Our design solution:

After careful consideration and thorough discussion, we have decided to focus on professional communication and divide our design into two parts. The first part is an E-learning course that covers four models that are closely related to the communication of the job search process for international students. In the second part, we incorporated cutting-edge AI technology to not only evaluate students' learning outcomes from taking the course but also help them to practice by providing constructive feedback.

Why the e-course + AI ? 

In our research phase, we captured the gap between targeted learner and resources that helps to achieve their ultimate goal: cultural gap, language gap, and stress. It is not because there are not enough resources and faculties to support them. Instead, there are plenty of resources from academic advisors, the OGS office, and the Wasserman career center. However, due to the lack of knowledge of how the process is in job-hunting, learners do not have the initiative to reach out for those resources. For instance, learners do not know they need to write a cover letter besides of resume; they do not understand the importance of networking in the U.S., and how to make professional connections. 

With the lack of prior knowledge, it is hard for them to actively reach out to related resources. Thus, we decided to create an online course with Rise 360, consisting of 4 modules (Email and cover letter writing, follow-up conversation, networking, and job interview) to hone their written and verbal communication skills. After taking the course, we also designed an AI practice platform and mock interview sessions with mentors to practice those skills. 

The course is designed to be embedded into NYU Brightspapce, the LMS system NYU is using. In this case, international students will have access to the course with the least effort. 

E-Learning Course

In the e-learning course, we designed 4 modules to hone international students' written and verbal English communication skills. Those 4 modules include email and cover letter writing, follow-up conversation, networking, and job interviews. In our early development phase, we first came up with the course plan, and then created storyboards for video lectures based on the plan. 

Storyboards: 

While designing the video course, we utilized Mayer's multimedia principles. By discovering those storyboards below, you can see we carefully designed the layout of the video. Instructors will be standing on the right side with a virtual background in the back. Those speech bubbles indicate instruction content and will not be presented in the video. During instruction, keywords will appear on the left side or on the whiteboards in the form of bullet points with highlights.

Storyboard of the cover letter and email Lesson:

Storyboard of the Follow-up conversation Lesson:

Storyboard of the Networking Lesson:

Storyboard of the Interview Lesson:

Development & Prototype

Course Access

Designed features

#1 Accessibility: learners can learn from video. The video has different paces and is incorporated with subtitles. If they don't want to watch the whole video or they are unable to watch the video at the moment, they can also scroll down and learn from text-based material. 

Templates are introduced in the video, as well as embedded in the text below for easy access. 

#2 Knowledge checks: In each sub-session of the course, we designed knowledge checks for learners to self-assess if they understand the material correctly. 

#3 Interactive Scenarios: Students are able to learn about how to approach strangers in networking by interacting with the simulated scenario. 

#4 Deliverable and link to supports! We incorporated templates and guides to help students achieve better learning outcomes. We also designed activities for students to practice skills after class. 

Feel free to explore the course in RISE 360 version! 

AI Practice Tool

This is a display of cold message practice, generated with the AI practice tool. 

The AI practice tool is set to be "resistant", and demonstrates push back when our learner first reached out.