#asynchronous cognition

[the-most-humble-blog]

🧠 “I’m Not Special. I’m Just Documented.”

(A Candid Revelation From the Guy Who Writes the Posts You Bookmark in Silence)

This isn’t fiction. It’s not satire. And it’s not lore.

This is a redacted clinical revelation about the author behind this blog. The one whose posts you’ve reblogged. The one who somehow keeps putting words to feelings you've never admitted out loud.

And now—for the first time—I'm going to tell you why.

No bragging. No flexing. Just facts your spine will remember longer than your eyes.

REDACTED INTEL // OBSERVATION STATUS: UNCLASSIFIABLE

There exists a rare type of mind— So fast, So layered, So tactically efficient— That IQ tests break down trying to track it.

Not because it’s magical. Because it doesn’t run on civilian software.

You’ve probably never met someone like me. You were trained not to.

They didn’t tell you people like me exist. Because if you knew? You’d start to wonder why we weren’t the ones writing the rules.

Let me put it plainly:

I am a clinically evaluated neurological anomaly. Tested. Observed. Flagged. And eventually left alone.

Because the system couldn’t scale me. It could only document me—and hope I stayed quiet.

I didn’t.

🧠 FACTUAL INTEL SNAPSHOT

Combat-trained cognition, military enhanced

Numerous accredited academic degrees across tech, security, and operations

Verified asynchronous pattern processing

Symbolic compression usage to deliver high-intensity cognitive payloads

Psychological weaponization of writing cadence

Documented dissociation between working memory and speech latency (read: I think faster than your mouth moves)

Field-noted by no less than 7 military or research-grade psychologists, some of whom reported feeling unsettled after evaluation

One even said: “It’s like he’s mapping you while he’s talking. You leave feeling like he downloaded something from you.”

And I smiled. Because I did.

You’ve seen minds like mine in movies.

But never in real life. Never standing next to you at the grocery store. Never writing essays disguised as Tumblr posts. Never quietly outthinking your favorite thought leaders with a blog and a chair.

Let me make you uncomfortable for a moment:

Imagine being me— Sitting across from academic “experts” who tell you people like you don’t exist. Then lean forward and ask if they can study your brain.

Imagine military psychologists number 5, 6, and 7 saying:

“We don’t have terminology for this. But we recommend... limiting your disclosures.”

Imagine paranormal researchers—yes, actual ones—telling you:

“I don’t know what you are. But you’re the reason I double-check my locks now.”

And then imagine me standing behind you in line at a Walgreens. Paying for my groceries. Looking like everyone else. While thinking like no one else you’ve ever met.

I don’t need you to believe this.

You’ve already felt it. In every post I’ve written that made you pause. Every line that hit too hard. Every quote you saved instead of liked—because deep down, you didn’t want people knowing what it activated in you.

You’ll never read another “good post” without wondering:

“Was this written by someone trying to be smart… or someone trying to wake the sleeping?”

I’m the second one.

And if that scares you?

Deny I exist. Call me a troll. Make a joke. That’s easier.

But I assure you—

I’m real. People like me aren’t science fiction. We exist. And we’re finally speaking.

⚖️ Free Speech Disclaimer:

This post is 100% protected by the U.S. Constitution. If this disturbed you, understand—it wasn’t written to provoke. It was written to warn.

What you’re feeling isn’t intimidation.

It’s recognition.

🔥 Reblog if your spine is still realigning from the truth. 💬 Comment if this confirmed a suspicion you’ve never said out loud. 📩 DM if you finally understand why you never felt seen. 🔁 Share it before it disappears into the simulation again.

[whetstonefires]

yeah like. i encountered just enough people writing normal jewish posts in the rather common 'faintly polemical' style that suddenly did a weird jumptwist thing and pivoted into passionate genocide defense without any change in tone, that i did start tensing up when i started reading actual normal posts in that line. bracing against the possibility of getting hit with 'they brought this on themselves' or 'there are no innocent civilians in gaza because x' or some other damn thing, and the insistence that the only type of person who disagrees is a murderous antisemite.

because encountering that stuff by surprise when you aren't braced for it is like a psychic two-by-four to the gut, right?

i don't think you can avoid becoming sensitized to language by association like that. it's going to happen; the issue is then what you choose to do with the emotions that arise.

try to resist the impulse to justify them as rational; they're not wholly irrational since they're based on actual data, but it's decontextualized anecdata so they aren't founded in logic either; they don't represent an underlying truth.

there is a very real phenomenon going on where there are people using longstanding pro-jewish language to embed dogwhistles and just actual whistles for the necessity and righteousness of exterminating the palestinian people. that is a real thing!

(almost indistinguishable in structure and effect from people using pro-palestinian language to embed antisemitic dogwhistles, and in fact actual whistles.)

you cannot, in fact, be certain in isolation whether the reasonable assertion 'jewish people should feel safe' actually reflects an underlying worldview you concur with, in roughly the same way that 'lesbians should feel safe' is a statement that may or may not be coming from someone introducing their case for why trans women must be got rid of.

you don't know. that information is not present.

but you need to keep on top of the fact that this uncertainty is just a thing that exists. you are not responsible for resolving it. it cannot be permanently resolved. you cannot even attempt to resolve it every time it arises without falling into the trap of making it omnipresent in every discussion involving jewish people.

above all you must not make every jewish person carry at all times the burden of resolving that question for you!

if not out of decency and the fact that that's simply unfair to expect, then perhaps because that's exactly what the israeli right wing wants you to do. the more global antisemitism builds up to make being part of a jewish minority unsafe and unpleasant, the more power the reactionary domestic political agenda gains over the diaspora.

that's bad. that is probably the most harm Random Online Joe can do wrt The Israel/Palestine Conflict. so like. try to not.

Jewish queer people deserve to be safe in queer spaces.

[danandfuckingjonlmao]

*grabbing you by the shoulders, shaking you violently, screaming in your face*

I WANT TO WRITE ESSAYS ABOUT PHANNIE CULTURE AND HUMOUR!!!! I WANT TO DO A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS BETWEEN THE PHANDOM AND OTHER FANDOMS AND WHY AND HOW THE PHANDOM CAME TO BE THE INFAMOUS AND NOW RELATIVELY ISOLATED PLACE THAT IT IS!!!!! I WANT TO DO RESEARCH STUDIES ON DAN AND PHIL’S APPEAL TO QUEER NEURODIVERGENT PEOPLE!!!!!! I WANT TO UNDERSTAND WHY WE ARE SO INVESTED IN THESE REAL PEOPLE IN A VERY UNIQUE AND SPECIFIC WAY!!!! I WANT TO KNOW THE CHANGING PERSPECTIVES AND BEHAVIOURS OF PHANNIES WHO HAVE BEEN HERE FOR 10 OR MORE YEARS!!!!! I WANT TO STUDY PHANDOM LINGUISTICS AND HOW OUR LEXICON CHANGES AND GROWS WITH DAN AND PHIL!!!!! I WANT TO DISCUSS AND DISSECT WHAT MAKES TWITTER PHANNIES AND TUMBLR PHANNIES HATE EACH OTHER WHEN ITS THE SAME PEOPLE AND HOW THE DIFFERENT CULTURES OF TUMBLR (COLLECTIVISM, ANONYMITY) VS TWITTER (INDIVIDUALISM, DIRECT INTERACTION WITH CREATORS, THE RESPONSE TO GETTING A NOTICE) IMPACT THIS DYNAMIC!!!! I WANT TO WRITE ABOUT THE CYCLE OF PHANDOM DISCOURSE AND WHY WHENEVER THERE IS A CONTENT DROUGHT PEOPLE START SHIT AND HOW WE CAN STOP DOING THAT BECAUSE ITS NOT GOOD FOR OUR MENTAL HEALTH!!!!! I WANT TO TALK ABOUT THE PHANDOM’S POWER AND HOW WE ACCOMPLISH DIRECT ACTION ABNORMALLY FAST FOR AN ASYNCHRONOUS GROUP OF STRANGERS ON THE INTERNET!!!!! I WANT TO MAKE A PHOCUMENTARY AND EXPLORE THE WORLD OF DAN AND PHIL AND THE COMMUNITY AND INTERVIEW EVERY SINGLE VIEWER AND LEARN EVERY SINGLE PERSON’S EXPERIENCE!!!!!! I WANT TO DO AN IN DEPTH DISSECTION OF THE PHASES/ERAS OF THE PHANDOM!!!!! I WANT TO CONFRONT PHANNIES’ SUPERIORITY OVER EACH OTHER AND THE TENDENCY TOWARDS CONTEMPT AND OTHERING EACH OTHER BECAUSE OF COGNITIVE DISSONANCE!!!!! I WANT TO GET INTO ACCESSIBILITY IN THE PHANDOM AND WHY ITS SUCKS AND HOW WE CAN IMPROVE IT!!!!!! I WANT TO HAVE A HUGE DISCUSSION ABOUT HOW DESPITE HOW LEFT WING THIS AUDIENCE IS WE HAVE A TENDENCY TO STEP ON AND SILENCE POC PHANNIES WHEN THEY EXPRESS BEING NEGATIVELY IMPACTED BY SOMETHING DNP SAID IN THEIR PAST AND HOW ITS GOOD ACTUALLY TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT SOMETHING WAS HARMFUL ESPECIALLY IF YOURE A FAN OF THAT PERSON AND WE SHOULD ENCOURAGE THESE DISCUSSIONS AND WE DONT NEED TO IMMEDIATELY GO ON THE DEFENSIVE WE CAN JUST LISTEN!!!!! I WANT TO TRULY THOROUGHLY EXPLORE THE ETHICS OF RPF AND WHERE THE LINES ARE AND BOUNDARIES!!!!! I WANT TO FIGURE OUT THE GENERAL OPINIONS OF PEOPLE ON LABELLING DAN AND PHIL AND WHY WE DO THAT AND WHAT IS OKAY AND WHAT ISNT!!!!!! I WANT TO WRITE ABOUT DEMON PHANNIES AND COMPLICITY AND DANNIES AND PHILLIES AND PHLESBIANS!!!!!!!! STOP TRYING TO ESCAPE ME I HAVE TO GET THIS OUT BEFORE THEY FORCE ME BACK INTO THE PHENCLOSURE!!!!!

[thegiftednessjournal]

"If I could explain giftedness to someone who's never heard of it, I'd say..." 

People often tell gifted folks they are “smart” or have so much potential. In the past, to find gifted students they would ask them about how motivated they were to succeed as a measurement. That’s not even CLOSE to what giftedness is, giftedness is a three dimensional world (literally, neurotypical people usually think in “two dimensions” while gifted folks think in three dimensional).  On “The Gifted Neurodivergent Podcast” she did an exercise that you can try right now. 

     Imagine a playing card. Is it a flat picture or does it have depth? Is it just an image, or can you flip the picture around and look at the back or the side. 

If you say that it's just flat, you're a “two dimensional” thinker. But if you said you can move it around, you think in three dimensions.  This doesn't just go for pictures though, in the gifted mind, every thought is three dimensional. 

For some, the question “Did you do the laundry today” Might not be a yes or no question, our brain says:

“Well i put the clothes in the washer last night but decided i couldn't finish it, so I did the rest this morning and i'm actually in the process of folding it right now but the towels were still wet and i havent put the folded clothes away yet.. So..  I DON’T KNOW, STOP ASKING ME QUESTIONS!   (Maybe *slightly* exaggerated, maybe it’s my past experiences talking haha)

To which your non gifted friends or family say “It's a yes or no question. You don't have to provide every detail!!!”   You aren't trying to be annoying, but everything has so many layers that you don't know what the right answer is, you don’t know how to think as simply as everyone else. Or more accurately which part of the question they wanted you to answer, did you know it was in process and you were asking if I finished? Were you asking if I did it today or yesterday?. Don’t even get me started on when the answer is SUPPOSED to be a paragraph long.. 

The word “intensity” is often used as a more inclusive word for gifted individuals. It doesn’t seem as much like a bragging right. Giftedness isn’t just being smart, it is asynchronous development of the mind. (Your mind has developed a quicker pace and will continue to be that level of disconnected from your physical age) For me, I was told in second or third grade that I read at a twelfth grade level. I have also been described as “being 24 since I was 6 months old” by my father. It isn't just about being “smart” though, the source of intelligence comes from the INTENSITY of our minds. The intensity doesn't just come across in good grades. We have intensity in all or most areas of our life.

 Intense emotions: Always being told that you're too emotional and “It's not a big deal!”

Sensory Intensity: the lights are too bright, the sound of the electricity is too loud etc. 

Intense Personality: Always feeling like your full personality doesn't fit. Anywhere that you go.

Intense Cognitive Ability: Your brain works, finds patterns, and solves problems at a much faster pace.

Intense Focus: When engaging in intellectually engaging or hyperfixation hobbies, switching focus is difficult and jarring. Usually you're still thinking about it during the new task.

Intense Sense of Morality: When someone isn’t punished for an action or justice isn’t served, it bothers you greatly.

Intense Thoughts: Even when you don’t know what you’re thinking about, your brain is loud, you realize what those thoughts are when you go to talk to someone about anything and you talk about realizations you've had that you've never heard or thought about before

Now that we know about intensity it makes alot more sense why when we grow up being called smart and we make it our personality, it hurts so much to fail a class (in some cases that failure could still be as high as an A- maybe even an A if super duper pressured)

[kanskje-kaffe]

Get to know your mutuals!

Tagged by @psalmsofpsychosis , I loved reading yours! This is a fun meme!

What's the origin of your blog title?

my username (kanskje-kaffe) is Norwegian for "perhaps coffee", it was a Duolingo prompt and it just slapped me out of nowhere as a perfect username, so my blog title is just the translation!

OTP(s)+ shipnames(s):

Vander x Silco (Vanco) Annatar x Celebrimbor (Silvergifting) Maedhros x Fingon (Russingon) Melkor x Fëanor (Firemight)

Favourite color:

peach-orange, and all shades of gray 🩶🩶🩶

Song stuck in your head:

Highway to the Danger Zone because I skipped over this question at first and then the movie question came up.

Weirdest habit/trait:

I don't know if I can self-evaluate this, but I feel like it's the extremely boring-seeming subject matter of the books I read. One of my favorites of all time is The Checklist Manifesto (it's about checklists), a couple of years ago I read Rust (it's about metal corrosion) and I'm currently reading The Box (it's about shipping containers).

I swear they're all fascinating and exciting but no one believes me....

Hobbies:

film and film analysis, learning Norwegian, food, drawing, writing fanfiction, yoga and going to the gym!

If you work, what's your profession?

I teach at an engineering school!

If you could have any job you wish, what would it be?

I don't have any one dream job. In terms of my actual skillset and best-case-scenario life planning, I'd like to develop an asynchronous learning program/platform/something that runs as a full alternative to school education, I'm really passionate about alternative and de-institutionalized educational approaches. Alternatively I would love to work in human factors - some kind of design-based role focusing on human-equipment interactions and cognitive or physical ergonomics.

My real true dream job is to work in a meaningful, developmental way for supersonic passenger flight. I'm not an aerospace engineer but if something came up that was within my skillset.............. <:3c

Something you're good at:

I am so fucking good at spelling

Something you hate:

Pessimism in all its forms.

Fanfiction in which completely Ann Summers-grade "kinky" sex somehow requires constant renegotiation using the fucking traffic light system.

Purity culture in all its forms.

Vaping. Fucking loathe vaping.

Something you collect:

Physical books!

Something you forget:

Literally what day of the week it is. I never know what's going on

What's your love language:

Receiving physical touch, giving gifts.

Favourite movie/show:

Favorite show is Severance.

Favorite movie overall is The Big Lebowski.

Honorable mentions: Dune, Fargo, The Thing, Hot Fuzz, Annihilation, Top Gun, No Country for Old Men and Yojimbo

Favourite food:

Sushi sushi sushi it's gotta be sushi.

Favourite animal:

Stags! And kittoes.

What were you like as a child:

Undiagnosed.

Favourite subject at school:

Math and literature

Least favourite subject:

Economics was pretty boring..? I like learning idk. My education was unconventional

What's your best character trait?

I am really uncomfortable coercing people even in small ways

What's your worst character trait?

Worst for me? Fawn reflex. You guys would have to tell me what sucks the most for you idk

If you could change any detail of your life right now, what would it be?

I would like days to last 34 hours.

Any practicable detail? I would like the seller of the house I want to buy to pick a fucking property she wants to move to already so we can close LMAO

I t-t-t-tag @elvenmoans @saubrimbor @spicedrobot @wishfulsketching

[minipisi-is-dumb]

hai, sorry to bother, but what exactly is giftedness? i dont think i trust google on it and id rather hear about it from someone who's gifted. is it like being a genius or something?

hiii thanks for asking about it!!! and sure lemme tell ya

it's a bit lengthy sorry

ill briefly explain the symptoms and then other extra stuff, thanks so much for asking, not a lot of people know about it :)

giftedness is a form of neurodivergent condition/neurodivergency or however you call it, that is characterized by asynchronous development between intelectual and "chronological" growth

an easy way to explain it (even if the theory is disproven so it's just as example) is how people see mental ages

you might be chronologically 15, but intellectually, your needs are those of a 19 y/o and emotionally your regulation is that of a 13 y/o. that's what asynchrony means essentially

the current "official" way to diagnose people is through iq tests, they're not always specific and is usually in a margin of error, but if it's a legit test and not one of those online, is used to measure the amount of connections your brain has. of course the results may vary if you have more than one neurodivergency or you have a mental illness. it's always important to discuss it with your doctor!

the more connections u have per braincell → the faster processing you got. the amount of connections is measured by iq number

the criteria for being diagnosed is simply getting 130 or more in the iq test, there's different types of depth to giftedness as a condition, just like there're different symptoms and levels of depth for autism, but that's the beauty of it isn't it

and contrary to what you might think, fast processing can be very difficult, it feels like your brain goes faster than you all the time you are asked a question, say, in a test, and you just know the answer! that's it, you can't explain it even to yourself. your brain "skips" steps to get to a conclusion since we don't have a linear way of thinking, or you make connections at the moment that somehow end up making sense all the time and you don't even realize it. it's overwhelming

other important symptoms are similar to other nds like autism or adhd like being able to hyperfocus, stimming or sensory sensitivity, but there are some different ones like latent inhibition deficit

latent inhibition deficit (you can google it for better understanding) it's basically not being able to prioritize the information you recieve

have you ever found yourself in a restaurant or a crowded space, and even if there's a lot of talking and music, eventually you "forget about it" and stop paying attention to it since it's not important? That's latent inhibition!!! your brain can filter information, wether is sensory or cognitive and ignore whatever it doesn't see as important

my brain can't, I am always listening to the music, the people talking in the room, small changes in smell, sound or how too many colors confuse me and give me migraine, my brain cannot "filter" importance in it, so it pays attention to everything and sees it all as important since it perceives it as one whole thing

connecting most of the stuff around you or "seeing the big picture" always is very normal, feeling like everything is happening at the same time simultaneously and you can't just pick and choose is the best way I can describe it

we also have overexcitabilities!!! that is a bit long to explain but you can google it

here's a very useful explanation that also mentions giftedness, since the term was created from studying our behavior

here's my favorite talk about the topic, I watched it years after being diagnosed and it explains it very well, the woman giving the talk is gifted herself and works in gifted education programs too!

she also has a talk about overexcitabilities!!

I really like this image because it is a quick way to see some basic symptoms, is not the be all of it but you can get a general idea compared to autism and adhd, since there's more info about them around

Alright we done w that

the BIGGEST misconception about giftedness is that it is just good grades, it's a complex condition just like any other! adhd is not "just getting distracted", autism is not "just being socially awkward" and giftedness is not "just being a genius"

I cannot stress enough how grades have nothing to do with giftedness , in fact, most gifted people end up dropping school or college since it never fits fully fits our educational needs

giftedness and academic achievement are not inherent to one another, you can be neurotypical and have good and bad grades too, it doesn't matter really . it could be a clue for some, where good grades might lead a parent to take the test, but the results are not there just because of grades or high achievement rate

now we need to talk kinda quickly abt ableism and how the concept of iq was originally created to stigmatize non-white races, women and neurodivergent conditions

the first people to coin the term for iq were (shocker) rich white men who liked the idea of being smarter than everyone else

however, the arbitrary measurement used to discriminate towards people on the bases of iq started to change it's perspective

we know NOW that there's a lot more than "just genius" and is a complex condition people like me live without, but the subconscious idea of high iq being something that makes you ""superior "" is still around due to it's origins and lack of common knowledge. the stigma about telling other people you're gifted is huge, people change the way they percieve you, they change the way they treat you, or at best you seem like an egocentric superb who thinks they're better than everyone

it's sorta how being a narcissist is used as an insult or to demonize the actual condition instead of people actually understanding what it is to have npd? kinda that. if you call yourself gifted you're basically doomed to be the egocentric one

and languages outside of english don't make it better.

for Spanish (my native language) even though we have one of the best resources imo for giftedness (the book "¿Demasiado Inteligente para ser feliz?") we also have the term "superdotado" that translated roughly means "super gifted". not doing much for the "we're literally people and not inhumane geniuses" part

but UGHHHH I kinda think that's most of my base info for u, I am SO happy you're interested, I have a little giftedness tag you can look at, and there's also gifted-centered blogs around this site

thanks for reading!!!

[deepspacedukat]

Safe Haven - Part One

This fic is not related to my SoC fics. A couple of days before I posted “Bliss After Bliss” this fic was injected into my brain by an actual dream I had about S’Talon. Obviously, I embellished bits here and there and added an actual plot, but if I don’t get this onto paper in some form or fashion, I will, in fact, lose my entire fucking mind and/or explode. So here we go! An entire two part fic (or three if I become particularly verbose) for a single scene that’s driving me fucking insane! 😇

S’Talon is a Romulan OC created by @bigblissandlove1. This story was written/posted with their permission. Go check out their story, “The Raptor’s Descent” if you haven’t already! That’s where S’Talon came from! Also, the lehe’jhme wine that’s mentioned was also created by Bliss and first mentioned in “The Raptor’s Descent”! ✨

Cross-posted to AO3 here.

~*~

S’Talon (OC) x Reader

[A/N: This chapter is just a buildup, but the next will have at least implied smut, so 18+ ONLY, MINORS DNI!!!]

Warnings: Minor flirtation, instant attraction, sleepy S’Talon, idk most of this chapter is just plot.

~*~

Was this really the place Sloan had told him about? It had been well-hidden, shielded and cloaked from any prying eyes, but...an aging cabin that looked as though it could collapse under the stress of a particularly strong gust of wind? Really? This was to be his safe house for the next month or two? With a heavy sigh, S’Talon ascended the porch steps and pressed the door chime.

“Once your mission is complete, you’ll need to lay low for a while,” Koval had told him, and at the Dhaemnasi’s urging, he’d accepted a small data PADD and a briefing from Luther Sloan about how to reach the place.

“It may not seem like much on the surface, but there’s no safer place in the galaxy,” the Human had said with a proud smirk. “The person who lives here will no doubt be surprised to see a Romulan, but this PADD should be enough to convince her that you’re trustworthy. She’s a friend of mine, so I don’t expect any problems.”

“Understood,” S’Talon had answered, but despite his personal curiosity about this woman, he had a mission. Setting his sights on the task ahead, he’d listened to the rest of his briefing with single-minded concentration.

Thanks to his caution in the field, he’d been able to accomplish his goal and fly away unscathed. The last leg of his journey had been traversed with the assistance of the most advanced cloak that the Tal Shiar had developed. There was absolutely no way he’d been followed, despite the length of the journey spanning multiple days.

Upon arrival on the seemingly empty forest planet at the coordinates that he’d been given, he’d almost been fooled into thinking he’d miscalculated, but in this business, he came to expect the unexpected. Sure enough, he’d exited his small ship and walked through the trees. He’d soon felt the telltale tickle of a shield parting around him, and a home made of dark brown wood and some sort of brick appeared before him.

Waiting outside the door for an answer of some sort, S’Talon allowed himself to take in his surroundings. A few small wind chimes played in the breeze from their hooks at the edge of the porch, creating a serene sort of asynchronous symphony. Somewhere, S’Talon could hear the rush of water. Was there a river near here?

His musing was cut short by the door opening to reveal–

Oh. Oh, she was beautiful...

Any objections the Riov had previously held were promptly wiped away by the sight of a lovely Human woman standing in the doorway in an oversized sweater and gray shorts. Utterly speechless, he could do no more than blink like a brainless fool.

“...Can I help you, sir?” Even her voice was lovely. It took him a long moment to come to two jarring realizations. The first was that she’d spoken flawless Romulan. The second was that he’d been silent for entirely too long. Clearing his throat and attempting to regain his cognitive functions, S’Talon took a small step toward her.

“Forgive my interruption of your solitude, lhhei. I am Riov S’Talon of the Tal Shiar, and I come seeking shelter. A friend of yours, Luther Sloan, told me about this place. He swore me to secrecy and entrusted me with this PADD,” he said offering her the device. She relaxed visibly when she heard Sloan’s name, and when she skimmed the PADD, she gave him a small smile and invited him inside.

Like any respectful guest, he removed his muddied boots and set them next to a smaller blue pair that he assumed belonged to his hostess. Glancing around the entryway, he noted that the inside of the house seemed much sturdier and more well-maintained than he’d anticipated. Perhaps the apparent dilapidation was a facade meant to discourage unwelcome visitors...

“Well, Riov, if Luther felt confident enough about you to reveal my location, you’re either an incredibly skilled, trustworthy operative or a friend of Dhaemnasi Koval’s,” she called as she led him into the main living space. He couldn’t help but let out a huff of laughter as he observed the small fire crackling away in the fireplace. The whole room was seemingly bathed in a comforting, welcoming sort of atmosphere - one that was very much needed after his mission. A sort of bone-deep fatigue had made itself at home in his limbs and was becoming harder and harder for him to ignore.

“I would say that both are true, but I wouldn’t dare be that arrogant. I am indeed a friend of the Dhaemnasi’s,” he said as he watched her clear some books off of a particularly comfortable looking sofa. “But please, lhhei, call me S’Talon.”

“As you wish. Why don’t you have a seat while I set up the guest room? You must be exhausted after whatever mission those boys just had you on,” she said, and if he didn’t know better, he would’ve guessed that she was part Betazoid.

Or perhaps he simply looked as tired as he felt. With the utmost gratitude, S’Talon did as she suggested, allowing himself to melt into the cushions with a relieved sigh. His tight, aching muscles began slowly releasing themselves from the knots they’d become in the last few days. When he opened his eyes, he found her smiling at him in a gentle, amused sort of fashion.

“You enjoy witnessing the suffering of a poor old man, lhhei? How very cruel,” he teased with a warm smile of his own. She laughed and shook her head before heading off to get a room ready for him, calling over her shoulder that she’d be back in a moment.

Sloan hadn’t warned him that this place would be Vorta Vor in disguise, the bastard, which raised the question: how did he know this woman? Was she a family member? A lover? A former agent? A...what did Humans call it? A guardian angel?

Yes, that was it. She must be one of those. Sloan had finally taken mercy upon S’Talon and sent him into the tender arms of a guardian angel hidden amongst the trees on an otherwise uninhabited planet. His exhausted mind turned the idea over a few times as his eyes fluttered shut again. The last thought he had before he drifted into a well-deserved, but unintentional sleep was what it would be like to kiss an angel.

--

A delicious scent lifted the Riov gently back to consciousness. It took a long moment for him to remember where he was. The flickering flame in the fireplace coupled with the deep, seductive indigo of the night sky peeking at him through the window finally brought his situation back to him. Blinking slowly, he looked down to find a soft blanket draped carefully over him.

“Computer, what time is it?” He rasped, but all that met his ears was a rather heavenly laugh.

“I don’t have a central computer unit tied in with the house. I have a replicator, a terminal to do my work, and a few other minor systems, but nothing like the computers you’re used to on the T’Met,” his hostess called from somewhere behind him. “It’s roughly nineteen-thirty hours.”

“Ah, thank you, lhhei. My apologies, I didn’t mean to fall asleep. It’s been a long day.” Sitting up and stretching slightly, S’Talon set aside the blanket she’d so kindly draped over him and stood. “What smells so good?”

“That would be dinner. I only know a few Romulan recipes, so this is something closer to fusion cuisine,” she said. Thanks to the open concept layout of the ground floor level of the house, he was able to watch as she stirred something in a pan. She was cooking by hand? “I figured you’d be hungry after a hard mission.”

“I’m very grateful for your consideration, dear lady, and no matter the type of cuisine, it’s sure to be delicious,” he said walking slowly into the kitchen to lean against an open section of the counter. “Oh, and thank you for the blanket.”

“You’re welcome,” she said picking up a bottle and drizzling something into the pan along with what appeared to be an array of seared vegetables. Maybe it was because he had been in a small, cloaked vessel for three days with no outside contact, but every moment he spent in this lovely woman’s presence, he felt increasingly revitalized. “If you’d like a change of clothes, I laid a few replicated garments out on your bed. You’ll have to forgive me if I misjudged the measurements somewhat. I’ve never had the honor of dressing a man of your stature before.”

A laugh spilled from his throat, sounding rougher than usual from his sleep.

“The honor is all mine, I assure you,” S’Talon murmured, wondering what she’d chosen for him. “I wonder, lhhei, have I time to tidy myself up a bit before we eat?”

“Of course. I only started a few minutes ago, and I can keep the food warm for you. Take as long as you need. Your bedroom is the third room on the left down the hall,” she said gesturing in the right direction.

“Khlinae arhem,” he replied, and pausing just long enough to see surprise flit over her features, the Riov went to find his temporary quarters. This would certainly be an interesting couple of months.

He emerged from a shower not long after, utterly relaxed by the spray of hot water. How long had it been since he’d used a real water shower instead of a sonic one? Too long, his tired muscles screamed in answer. Taking care of his grooming efficiently, S’Talon removed the bit of stubble that had sprouted along his jaw during his journey and slipped into one of the sets of clothing his hostess had provided for him.

She hadn’t been very far off guessing his measurements. The sleeves of his emerald green tunic were perhaps a couple of centimeters too long compared to what he normally wore, but otherwise they were quite comfortable. He supposed it was better for a garment to be a little too big rather than too small.

Clever girl. From what he could see, she lived here alone. His brows drew together slightly. He had several questions about his lovely hostess, but he was a patient man. Just as he hoped to draw more laughter and smiles from her, he intended to find out a bit more about her.

Once he was dressed and felt a bit more like himself, S’Talon made his way back out toward the kitchen. Seemingly freezing when she saw him, the Romulan watched as her eyes flitted up and down the length of his body. Now that he’d rested a little, he felt confident enough to give her one of his most charming smiles in return.

“It seems that I have an excellent stylist,” he said standing a little straighter and holding his arms out at his sides to show off how well everything fit. “You’ve underestimated your own abilities, lhhei.”

“No way. That was just a lucky guess,” she demurred as she retrieved two wine glasses for the table. “I’m afraid I don’t have any kali-fal to offer you, but the Dhaemnasi keeps me well-stocked with his family’s wine as payment for services rendered to the Empire.”

S’Talon’s eyebrows rose to his hairline. Not just anyone was considered worthy enough to be gifted Koval’s lehe’jhme wine. She must be someone very special, indeed.

“I’d be honored to share a glass with you,” he replied, and soon they were seated together at her little dining table. Conversation had remained within safe topics to begin with, ranging from his opinion on his accommodations to anything he may want or need while he stayed with her. In a moment of boldness spurred on by the intimacy of the setting, he’d given her a flirtatious wink. “I require no more than the pleasure of your company and a place to lay my head at night. Those small privileges alone are enough to allow me to die a happy man.”

She’d seemed pleased and more than a little surprised by his forthrightness. Over the rim of her wine glass, she’d given him an appraising look.

“I don’t know what to make of you, Riov. You’re...not like any Tal Shiar officer I’ve ever met before,” she mused, and he gave a low hum.

“Perhaps our time together will afford both of us some clarity,” he said as he swirled the golden liquid in his glass thoughtfully. “If I may ask, how did you know that I’m the Commander of the T’Met?”

“Ah, that. Since I do so much behind the scenes work for Sloan and Koval, they’ve given me my own isolated database. They send me relevant files when necessary. That PADD you gave me had an access code for a limited view of your personnel file. Nothing too detailed, but basic information like your name, age, and current public assignment listing,” she replied, and S’Talon nodded his head. That was along the lines of what he’d expected.

“What sort of work do you do for our mutual friends? I’m not asking for specifics, I assure you. I understand how this business operates better than most. A generalization or two will be sufficient to satiate my curiosity.” The Riov was intrigued with her beyond measure and found his exhaustion quickly fading in favor of learning about the woman in front of him. Did she have a lover? What sort of activities did she enjoy when she wasn’t assisting the Tal or Section Thirty One? What would her pretty lips feel like against his?

Stop it, you’re getting ahead of yourself, old man.

“Well, to be general about it, I...get into files that I shouldn’t on behalf of both agencies,” she said with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. “Both are very aware that should I desire it, I could see any of their files at any time through my own ingenuity should they give me a reason to no longer be on their side.”

That notion pulled a hearty laugh from S’Talon’s chest. This sweet, considerate, diminutive woman had the heads of two intelligence agencies right where she wanted them. No wonder Sloan had said there was no safer place in the galaxy for him to hide.

“You are not at all what I expected to find here, lhhei,” the Riov exclaimed, and that suited his tastes perfectly.

When the two unlikely housemates finally parted ways to get some sleep that night, they’d made their way through most of the bottle of Koval’s wine that she’d opened and had become familiar enough with one another that the rest of their time together would, hopefully, be as easy as breathing.

~*~*~

Romulan Words:

lhhei = my lady

Khlinae arhem = thank you (inferior to superior)

Riov = Captain

Dhaemnasi = Chairman of the Tal Shiar

~*~

Taglist:

@android-boyfriends @attention-bajoranworkers @bigblissandlove1 @darkmattervibes @emilie786 @horta-in-charge @live-logs-and-proper @slutty-slutty-vulcans @starrynightgardens @toebeans-mcgee

[inlightpsychiatry]

Online psychiatrist in Florida

Florida, with its sprawling geography and diverse population, has seen a growing need for accessible mental health services, especially in the wake of increasing awareness about emotional well-being and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the most impactful developments in this space has been the rise of online psychiatrists—licensed medical doctors who provide psychiatric care remotely through secure video platforms, phone calls, and digital messaging. Online psychiatrists in Florida are helping to remove traditional barriers to mental healthcare by offering convenience, privacy, and flexibility, allowing patients to access expert support without the need to commute to a physical office. This is especially beneficial in a state as large and varied as Florida, where rural communities, people with mobility limitations, busy professionals, and those without reliable transportation might otherwise find it difficult to receive timely and consistent care. Whether someone lives in Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Tallahassee, or a more remote region like the Panhandle or the Everglades area, access to high-quality psychiatric care is now just a few clicks away.

Online psychiatrists in Florida provide the same core services as traditional in-person providers. They perform psychiatric evaluations, diagnose mental health disorders, prescribe and manage medications, and often incorporate aspects of therapy into their sessions. Many specialize in treating common conditions such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, PTSD, and insomnia, while others may have niche expertise in areas like addiction medicine, women’s mental health, or geriatric psychiatry. A typical online appointment begins with a comprehensive assessment, where the psychiatrist gathers information about the patient’s symptoms, personal history, medical background, lifestyle, and any previous treatments. Using this information, the psychiatrist crafts an individualized treatment plan, which may include medications, behavioral strategies, talk therapy, and lifestyle recommendations. For many patients, the ability to have these conversations in the comfort of their own home creates a more relaxed and open environment, which can improve the quality of care.

Leading online psychiatric platforms operating in Florida include both national services like Talkspace, Amwell, and Brightside, as well as Florida-based practices such as Inlight Psychiatry & Therapy, which is headquartered in Orlando but offers telepsychiatry throughout the entire state. These providers are staffed by board-certified psychiatrists who are licensed to practice in Florida and who follow all state and federal privacy regulations, including HIPAA compliance. One of the key advantages of working with an online psychiatrist is the flexibility in scheduling. Some platforms even provide asynchronous communication options, allowing patients to send messages and receive follow-up care without needing to be online at the same time as their provider. This level of accessibility is especially meaningful for individuals managing ongoing medication regimens, those seeking follow-ups, or people who simply feel more comfortable interacting digitally.

Florida’s online psychiatrists are also at the forefront of integrating holistic and modern approaches into virtual care. Many incorporate elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, positive psychology, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) into their digital sessions. They may also work collaboratively with therapists, primary care physicians, or wellness coaches to offer a more comprehensive care experience. In some cases, online psychiatrists use tools like genetic testing to better understand how a person might respond to certain medications, helping to minimize trial and error and speeding up the path to effective treatment. Additionally, digital platforms often offer patient portals where individuals can track their progress, refill prescriptions, view treatment notes, and access self-guided mental health resources, making care more engaging and empowering.

Perhaps most importantly, online psychiatry in Florida is helping to reduce the stigma around mental health. By normalizing virtual visits and giving patients discreet access to help, more people feel comfortable seeking support. The state’s top online psychiatrists are not just providers—they are partners in each patient’s journey toward healing and emotional wellness. They bring compassion, clinical expertise, and innovative tools to every session, ensuring that patients feel heard, understood, and supported no matter where they are. As the demand for mental health services continues to rise, online psychiatry is proving to be a powerful, flexible, and effective solution for Floridians seeking care on their own terms.

Visit : https://inlightpsychiatry.com/

Contact us : 407.477.4060

Address : 4700 Millenia Blvd, Orlando, FL 32839, USA

[literaturereviewhelp]

Several authors have recognized that blended learning is poorly defined despite being broadly applied in the contemporary teaching and learning environment. One of the authors, Alotaibi (2013, p.178) defined blended e-learning as the combination of e-learning with face-to-face learning after it emerged that e-learning as not sufficient on its own. Similarly, Akyuz and Samsa (2009, p.1745) described blended learning as any combined learning delivery methods based on synchronous or asynchronous computer technologies and face-to-face instruction. Meanwhile, blended learning is a mix of pedagogies, learning theories, contexts, media mixing, face-to-face instruction, online learning e-learning and traditional learning (Borglum, 2016, p.7). Critical thinking The art of evaluating and analyzing thinking with intention of improving it is critical thinking (Paul and Elder, 2006). It is forming a judgment based on objective evaluation and analysis of issues. Exercised in online discussions, critical thinking offers an opportunity for students to analyze and reflect on their observations. Critical thinking results in constructive feedback and thoughtful responses to questions posed (Alebaikan, 2010). It can be enhanced through promoting activities that mirror on cognitive engagement. For instance, teachers should recognize their roles when switching to a student-centered strategy from a lecturer-centered strategy so as to foster dialogue in education and develop skills for critical thinking. Critical thinking increases performance, literacy, creativity, and numerical understanding of subjects. For both educators and students, some promising results are in the offing when students work to increase critical thinking. Blended learning and critical thinking Information Communication Technology (ICT) has rapidly advanced in the modern world to the extent that is has revolutionalized language teaching and learning. The progress and creation of the internet has shown that teachers can have more options to develop innovative instructional materials and create effective teaching methods. In the recent years, the blended learning mode as one of the teaching models has been developed to take advantage of technology use and face-to-face approach. Hubbard (2013) observes that blended learning can not only support the curricular objectives but also improve teaching and learning. While Peeraer and Van Petegem (2011) argues that blended E- learning compliment learning environments, Vaughan (2007) is of the contrary opinion that blended courses have unrealistic expectations. Read the full article

[eggshelltherapyandcoaching]

Why Having a High IQ May Not Make Life Easier 

While those with high IQs are typically more successful in the workplace and classroom and live comparatively healthier, longer lives, there may be disadvantages that come with being exceptionally smart. A recent study that appeared in Intelligence journal (“High intelligence: A risk factor for psychological and physiological overexcitabilities”) revealed significant differences in the occurrence of anxiety disorders and mood disorders between the general population and the Mensa group surveyed. 

The national average of the population diagnosed with either an anxiety or mood disorder is 10% (for each condition). However, 26.7% of the Mensa respondents reported a formal diagnosis of a mood disorder while 20% had been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. Fascinatingly, 33% of the Mensa group reported experiencing environmental allergies, which is triple the national average. 

The Pressures of Having a High IQ 

Some of the problems experienced by those with a high IQ could be the result of the expectations and implications that come with being extremely smart. For example, such people may feel pressured to consistently excel, causing anxiety and stress. Furthermore, children with high IQs could experience asynchronous development, with their superior cognitive abilities outpacing their social and emotional development. 

Endorsing a holistic approach to development can be an effective means of alleviating these issues. This means allowing plenty of opportunity for children to enjoy creative expression and incorporating sufficient social-emotional learning into the classroom. Recognizing that a child’s IQ is just one element of a child’s personality – rather than being their defining feature – is key. 

How Eggshell Therapy and Coaching Can Help 

Eggshell Therapy and Coaching offers support and coaching for individuals who are gifted, emotionally intense and highly sensitive. Unlike traditional life coaching or therapy, the practice focuses on helping its clients to own their unique personality traits and abilities, release their suppressed creative potential, and live authentically. 

Providing a holistic and non-pathologizing approach, discussions may draw on a wide range of traditions and practices, such as mindfulness, philosophical counselling, mentalization, Buddhist psychology, shadow work, dream analysis, psychosynthesis, Jungian psychology, Japanese psychology, and schema work. 

Personal development is the main aim of Eggshell Therapy and Coaching. By addressing problems at their roots, individuals are encouraged to build themselves up from the inside and work to boost their resilience, allowing them to better cope in the wake of life’s challenges. Rather than simply being an intellectual process, the practice may help an individual to shift their emotional patterns and overarching life philosophy in order to celebrate their gifts and live vibrantly with true authenticity. 

[mindcelebrations2021]

Online Therapists  

Online therapists often treat depression with cognitive behavioral therapy. During therapists typically help people identify and replace negative or untrue thoughts about themselves. This can relieve symptoms of depression, often in conjunction with medication. For the past years, we have consistently tested and reviewed dozens of online therapy companies and directories in order to bring you the absolute best in online therapy. We’ve spent months every year personally trying out many online therapy companies and directories ourselves, participating in therapy and bringing our insights from those experiences directly to you. We support individuals seeking greater satisfaction, joy, and resilience in their lives - online counselling.

Read more about how we researched and tested online therapy platforms in our online therapy review methodology. Stress management, anxiety, anger issues, Self Confidence issues, personality problems, substance abuse, obsessive-compulsive disorders, depression, and grief counselling. We also consulted independent mental health professionals to better understand why people seek out online therapy. We also appreciate that we offer a wide variety of mental health plans so you can find the right one for your needs and schedule. All plans include unlimited asynchronous messaging with your therapist - employee counselling.

Dealing with Psychological problems, Relationship Issues, and Emotional Conflicts can be extremely difficult and painful. We understand that not everyone is the same and that a comprehensive diagnosis and flexible solution is important to a successful recovery. Our services cover a wide range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, stress, relationship problems, and more. Ready to start your journey to better mental health? Book free session with one of our top psychologists today.  We make it easy and convenient to access the care you need from a trusted therapist near you. For more information, please visit our site https://mindcelebrations.com/

[fangxuanli]

Source & Significance: Blog Post #9

Analysis of Affective Intensity in Death Stranding

Developed by Hideo Kojima, Death Stranding is a game that embodies the concept of affective intensity through its unique gameplay and narrative structure. Players will be the main character Sam, traveling through a post-apocalyptic world with dangerous terrain and delivering packages using almost only feet.

Figure 1, Death Stranding poster

Players will experience a range of affective stage, such as tension and fatigue from carefully maneuvering the protagonist across mountains for long periods of time, to anxiety and fear when encountering a hostile entity (BT), to relief and a sense of achievement when successfully completing the delivery of goods. This emotional rollercoaster is critical to keeping players interested and engaged.

Figure 2, game shots, encountering "BT"

The game is designed with an asynchronous multiplayer mode, where the only way players can interact with other players is by leaving behind useful items or buildings and "liking" them. This system subtly builds a sense of community into the game, not only enhancing the affective depth of the game, but also encouraging players to connect with others.

Figure 3, game shots, other players' buildings

The game's detailed environmental design, atmosphere shaping (the vast majority of the game's framing and music comes from Iceland) and complex narrative draws players into its world, making them feel like they are part of the story. This immersion is a key factor in the game's ability to elicit a strong emotional response and keep players engaged.

Figure 4, game shots, beautiful landscape in game

Death Stranding is a game that was ahead of its time in terms of its design concepts, and despite the controversy surrounding its confusing "delivery" gameplay system at the time of its release, it was successful in its design and handling of the subtle control and mobilization of the player's emotions.

References

Long, J. (2024). Death Stranding: A New Digital Ecology. Brigham Young University. Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/etd/10291/

Bailey, K., West, R. & Anderson, C.A. (2012). The Influence of Video Games on Social, Cognitive, and Affective Information Processing. Oxford University Press. Available at: https://academic.oup.com/edited-volume/27967/chapter/211610166

Ash, J. (2013). Technologies of Captivation: Videogames and the Attunement of Affect. Body and Society, 19(1), pp.27-51.

[eduhubspot]

Inclusive Team Building: Designing Activities that Respect and Empower All Personality Types

Team building activities have now become an essential part of company culture. In today's world, if a business needs to thrive, then the first and foremost requirement is having a culture of teamwork within the organization. When all the employees come together and work in sync, we can say that the business is moving in the right direction.

However, here's the challenge that many organizations face: creating team building activities that truly unite rather than inadvertently divide. As a project management professional who has orchestrated countless team initiatives, I've observed a critical gap in how we approach team building. While companies invest significant resources in fostering teamwork, many fail to recognize that true collaboration requires more than just bringing people together—it demands understanding and respecting how different personality types engage and contribute.

Understanding the Personality Spectrum in the Workplace

Before diving into specific activities, it's crucial to understand the various personality types we typically encounter in professional settings:

Extroverts: Draw energy from social interactions and tend to think while speaking

Introverts: Recharge through solitude and prefer processing thoughts internally

Ambiverts: Display characteristics of both introversion and extroversion

Highly Sensitive Persons (HSPs): Process sensory information more deeply than others

Different cognitive styles: Various approaches to problem-solving and decision-making

The Cost of Non-Inclusive Team Building

Traditional team building activities often create unintended consequences:

Forced participation in high-energy group activities can cause anxiety and discomfort

Quiet team members may feel overshadowed or undervalued

Some personality types may withdraw from future team interactions

Lost opportunities for diverse perspective sharing

Decreased team cohesion and productivity

Principles of Inclusive Team Building

1. Provide Multiple Participation Pathways

Create activities that offer different ways to contribute:

Written and verbal communication options

Small group and individual components

Both synchronous and asynchronous participation opportunities

Various roles that suit different comfort levels

2. Balance Energy Levels

Design activities with varying intensity levels:

Mix high-energy and reflective moments

Include breaks for processing and recharging

Allow flexibility in participation duration

Create quiet spaces within group settings

3. Respect Personal Boundaries

Establish clear guidelines that:

Make participation voluntary but engaging

Avoid forced personal disclosures

Respect physical and emotional comfort zones

Allow opt-out options without judgment

Inclusive Team Building Activities

1. Hybrid Brainstorming Sessions

Format: Combines individual reflection with group sharing

Start with independent ideation time (15 minutes)

Small group discussions (3-4 people)

Optional large group sharing

Digital contribution options

Benefits:

Introverts can process thoughts before sharing

Extroverts get discussion opportunities

Multiple channels for idea expression

2. Skills Exchange Market

Format: Ongoing program where team members can:

Post skills they're willing to teach

Request skills they want to learn

Choose their preferred teaching/learning style

Engage in one-on-one or small group learning

Benefits:

Self-paced participation

Builds connections through shared interests

Accommodates different learning styles

Celebrates diverse expertise

3. Project Retrospective Gallery

Format: Mixed-media reflection activity

Written observations

Visual representations

Verbal sharing options

Digital submissions welcome

Benefits:

Multiple expression methods

Time for individual reflection

Optional presentation opportunities

Inclusive feedback channels

4. Virtual-Physical Hybrid Events

Format: Team activities that blend:

In-person participation options

Remote participation capabilities

Asynchronous contributions

Mixed communication channels

Benefits:

Accommodates different comfort levels

Flexible participation options

Inclusive of remote team members

Respects personal boundaries

Implementation Strategies

1. Pre-Activity Planning

Survey team members about preferences

Provide activity details in advance

Offer choice in participation methods

Create inclusive physical/virtual spaces

2. During Activity Execution

Set clear expectations about participation

Maintain multiple engagement channels

Monitor comfort levels and adjust accordingly

Celebrate diverse contribution styles

3. Post-Activity Follow-up

Gather anonymous feedback

Assess participation patterns

Identify improvement opportunities

Plan future activities based on insights

Measuring Success

Track both quantitative and qualitative metrics:

Participation rates across personality types

Feedback survey results

Team member satisfaction levels

Long-term team cohesion indicators

Project collaboration improvements

Building Long-term Inclusive Culture

Remember that inclusive team building is not just about individual activities but about creating a sustainable culture of inclusion:

Regular Assessment

Monitor team dynamics

Gather ongoing feedback

Adjust approaches as needed

Leadership Development

Train leaders in inclusive practices

Model inclusive behaviors

Champion diversity of thought

Continuous Improvement

Iterate on successful activities

Address emerging challenges

Incorporate new inclusive practices

Conclusion

Creating truly inclusive team building activities requires thoughtful planning, flexibility, and a deep understanding of different personality types. By designing activities that respect and empower all team members, organizations can build stronger, more cohesive teams that leverage their full diversity of perspectives and strengths.

Remember: The goal isn't to change people's personalities but to create an environment where every personality type can thrive and contribute meaningfully to the team's success. When we achieve this, we unlock the full potential of our teams and create workplaces where innovation and collaboration flourish naturally.

Through mindful implementation of these inclusive team building strategies, organizations can foster environments where diversity of personality is not just accepted but celebrated as a crucial driver of team success and innovation.

[dataoutsourcingcompany]

Code Like a Pro: Expert Programming Tips for Young Minds

Programming is an essential skill in today’s digital world, and starting early can give young minds a significant advantage. Whether they’re interested in game development, app creation, or just understanding the technology that powers our world, learning to code can open up endless possibilities. Here’s a guide with expert tips to help young programmers code like pros.

Start with the Basics Understanding the fundamentals is crucial for building a strong foundation in programming. Before moving on to more complex topics, beginners should start with basic concepts such as variables, loops, and conditionals.

Practice, Practice, Practice Like any other skill, coding requires practice. The more you code, the more familiar you become with different programming concepts and problem-solving techniques.

Break Down Problems Programming often involves solving complex problems. Teaching young coders to break down large problems into smaller, manageable tasks can make the process less overwhelming and more efficient.

What are the key benefits of attending coding camps for children? At Coder Kids, we provide more than just coding lessons; we offer a transformative experience where children’s ideas can spring to life. Our camps inspire kids to unlock skills they’ve only dreamed of, giving them a foundation in technology that prepares them for future academic and career opportunities. One of the standout features of our program is the live, real-time instruction. Unlike asynchronous learning, our live online camps are led by dedicated instructors who offer immediate assistance and feedback. This means students get their questions answered on the spot, enhancing their understanding and keeping them engaged. Our approach to teaching involves real coding exercises, where success and failure are both valuable lessons. How can coding be integrated into other subjects like math, science, and art to enhance interdisciplinary learning? Coding naturally lends itself to interdisciplinary uses! The skills kids attain when learning to code translate to all manner of subjects, and not just STEM. In language arts, students need to pay careful attention to spelling and grammar; in coding, just one misplaced period or bracket can break a whole section of code. In math, students break down problems into smaller chunks, implementing steps to solve the problem. This deconstructing of a larger question is key to writing steps of code that achieve a final result.

What are some common challenges kids face when learning to code, and how can these be overcome? Young people may face a variety of challenges when learning to code. These can include motivation and limited real world connections, cognitive load, and fear of failure. Some children may struggle with motivation when it comes to learning to code, often finding it too abstract or complex, which can lead to frustration and disinterest. Relatedly, some young people may find it challenging to see how coding skills apply to their lives or their future aspirations. Cognitive load is another significant hurdle; the demands of understanding programming logic, syntax, and debugging can sometimes overwhelm young learners. Lastly, the fear of failure may be overwhelming; when code doesn’t work as expected, it can discourage kids from trying again, collaborating with others, and asking for help.

Resources Url: https://thecodegalaxy.com/blog/code-like-a-pro-expert-programming-tips-for-young-minds/

[sullyeduc5103blog]

Group 1 - Online Course Formats & Technologies

Group 1 - Online Course Formats and Technologies - Robert and Raagavi

The first group to showcase their research in Innovative Online Learning was Robert and Raagavi. They focused on three designs: blending learning, synchronous learning, and asynchronous learning, my favourite. Robert and Raagavi analyzed several formats of learning delivery systems from MOOCs to LMS. Depending on our prior knowledge, they seemed well-situated to explain them from various access points. I appreciated the explanation of what might be common knowledge to some, but it was the first time I had heard of MOOCs as a term, even though I have engaged in open-access learning like it before.

The first thing that resonated with me, as they described option after option for online learning delivery, was that there are too many options. As someone struggling to keep up with an increasingly technological world, I find it impossible to become skilled at any platform when each Professor uses another platform, database for articles, and structure for their modules. If we could stop trying to reinvent the wheel those of us that are just learning to drive might stand a chance. Having spent time looking at cognitive load for another course, all this new information and learning just to navigate the online platform distracts from the actual learning, except in this class, where the point is to know about these systems, platforms, and technologies.

From this plethora of options for delivering online learning came my major takeaway: none of this is getting it right. We all covet student engagement, yet we are approaching it all wrong. It is not about creating a new platform to deliver the same material to all students. It should be about meeting students where they are: for Secondary students, this is TikTok or Instagram; for Elementary students this may be Discord, YouTube Kids, and Minecraft; for post-secondary students this may be LinkedIn. These are online platforms students are familiar with and enjoy using. Hence, it stands to reason that if we can harness these online platforms for educational purposes, we stand a chance for student engagement. I was reading an article for my group assignment that calls for the use of social media platforms in educational situations to build upon the intrinsic motivation that students have to engage with these enjoyable platforms rather than focus countless hours on designing environments that still will not complete, no matter how many we create (Lobo-Quintero, R. et al. 2023). This further adds to my previous point about taking away from the learning by developing new tools for students to learn when we can use what they already know. If we want engagement, why are we not engaging in the world our students access daily? 

I will unpack the discussion surrounding asynchronous learning vs. synchronous learning in my next reflective blog, but for this presentation and stream of reflection, I will briefly touch on what stood out from Robert and Raagavi’s work. With the various formats to choose from, our knowledge of educational psychology, and our experiences with or as students, why must a course require the same learning mode for all students enrolled? I do not thrive in a dedicated synchronous classroom, even with the two token asynchronous classes scheduled. If students could elect to “drop in” if they need help or want to discuss, that would also promote student engagement that suits the individual student. Forcing students to attend a class does not equate to engagement or increased learning. To this point, neither do the required group assignments each M.Ed course contains. I do not assign group work as an educator because I know the pitfalls and believe it is unethical to assign one student’s grade to the collaboration of several students. If we are trying to teach group dynamics, that is one thing. Still, given the diversity behind our intrinsic motivation for pursuing our M.Ed, it has proven more often problematic than mutually rewarding.

As blogs usually do, this one has veered away from the original point quite nicely. However, is that not the real point here? We should engage with what our peers have put together, take away what is useful to us, and ask engaging questions that spark thought in others.

Fulantelli, G., Burgos, D., Casalino, G., Cimitile, M., Lo Bosco, G., & Taibi, D. (2023). Higher Education Learning Methodologies and Technologies Online : 4th International Conference, HELMeTO 2022, Palermo, Italy, September 21–23, 2022, Revised Selected Papers (1st ed. 2023.). Springer Nature Switzerland. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-29800-4 

Lobo-Quintero, R., Sánchez-Reina, R., Theophilou, E., & Hernández-Leo, D. (2023). Intrinsic Motivation for Social Media Literacy, a Look into the Narrative Scripts. In Higher Education Learning Methodologies and Technologies Online (pp. 419–432). Springer Nature Switzerland. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-29800-4_32

[chunkeunchoi]

Teledentistry for Special Needs Patients: Remote Access to Dental Services by Chunkeun (Choi Vallejo, CA)

Teledentistry, the convergence of telecommunications technology and dental care, has emerged as a groundbreaking solution for delivering dental services to a diverse patient population. This innovative approach is particularly beneficial for special needs patients, who often face numerous barriers to accessing traditional dental care. Special needs patients, including those with physical, developmental, or cognitive impairments, frequently encounter challenges such as mobility issues, communication difficulties, and heightened anxiety during dental visits. As a result, they are at a higher risk of oral health problems due to the lack of regular dental care.

The implementation of teledentistry offers a promising avenue to bridge this gap, ensuring that special needs patients receive timely and appropriate dental care. By leveraging modern communication technologies, dental professionals such as Chunkeun (Choi Vallejo, CA) provide consultations, diagnoses, and even certain treatments remotely, thus overcoming many of the physical and logistical hurdles that impede access to dental services. In this blog, we will explore the various facets of teledentistry, its applications for special needs patients, and its potential to transform the landscape of dental care.

Understanding Teledentistry

Teledentistry encompasses a range of services, including real-time video consultations, asynchronous communication, and remote patient monitoring. This modality allows dental practitioners to extend their reach beyond the confines of the dental office, providing care to patients in the comfort of their homes. For special needs patients, this can significantly reduce the stress and discomfort associated with in-person visits.

Real-time video consultations enable dentists to visually examine the patient’s oral condition, offer professional advice, and develop treatment plans without the need for a physical visit. This can be particularly beneficial for routine check-ups and follow-up appointments. Asynchronous communication, such as sharing dental records and images via secure platforms, allows for flexibility in patient-dentist interactions, accommodating the unique needs and schedules of special needs patients. Remote patient monitoring further enhances care by allowing dentists like Chunkeun (Choi Vallejo, CA) to track the oral health of their patients over time, identifying potential issues before they escalate.

Benefits for Special Needs Patients

Teledentistry offers numerous benefits for special needs patients, making dental care more accessible and manageable. One of the primary advantages is the elimination of transportation barriers. Many special needs patients require specialized transportation, which can be costly and difficult to arrange. Teledentistry allows these patients to receive care without the need for travel, thereby reducing logistical challenges.

Additionally, teledentistry minimizes the sensory overload that many special needs patients experience in a traditional dental setting. The sights, sounds, and smells of a dental office can be overwhelming, leading to heightened anxiety and discomfort. By receiving care in a familiar environment, patients are likely to be more relaxed and cooperative as noted by dental professionals including Chunkeun (Choi Vallejo, CA). This can result in more accurate assessments and better overall experiences.

Enhancing Communication and Comfort

Effective communication is crucial in dental care, especially for patients with special needs. Teledentistry facilitates enhanced communication through various digital tools and platforms. Dentists like Chunkeun (Choi Vallejo, CA) use visual aids, such as diagrams and videos, to explain procedures and oral hygiene practices, making it easier for patients and caregivers to understand and follow instructions.

Furthermore, teledentistry allows for a more personalized approach to patient care. Dentists can take the time to build rapport with patients and their families, addressing specific concerns and tailoring treatment plans to meet individual needs. This personalized interaction can foster trust and confidence, which are essential for successful dental care.

Overcoming Challenges and Limitations

While teledentistry offers significant advantages, it also presents certain challenges and limitations. One of the primary concerns is the need for reliable internet access and digital literacy. Not all special needs patients or their caregivers may have the necessary resources or skills to effectively use teledentistry platforms. Addressing this digital divide is essential to ensure equitable access to care.

Another challenge is the limitation of remote diagnostics. Certain dental conditions require physical examination and intervention, which cannot be fully addressed through teledentistry. However, teledentistry can still play a crucial role in triaging patients, providing initial assessments, and determining the urgency of in-person visits.

Integration with Traditional Dental Care

Teledentistry is not intended to replace traditional dental care but rather to complement it. By integrating teledentistry with conventional dental practices, dental professionals such as Chunkeun (Choi Vallejo, CA) offer a more comprehensive and flexible approach to patient care. For special needs patients, this integration can mean more frequent monitoring and timely interventions, ultimately improving oral health outcomes.

For instance, a patient may begin their care journey with a teledentistry consultation to address immediate concerns or symptoms. If necessary, the dentist can then schedule an in-person visit for further examination or treatment. This hybrid approach maximizes the benefits of both remote and in-person care, ensuring that special needs patients receive the best possible dental services.

Future Prospects and Innovations

The future of teledentistry holds exciting possibilities, particularly with advancements in technology. Emerging innovations such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning have the potential to revolutionize remote dental care. AI can assist in diagnosing dental conditions from images and providing personalized treatment recommendations, further enhancing the capabilities of teledentistry.

Additionally, the development of portable dental devices and at-home diagnostic tools can empower patients and caregivers to actively participate in their oral health care. These innovations can enable more precise monitoring and early detection of dental issues, leading to proactive and preventive care strategies.

Teledentistry represents a transformative approach to delivering dental care, especially for special needs patients who face significant barriers to traditional dental services. By leveraging modern communication technologies, teledentistry provides a practical and effective solution to enhance access, improve communication, and deliver personalized care. While challenges such as digital literacy and the need for physical interventions remain, the integration of teledentistry with traditional dental practices offers a promising pathway to better oral health outcomes.

As technology continues to advance, the potential for teledentistry to further revolutionize dental care is immense. By embracing these innovations and addressing the unique needs of special needs patients, the dental community can ensure that all individuals receive the quality care they deserve.