Money Matters Financial literacy for youth By Andrea Kulkarni

Learning Problem Young adults, ages 18-24, need to learn financial concepts to help prevent them from making mistakes that will adversely affect their lives.

Origin of the Project Personal Interest Talking with Friends & Acquaintances Media Reports

Initial Plan CD-ROM Based Levels based on life stages Decision points & repercussions Score elements (credit, debt, savings) Video Narratives Reflection Logs

Research Activities Reading –Finance books for young adults –Theory papers Research –Review of existing materials on the web –Participated in on-line finance community –Testing & exploration of existing calculation & visualization tools

Research and Design Activities Survey – low return rate Move to informant design –Discussions of attitudes towards finances –Observation of on-line behaviour –Discussions of possible design solutions

Evolving Understanding Technology Base – –CD-ROM to solitary –Web-based allows on-line community Levels Based on Life Stages –Too Restrictive –Move towards customizable

More Evolving Understanding Reflections Log – –Text alone is insufficient –Accompanying visuals needed Learner Setting –Too Restrictive –Game will include learning modules that can stand alone.

Prototyping Stage Iterative Prototyping –Periodic user test and evaluations –Incorporated feedback into next iteration

Final Design Storyboard Prototype

Final Design Web-based learning includes stand-alone modules Recognition & Ratings Video case-studies Reflection diary with visuals

More Final Design Customization of learning paths Prediction, Exploration & Discovery Activities Simulations to help in visualizing applications to real life A community learning together

Key Theories (Malone & Lepper) –Challenge – solving real life problems –Curiousity – engaging and relevant stories & narratives –Control – ability to make decisions –Fantasy – visualizing the possibilities and story line –Intrinsic motivation is increased

More Key Theories (Greeno et al) –Practicing strategies and writing reflections will lead to the reformation of self-identity to that of a financially capable person (Kim) –Key elements for a successful on-line community

More Key Theories (Wenger) –Community of Practice Domain – knowledge of the domain, shared competence Community – interacting and learning from each other Practice – a shared repertoire of resources

Learning Assessments Pre-test of credit-card literacy Take credit module Post-test of credit-card literacy and comments

Learning & Questions Ambitious Project Missed working as a team Challenge of designing a solution Scoping What is enough research?