Gap Identified:

There is a significant gap in the financial literacy of teens, which manifests in their lack of knowledge and skills necessary to manage personal finances effectively. This deficiency often results in poor financial decisions, leading to issues such as unmanageable debt, insufficient savings, and an overall lack of preparedness for financial independence.

Specific areas of gaps identified:

Many teens lack a fundamental understanding of financial concepts such as budgeting, saving, interest rates, and credit management. They often do not have practical experience with real-life financial tasks like managing a checking account, planning for major purchases, or understanding loan agreements. There is a gap in knowledge about long-term financial planning, including strategies for saving for college, investing, and retirement planning.

Teens are generally unprepared for managing unexpected financial challenges such as emergency expenses or sudden changes in income.

Evidence of gaps:

Research consistently shows that high school curricula often lack comprehensive financial education programs.
Surveys by financial education organizations indicate that a majority of teens and young adults feel unprepared to handle their finances. Statistics reveal high levels of debt among young adults, low savings rates, and frequent financial missteps that could be mitigated with better financial education.

Without addressing this gap, teens are likely to enter adulthood without the necessary skills to manage their finances, leading to negative consequences such as:
– Increased debt and financial stress.
– Lower credit scores and higher interest rates on predatory loans.
– Limited ability to save for future goals like education, buying a home, or retirement.
– Overall lack of financial independence and security.

Project Description:

The Cash Flow Quest program is designed to bridge this gap by providing a comprehensive, engaging, and practical financial education. The program aims to equip teens with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed financial decisions, develop good financial habits, and prepare for a financially secure future.

So who’s ready to embark on an interactive financial adventure designed to equip teens with essential money management skills for the real world? This eLearning program will go beyond the basics of making and spending money, offering a comprehensive curriculum that covers foundational finance, practical life simulations, and long term financial livelihood strategies.

Personal Growth:

Completing this certificate program in instructional design has truly kindled my enthusiasm for crafting exceptional learning experiences. The guidance and encouragement I received from my instructors and mentor empowered me to stretch beyond my usual boundaries, delve into my potential, and enhance my capabilities. It also brought my developmental needs into sharper focus, motivating me to take charge of my growth actively. I am confident that the skills I’ve acquired, including proficiency in tools like Camtasia and Articulate Rise, as well as a deeper understanding of effective evaluations and assessments, will propel me to achieve more than I ever thought possible.

This brief portfolio represents an e-learning project that was created as part of the University of Washington E-learning Instructional Design certificate. And is the sole design of Alyssa Johnston.