Signature Assignment: Minicourse Idea

A. Knowledge gaps (issue) for Minicourse Idea: Identifying scams and action plan for Active Seniors (age 55+) 

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Minicourse Idea Overview: Since 2020, scams targeting people 55 years of age and up have increased. We all have loved ones who may be preparing to retire or are currently retired and may not have the tools or knowledge to avoid scams when they are most vulnerable. I decided to develop this idea of a minicourse over time through courses LDT100x to LDT400x. The idea is to create short 1 to 3-module sessions to help support others in spreading knowledge about the types of scams and protecting ourselves and our loved ones from these scams. These modules will not only be informative and resourceful. They will help learners 55+ put a plan into action (what to do if you ever face a scam and how and where to report it) and help people of all ages when preparing or starting their retirement plans. Sometimes, specialized retirement plan companies provide webinars and conferences where people sit for long hours cramming loads of essential and relevant information. Still, by knowing about the learning and forgetting curves, we know that all adults desperately need time to digest, process, and practice the information they receive.   

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B. Learning Theory Connections

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Learning Theory 1: Andragogy 

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Strengths: Andragogy will aid with the learner's engagement and problem-solving skills like, for example, "what to do if you ever face a scam and how and where to report it," the relevance of the materials since there has been a 47% increase in scams to older adults since 2020. 

This is done by adding the practical application of the learning from what they just learned to each scenario presented in the modules (real-world relevance and application).  

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Limitations: Since this minicourse will primarily serve the 55+ population, I might encounter certain limitations regarding Andragogy. Self-directed learning assumes all adults are self-directed learners. Still, many adults need more structure, especially when learning new software or technologies (varying platforms depending on accessibility, availability, and tech experience). Also, there may be difficulties if the adult needs digital citizenship/literacy or literacy. Andragogy may be difficult for people with low literacy or who need more confidence or independence.

 

Learning Theory 2: Information-Processing Theory with Behaviorism Principles and Geragogy

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Information-Processing Theory

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Strengths Information-Processing Theory: It ensures that the learners gains are significantly higher and more meaningful than just (retaining the information) instead of just forgetting it (Forgetting curve) by ensuring that the the information has been encoded in their long-term memories for an easier recall whenever they may need to apply this.  

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Limitations of Information-Processing Theory: This theory relies on a computer-like model of the brain, which doesn't account for human factors like emotion, cognitive decay/health, Motivation, and creativity. 

 

 

Behaviorism

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Behaviorism Principles ​

• Ensure the learners understand and have internalized the expected behaviors.​

 

• Split each action into smaller steps or chunks. Start with simple steps and then gradually increase the complexity. 

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• Allow students to perform the steps and provide immediate feedback.  

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• Use a variety of reinforcements to maintain the learner's performance and Motivation. ​

 

Strengths of Behaviorism and its Principles to My Minicourse

I will be able to maintain Motivation and engagement by setting clear and explicit expectations and goals, prompting desired behaviors (getting the learners to know when, where, and how to report scams and what to do to prevent them in the first place whenever possible. Once the targeted learners understand and have reached the objectives, they will have a sense of accomplishment and feel more confident with the knowledge they have acquired/gained.  ​

 

Limitations of Behaviorism and its Principles to My Minicourse

Behaviorism does not focus on the learner's cognitive skills because it overlooks critical thinking, problem-solving, and higher-order cognitive skills essential for long-term learning. As research states, some people over 55 years of age or older might feel shame and not report scams once they happen, when in reality, they most probably occurred just because they did not have the tools, the resources, and an action plan in place so these things wouldn't happen to them.  

In addition, Behaviorism relies on measurable outcomes, such as correct responses or task completion, and not necessarily on the learners' emotional intelligence or social skills. This learning theory might be less helpful in helping the learners avoid reverting to previous behaviors once they are living their lives.  

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Additional Learning Theory 3: Geragogy​

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-What is Geragogy?

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Geragogy caters to the learning needs of elderly adults, focusing on lifelong learning and enrichment. 

 

 

Principles of Geragogy by Tambaum (2012)

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• Flexibility concerning learning and pace.

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• Diversity regarding sharing life experiences, using connections in learning new material, and reinforcement of learned

   material.

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• Usefulness regarding applicability.

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• Modernity regarding means, tools, and terms.

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• Activeness and independence.

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• Security concerning the use of encouragement, respect, and kindness.

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• Sense of Success and a Sense of Control.

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• Sustainability concerning metacognition and self-help.

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• Enjoyability and informal atmosphere.

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When building a digital product targeting people 55 years of age and older, you must have the latter principles in mind because they will help keep the materials age-appropriate with an appropriate pacing, relevant, and with an emphasis on the life skills, enrichment, and the things they need to know at this stage in life.  

 

 

What is it in teaching?

Teaching strategies in Geragogy are adapted to accommodate physical, psychological, and social changes associated with aging, especially when building rapport and establishing respect for the targeted population. 

 

 

Why or how will it be helpful for this Minicourse idea? 

Since people 55 years of age and older tend to be more selective about what interests them and what is practical or relatable to them, a Geragogy learning theory might improve the outcomes of this minicourse idea by addressing the limitations of Andragogy, Behaviorism, and Information-Processing Theory.

 

 

Strengths: Geragogy helps older adults deal with difficult life situations. It focuses on the older person's autonomy, will, and subjective needs. Similarly, when applied to learning, Geragogy allows older adults to independently and critically evaluate their lives and experiences. 

 

 

Limitations: Geragogy was only recently accepted through research as a genuine learning theory for teaching older adults. Applying Geragogy might require a multimodal approach, keeping in mind that the learners themselves must also dictate the pace of learning, which is where Andragogy and the Information-Processing theory will play a significant role. 

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Answer and Response

• How could each of the chosen learning theories be applied to the instructional design of my Minicourse idea?  

Andragogy will help assist/develop problem-thinking skills, cognitive accuracy/sharpness, and real-world relevance and application of the presented problem or knowledge gap targeting the selected population.

 

 

Information-Processing Theory ensures that the learners' gains are significantly higher and more meaningful than just (retaining the information) instead of just forgetting it (Forgetting curve) by ensuring that the information has been encoded in their long-term memories for an easier recall whenever they may need to apply this.  

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Behaviorism will help ensure the learners understand the material, create chunks of critical information they need to apply the new knowledge later or when out in real life, allow students to practice lessons learned by providing immediate feedback as they progress through the modules, and enhance Motivation. 

 

 

Geragogy will help address the learning gaps and needs of the older population by providing flexibility and an appropriate pace to each learner, keeping materials age-appropriate, relatable, and useful, and accommodating physical, psychological, and social changes associated with aging.  

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• What specific design choices could you make based on these theories? 

​Some of my design choices might be keeping simple designs but visually calming and enticing, clear language (effective communication), positive reinforcements, feedback notes or reminders, badges, simple settings, realistic goals, and expectations, use of visual aids and cues, pictures or diagrams, and sharing diverse common interests in each scam scenario. 

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• Examples of potential learning activities, assessments, or engagement strategies that align with the chosen theories: ​

 

*Multiple-choice options

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*Real-life relatable scenarios

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*Support group or life-experience (Social) online forum

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*Module Topics (I may add one or two additional modules in the future): 

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     -Scams Education and Awareness

     -Response strategies​

     -Support network, resources, and how to collaborate with financial 

       institutions and authorities 

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