Feeling Grateful
As we embark on the season of gratitude, we're filled with appreciation for each and every one of our readers.
Your enthusiasm for the musings, thoughts, and readings we curate here truly warms our hearts. Don’t hesitate to share our newsletter with friends and colleagues.
November Coffee Break Picks
HANNAH’S PICK
Using ChatGPT to Make Text Accessible
“The conversation around AI in evaluation is often focused on its pitfalls, like avoiding bias, and lack of human touch. But I recently came across this Tip-a-Day from the American Evaluation Association on ways to use ChatGPT to modify jargony, technical content for a wider audience. The author demonstrates how a text can be adapted to various reading levels, noting the importance of ensuring surveys and reports are accessible; while some of us may read at a high reading level, we all come to a text with varying background knowledge.”
KATIE’S PICK
Any Job Can Be a Climate-Solutions Job
“October 2-8 was Climate Week for NPR. I was so excited to see that the theme was ‘A Spotlight on Solutions.’ I know from my evaluation work with The Wild Center in the Adirondacks and the Science Museum of Virginia in Richmond that a solutions-focus is key to communicating about climate change and moving people toward action. In particular, I enjoyed this listen about unexpected jobs (a teacher, a beautician, and an electrician) with connections to climate action—a great reminder that everyone can play a role in becoming part of climate solutions!”
EBONY’S PICK
Reflections on Interpretation in Art Museums
“In early October, I had the pleasure of attending the Association for Art Museum Interpretation’s 2023 Convening. Given my background in artmaking and interpretation, I loved attending this conference, and I enjoyed reading this piece on AAMI’s blog, ‘Reflections on Interpretation.’ The post features excerpts from a conversation between interpretation colleagues: Manuel Ferreira, Ariel Russell, Loren Wright, and Sally Otis (moderator). In their conversation, they reflect on critical interpretive practices, significant changes in the field, and the importance of DEAI work within interpretation. Happy reading!”
New on the Learning Hub
What’s New At Kera?
Hannah will be attending the Museum Computer Network conference from November 8-10th in Philadelphia. Say hi to her if you’re attending—we love meeting our colleagues and clients at conferences!
We’re excited to start a new evaluation project with the Brooklyn Botanic Garden! Check out their website here.
The IMLS grant application period is now open, with a November 15th deadline. Let us know if you’d like to strategize on how we can work together.
Moment of Wonder
“I recently visited the MIT Museum, where I encountered ‘The Window,’ an interactive exhibit featuring playful animations that are created in real-time based on visitors’ responses to several questions, including ‘What’s your weird?’. We all have our own ‘weird,’ so no two characters are alike. Watching the figures dance around and interact based on their unique personalities was mesmerizing and reminded me that we should all embrace and celebrate our ‘weird’ more often.”
— Cathy
