny but very mighty companies. However, larger businesses employ numerous expensive marketing strategies to increase their visibility, customer base, and revenue, so how are small businesses supposed to keep up?
Enter social media marketing, a digital marketing strategy that has the potential to bring buyers to small businesses in droves. With 5 billion social media users worldwide, small businesses can use social media to reach a significantly higher number of potential customers (along with a slew of other worthwhile benefits).
Interested in learning more about how social media is revolutionizing the small business landscape? Sit back and relax as we discuss five positive impacts social media marketing can have on small businesses.
If your small business isn’t leveraging social media, your ability to introduce yourself to potential customers decreases significantly. However, by incorporating various forms of social media marketing, such as content marketing, influencer marketing, and paid advertising, you can showcase your brand to individuals within your target market locally and globally.
So, how exactly does social media enhance brand awareness? It provides a popular platform to integrate multiple marketing strategies, including:
Many small businesses use websites as a platform to showcase—and sell—their products or services. And with online shopping bringing in more than $800 billion in annual sales, we can understand why so many companies are joining the bandwagon. But without taking advantage of social media, they’re missing a huge opportunity to bring more traffic (a.k.a. potential customers) to their website.
Let’s imagine you own a crystal company, offering a variety of crystals from rose quartz to labradorite. Despite launching your website, you haven’t seen a significant increase in traffic. However, after a colleague suggests creating a business account on your target audience’s preferred social media platform, you begin to notice a rise in the number of people visiting your site.
As you incorporate customer testimonials, include links to your website in your social media posts, and actively engage with your audience, website traffic continues to grow. This increase ultimately leads to a boost in sales and revenue for your crystal company, proving that social media’s ability to increase traffic also translates to tangible success for your business.
Social media provides an excellent opportunity to promote many types of content, including blog posts, videos, infographics, and podcasts.
Let’s say you wrote a brilliant listicle titled “Ten Healing Crystals That Will Change Your Life.” While you might attract some organic clicks via search engines, consider the potential for increased clicks if you promote it on one or more social media accounts. As your following increases, you’ll be creating a larger platform to showcase your content, simultaneously highlighting your industry expertise. It’s a win-win for your marketing strategy and your business.
Once you jump on the social media marketing bandwagon, you’ll realize that you’re not the only crystal connoisseur out there. While you may have found a specific niche of customers to target your efforts towards, other small businesses selling similar products have also identified their own target audience and are implementing their own marketing strategies to attract potential customers to their content and website.
Social media provides valuable insights into your competitors’ activities and keeps you updated on current industry trends. By monitoring your competitors’ marketing strategies, you can identify what’s working for them and what isn’t, enabling you to adapt and refine your own marketing approaches accordingly.
The impact of social media on small businesses can be profound, whether you’re implementing it for your own business or pursuing a marketing role where you offer your expertise to multiple small businesses. And social media is just the tip of the iceberg. There are numerous digital and traditional marketing strategies you can use to help small businesses grow.
The University of Texas Permian Basin offers an online Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing that prepares you for all of the above, from social media and other digital marketing strategies to more traditional methods, such as print and broadcast advertising.
What’s more, we understand that many of our students are working professionals. That’s why we’ve created an online program that caters to adults with busy professional and personal lives. You can take the courses at a pace that’s convenient to you, earning a bachelor’s degree that will strengthen your marketing prowess and give you the tools to help you build businesses from the ground up.
Browse our course offerings, and when you’re ready, start the next chapter in your career by completing an application.
Sources:
https://www.uschamber.com/small-business/state-of-small-business-now
https://datareportal.com/reports/digital-2024-global-overview-report
https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2022/04/ecommerce-sales-surged-during-pandemic.html
Digital commerce is the buying and selling of goods and services through digital channels such as websites, apps, and social media platforms. This includes traditional online shopping—but also that oddly specific TikTok Shop lamp you found at 11:47 p.m. For many consumers, digital commerce has become part of everyday life because it’s fast, flexible, and easy to use. …
Did you know that there are approximately 33.2 million small businesses in America? About 46% of workers in the United States are employed by these tiny but very mighty companies. However, larger businesses employ numerous expensive marketing strategies to increase their visibility, customer base, and revenue, so how are small businesses supposed to keep up? …
Marketing is often seen as a fast-paced, exciting world that requires a highly competitive—or even cutthroat—sensibility. In reality, those who enter the marketing industry find a welcoming field that rewards individuals willing to learn and grow as leaders and communicators. At The University of Texas Permian Basin, students who earn an online Bachelor of Business…
At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the world’s perception of ‘normal’ underwent a rapid transformation. Suddenly, adults and students found themselves working from home, encountering shortages of essentials like toilet paper and sanitizer, and witnessing the widespread adoption of face masks in public spaces.
However, it wasn’t just children and parents adjusting to online meetings. In the healthcare industry, doctors and nurses were also adapting to treating their patients virtually. In the last week of March 2020 alone, telehealth visits saw a staggering 154% increase compared to the same period in the previous year.
While many industries have returned to in-person operations, telemedicine (including telenursing) has continued to surge in popularity since the beginning of the pandemic. Today, we’re exploring the ascent of telenursing and its potential future in the healthcare sector.
Before we dive into the role that nurses play in telehealth, let’s review what telemedicine is. Telemedicine, or telehealth, refers to the diagnosis and treatment of patients from a remote location. With the help of technology, medical professionals can evaluate, diagnose, and treat their patients from almost anywhere.
Typical forms of telemedicine include:
Nurses are a critical part of in-person doctor visits, and they play an equally important role in telemedicine. While their daily responsibilities may differ depending on their area of expertise, their contribution is fundamental in ensuring patients receive high-quality care remotely and often includes:
If you’re considering a career in telehealth nursing, there are several benefits to consider that might tip the scales, such as:
If the results of a recent NIH study are any indication, telenursing appears to have a very bright future. According to the study, 49% of emergency care nurses reported using telehealth services in their workplace. Another study regarding patient preferences found that 61% of participants were willing to utilize telehealth visits in the future. These numbers indicate a growing acceptance of the concept and application of telehealth services, by patients and healthcare providers alike.
If you’re an RN looking to advance your career, UTPB offers a 30-credit online RN to BSN program that allows you to complete your coursework on your schedule. The majority of the courses are asynchronous, providing you with ample flexibility to work when it’s convenient for you. The remaining two courses take place in person with a local nurse preceptor of your choice, where you’ll gain more advanced skills and knowledge that’ll help you excel in your career in a multitude of specialties.
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in telenursing, our elective course Informatics and Innovation gives you the chance to explore several integral topics related to healthcare technology and telemedicine, including:
With a BSN, your career possibilities expand exponentially. Whether you’re considering a leadership role, a career in telenursing, or exploring advanced clinical practice, let UTPB help you become one step closer to achieving your dreams.
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6943a3.htm
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9881547/
Spanish is a Romance language, but that label has nothing to do with love stories or candlelit dinners. Romance languages are languages that evolved from Latin, the language of the Romans.
That shared Latin background helps explain why Spanish has so much in common with languages like French, Italian, and Portuguese. It also helps explain why Spanish can be such a practical language to learn for travel, communication, and career growth.
Here are five quick facts about Spanish and why it continues to be one of the world’s most useful languages to know.
Spanish developed from Vulgar Latin, the everyday language spoken across the Roman Empire. When the Romans brought Latin to the Iberian Peninsula, it gradually blended with local languages and evolved into early Spanish.
That’s why Spanish is considered a Romance language: not because it sounds romantic, but because it comes from Rome’s linguistic legacy.
Spanish shares its roots with other Romance languages, including:
All of these languages grew out of Latin in different regions, which is why they still share similarities in vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure.
Spanish and other Romance languages are often described as melodic. Their flowing vowel sounds, clear syllables, and natural rhythm help create that effect.
That rhythm also makes Spanish relatively approachable for new learners. It feels expressive and easy on the ear, and the pronunciation tends to be consistent, so words often sound the way they’re spelled.
Once you learn Spanish, picking up another Romance language may feel less intimidating. That’s because many of them share:
So while learning Italian, French, or Portuguese still takes work, Spanish can give you a strong foundation for exploring other Latin-based languages later on.
Learning Spanish can benefit more than just your language skills. It can also help you:
For many learners, Spanish is both practical and versatile. It can make your travel experiences feel more authentic, strengthen communication with coworkers and clients, and add value in professional settings such as education, healthcare, public service, and business.
At The University of Texas Permian Basin, we understand how beneficial the Spanish language can be in your professional life. That’s why we offer several completely online programs tailored to your professional aspirations, including:
Choose the program that’s right for you, and apply today!
Sources:
https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/266995777.pdf
https://www.worlddata.info/languages/spanish.php
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