Signature Assignment
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Identify a specific issue or knowledge gap that you believe can be addressed through the creation of a minicourse.
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Topic: Resume writing in the age of artificial intelligence.
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With the widespread use of applicant tracking software (ATS) in the modern hiring process, writing resumes and searching for jobs is increasingly challenging. Additionally, the recent availability of AI to the general population can give students a reduced sense of responsibility for creating career materials. It is widely known that OpenAI's ChatGPT model can write a passable resume and cover letter when provided with the appropriate data. However, it is crucial to understand that while AI is an extraordinary tool, it is not an alternative to students writing and editing their resumes. ​
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Describe the target audience for your minicourse
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Higher education would be an ideal target audience for this course. Most students will begin job seeking before graduation and need a professional resume that accurately reflects their accomplishments.
Determine the most appropriate format for your minicourse
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Given the busy schedules and demands on their time, an online asynchronous format would be most effective for college students, especially those nearing the end of their program and preparing to begin their job search. Online asynchronous content can be accessed anytime on a laptop or mobile device, and most college students are familiar with this format post-COVID.
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Also, because the job application process may be sporadic, students may choose to return to the information when it is most applicable rather than taking the entire class at once.
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Select two learning theories that could effectively drive learning activities within your minicourse.
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Andragogy
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Cognitivism
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Evaluate the strengths and limitations of the two selected learning theories in the context of your minicourse, and determine which theory is more suitable.
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Andragogy
Andragogy emphasizes self-directed and autonomous learning and the importance of prior experience and relevance in adult education. The strength of this theory in this application is that the topic of resume writing has an immediate real-world application to students entering the job market. Knowing how to create a resume that successfully passes ATS gatekeeping gives them a better chance to move to a human screening and potentially an interview. Making this an online asynchronous minicourse will allow students the autonomy and flexibility to access the content as needed.
Because andragogy heavily emphasizes self-directed learning, students would need to want to learn how to use AI responsibly. It is a very straightforward process to create and submit a completely AI-generated resume; some students may find this acceptable won't see the value in taking the course.
Cognitivism
Cognitivism, specifically cognitive load theory, is especially applicable to this minicourse. The dread that accompanies writing resumes (and cover letters) is nearly universal, and being able to tackle a tedious but essential topic like this in small units is desirable. Additionally, incorporating a module on the responsible use of AI would further reduce the student's cognitive load by letting them know it is okay to incorporate this time-saving tool into the process.
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One drawback of cognitivism in this application is that learners might, depending on their prior knowledge of the topic, feel they can jump between modules rather than complete them in order. If the focus is solely on reducing cognitive load, learners may finish the course with incomplete knowledge of the subject.
Explain how your chosen learning theory will impact the instructional design approach for your minicourse.
I am designing this minicourse using andragogy learning theory emphasizing self-directed learning. I believe Knowles's Six Principles of Andragogy are especially applicable to the topic of resume writing in the AI age:
Need to Know: The early modules in the course will explain the ''why'' behind the topic, including how applicant tracking systems review and rule out candidates and why responsible use of AI can increase the quality of their final product.
Experience: Most students will have prior experience applying for a job and either not being chosen to move forward or never hearing back.
Self-Concept: Students can control the learning process by participating in this online asynchronous course.
Readiness: When students are presented with the option of taking the course as they are preparing to enter the workforce, they will immediately be able to apply the course content to the job search process.
Problem Orientation: Since the content is a minicourse, students can immediately apply the learning from each module to address the need to find employment, hopefully in their chosen field.
Intrinsic Motivation: The desire to gain a job in their desired field upon graduation is a powerful motivator.
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