We all want our children to succeed. Fluency in another language and culture is rapidly becoming essential to success in the working world, beyond the personal enrichment it has always brought. Unfortunately, the benefits of immersion in another culture have come more easily to the wealthy in our educational system. The explosion of access to online technology has the potential to expand these benefits.
Our current educational system provides only limited connection to people living in other countries. Our immersion programs are always over-subscribed and exchange opportunities remain expensive. Opportunities for students in other countries to visit the US are similarly limited to those with the means to travel to the US, both because of the actual cost and because the US immigration system tends disproportionately to exclude people with limited means from other countries. Technology now allows us to move beyond our current model of wealth-based opportunity to one that includes students of more modest means, both in the US and overseas.
We know that the development of social connections in a second language increases the speed of learning that language. Unfortunately, our current language education system often does little to encourage social relationships between native speakers of different languages. Put simply, the best way to increase language learning is to connect English speaking children in the US with children who speak the target language. We see the benefits of this approach in our dual-immersion schools. We also see the limits of these programs in our difficulty in finding qualified bilingual teachers. It comes as no surprise that English language instruction programs in other countries have the same problem.
We can expand the advantages of dual immersion remotely. Building connections between teachers and students across international boundaries through technology does not require travel or even information technology beyond that now commonly used by in the US and overseas. As I recently watched English-speaking students try to introduce themselves to each other in Spanish, I wondered how much more effective that lesson could be when conducted with a native Spanish speaker. Unlike in person immersion programs, the costs of building online connections between our students and those overseas do not require substantial ongoing funding, just start up and administration costs.
The benefits of these connections go far beyond language acquisition. My prior relationship with local Bosnian attorneys made my recent trip there to work on an anti-terrorism program much more effective, as they could provide me with the current political context. Similarly, two weeks ago a Ukrainian soldier called a Washington National Guardsman he’d met on a training rotation to troubleshoot a problem with a Javelin anti-tank missile. They fixed the problem together by FaceTime. The Ukrainian called back 30 minutes later to report success against one of the invading Russian armored vehicles. While we may hope that building these connections may work to prevent war in the future, it’s hard to dispute the effectiveness of having a personal relationship in that case.
When I walk down the street here in Indonesia (where I’m trying to learn the language), I’m often flagged down by school kids with a hearty, “Hey, mister!” They’re happy that I speak some Indonesian, but more interested in practicing their English. Kids have a hunger for knowledge and social connection. Let’s find new ways to feed that hunger, for their benefit and ours.
Other News
Eugene Area Recycling
International markets impact the way recycling is processed in our area. Effective June 1, 2022, waste haulers that serve customers within the City of Eugene will began accepting an expanded list of items for recycling. Please visit the Recycling information page for more information.
Contamination reduces the economy and effectiveness of our recycling system. Plastic bags, take-out food containers, plant pots, and lids of any kind should never be placed in commingled recycling bins. Any items that are not clearly recyclable should be put in the trash—when in doubt, throw it out.
Eugene Water & Electric Board (EWEB) Survey
EWEB is seeking additional responses to their annual Customer Satisfaction Survey to see how they are performing, gauge how satisfied you are with different aspects of their services and offerings, and understanding your needs. They have received 1000 completed surveys so far, and are hoping to increase the number of responses from customers age 55 and under. EWEB values feedback from customer-owners of all ages and backgrounds; if you have not had a chance to complete the survey, you may do so online here.
Warning: Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms
As summer approaches and temperatures rise, please remember that algae blooms can form on bodies of water in hot weather.
Some blooms can cause serious illness or death in pets, livestock and wildlife. These toxins can also make people sick and sometimes cause rashes or irritation.
Not all blooms are harmful but you can't tell if an algae is toxic just by looking at it.
Don't go into water that looks foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green, blue-green or brownish red. A good rule of thumb for you and your pet is: when in doubt, stay out!
While many popular water bodies in Oregon have health advisories issued when a blue-green algal bloom is discovered, there is no regulatory requirement to issue health advisories for contaminated water. The best thing you can do is learn what to look for. Learn more online here.
COVID-19
The CDC's COVID-19 Community Levels tool shows that three Oregon counties – including Lane County – are at "high" community level. Please consider wearing a mask in indoor gatherings, testing regularly, staying home when you are sick, and getting vaccinated if you have not done so already.
Vaccinations (including boosters) are available at:
COVID-19 Testing
At-home Test Kits
Each residential households in the U.S. is eligible to order free at-home antigen tests from the federal government. (Each household may place three orders, for a total of 16 free at-home tests per household). Place your online order here.
The Hult Center
RT-PCR test for COVID-19
Results typically within 2 hours
For patients 5+
Patients ages 5 -17 must be swabbed by an accompanying adult
UO's Monitoring and Assessment Program (MAP)
Individuals without symptoms can test inside McArthur Court. Appointments are strongly encouraged for asymptomatic testing. Book online here
Testing for individuals with mild symptoms, similar to the common cold, is available at the McArthur Court ticket booths. Individuals with symptoms should not go inside to test.
Symptomatic testing is offered as walk in only and available during limited hours.
Due to increased demand in testing, plan an hour for the check-in and testing process.
MAP test results are available within 2-4 business days. This is not a rapid test
This is available to all community members, not just UO staff and students.
For individuals who are experiencing symptoms and/or had a recent close encounter with a known positive case may access testing through Lane County Public Health or through your primary care provider. Testing locations are updated weekly online and include drive-thru testing options.