This past week was a great step, I feel, in my understanding and motivation for online learning environments. We all presented our Digital Artifact 2, which was to be our own ideas on the use of technology in learning for a underserved population. As an extension of my work in Digital Artifact 1, I created a product to be used by homeless adults to improve their job skills and get a job.

My project has a few parts to it, because there is a lot more to the need then simply providing training, although that is where it starts. The participants would go through a short assessment of their current skill level so that the training that they receive is relevant to their needs, and then start in on a custom training plan to meet their needs. This could be done similarly to the Edison Learning example, with modular training pieces that can be mixed, matched, and rearranged depending on the assessment.

The training and assessment pieces have built in modules that lead to the 3^rd part of the program, building a resume. Those pieces actually gather the critical information for the resume and put it in there for the participant. However, at this stage, the participant can edit and add to their resume as much as they’d like. This gives them a head start on a vital document that they may not have felt comfortable making on their own.

Finally, and probably the lynchpin in the plan, is that the project would partner with local businesses looking to hire, find their desired skill sets, and match potential applicants. The participants would have received training in interviewing skill, and this is their chance to use them. There is even the possibility that local governments or organizations that have an interest in getting homeless people employed could subsidize the wages of the people at these companies, further incentivizing their employment.

I am currently looking at a program in the spring called Launchpad at the d.school. It’d be an opportunity to take these ideas and concepts into fruition as a real company. I plan to redesign the prototype with a better demonstration of the andragogic function pieces, and use the event on Dec 2^nd to network for possible funders.

This may very well turn into my master’s project, I feel it has a lot of potential for growth and success, so I will do everything that I can to make the demonstration on the 2^nd effective.