Author: zejunchen

Project to Review – Group A

The target audience, whose ages range from 13 to 18 years old, should be reconsidered. While educating high school students about Alzheimer’s is valuable, the disease primarily affects older adults and their caregivers, making the general public—particularly adults, healthcare workers, and those with aging family members—a more relevant audience. 

Alzheimer’s disease is a complex topic with medical, psychological, and caregiving aspects that may be difficult for younger students (ages 13–18) to fully grasp. Moreover, the content focuses on caregiving and early detection, which is more relevant to adults who may be caring for elderly parents or relatives rather than teenagers.

The resource briefly discusses the progression of Alzheimer’s but lacks a deeper explanation of the biological mechanisms behind the disease (e.g., amyloid plaques, tau tangles, neurotransmitter changes). If it’s intended for the general public, more in-depth explanations should be included.

The blog post format may not be the most engaging approach for adults. Consider incorporating videos, case studies, or testimonials from caregivers to make the learning experience more interactive.

The mention of “performing activities and undergoing assessments” isn’t clearly explained. What kind of activities and assessments will be included? If targeting the general public, assessments may not be necessary, but self-reflection questions or discussion prompts could be useful.

The resource mentions being accessible on computers and mobile phones, which is good, but it should also consider language options and potential barriers for older learners (e.g., seniors who may not be tech-savvy). If targeting caregivers, a module or section on mental health support and coping strategies for caregivers should be included.

The section on misconceptions is useful, but it could go further by addressing other myths, such as the idea that Alzheimer’s is solely genetic, that it is caused by aluminum or vaccines, or that there are miracle cures.

Suggested Revisions:

• Adjust the target audience to adults, caregivers, and the general public.

• Expand and diversify learning formats by including videos, interactive elements, real-life stories, etc.

• Offer practical caregiving tips and mental health support for caregivers.

It is important to check that text size is adjustable and that there is enough contrast between the text and background. People with vision problems will benefit from large fonts, clear headings, and simple layouts without too many distractions.

Make sure all videos have clear captions. Some people are hard of hearing, and captions also help those who are not native English speakers. Audio recordings for text content could also help people with reading difficulties.

Alzheimer’s affects people from all backgrounds. It would be nice to include examples or stories from different cultures. 

Suggested Revisions:

• Add a simple guide for using the website and tools.

• Make sure all text is large, clear, and easy to read with good contrast.

• Use plain language and explain any complex terms.

• Ensure all videos have captions and consider adding audio versions of written content.

• Include diverse stories or examples to make the resource more inclusive.

Kahoot is primarily designed for younger learners and is often used in school settings. While it can be engaging, it may not be the best fit for adults, especially those who are not tech-savvy or comfortable with gamified assessments.

A more suitable alternative could be self-paced knowledge checks, case-based learning, or reflective exercises that allow learners to relate the content to real-life experiences.

A strict grading system with numerical cutoffs (80% for success) might discourage adult learners, who are more likely to seek knowledge for practical reasons rather than academic achievement.

Instead of emphasizing grades, the assessments could focus on self-assessment checklists, scenario-based decision-making exercises, or discussion forums for peer learning.

The final test, worth 50%, suggests a more traditional academic structure, which may not be necessary for an audience seeking practical understanding rather than formal certification.

Instead of a final exam, an alternative could be interactive case studies, caregiver testimonials, or reflection-based assessments where learners analyze real-life caregiving scenarios.

The current assessments test factual recall (stages, symptoms, treatments) but don’t evaluate real-world application—which is critical for adults who may become caregivers.

A more suitable approach would include practical scenarios where learners must decide how to respond to common Alzheimer’s-related challenges (e.g., managing agitation, handling wandering behaviors, or improving communication with a loved one).

Suggested Revisions for an Adult Audience:

Replace Kahoot quizzes with self-paced quizzes, interactive case studies, or knowledge checklists.

Remove rigid grading requirements and instead encourage self-reflection and progress tracking.

Replace the final test with a scenario-based or problem-solving assessment, where learners apply knowledge to realistic caregiving situations.

Integrate short video testimonials or caregiver experiences, prompting learners to reflect on what they would do in similar situations.

Group D Team Members: Zejun Chen, Zhehao Yan, Ziwen Zhao and Tianya Wu

Post 4

This is the YouTube video that I might use with my students  to engage them  with video-based learning. This video serves as a valuable instructional tool, fostering engagement and deeper understanding. Below is a structured breakdown of how students might interact with the video and how their learning can be enhanced through designed activities and feedback.

1. Inherent Interaction

The video naturally requires students to engage cognitively by processing the information presented. If it includes questions, prompts, or thought-provoking content, students might be compelled to reflect or attempt to answer them mentally. If it’s a tutorial or instructional video, students may feel inclined to follow along and apply what they see.

2. Learner-Generated Response

Students are likely to respond in various ways, depending on their individual learning styles. Some may take notes to capture key points, while others may pause and replay certain sections to reinforce their understanding. If the video presents a problem or concept, students may independently try to solve it or analyze it critically.

3. Designed Post-Video Activity

A meaningful follow-up activity could be a reflective summary or a problem-solving exercise related to the video content. For example:

• Activity: Students could create a short presentation or infographic summarizing the key points. Alternatively, they could complete a case study or real-world application task.

• Skill Development: This would enhance critical thinking, comprehension, and application skills.

• Medium/Technology: Students could use Google Slides, Canva (like this video) or a shared document platform (e.g., Google Docs) to collaborate and present their insights. Teachers can expand worksheets into whiteboards to create collaborative workspaces for students. 

4. Feedback Mechanism

Feedback can be provided through various methods:

• Peer Review: Students can review and comment on each other’s work using Google Docs’ commenting feature or a discussion forum.

• Instructor Feedback: The teacher can provide direct feedback through video responses (e.g., Loom or Flipgrid), written comments, or a rubric-based evaluation. It is important that teachers use presentations to present their lesson content.

• Automated or Self-Assessment: If the activity involves quizzes or concept checks, tools like Kahoot or Google Forms can provide instant feedback.

Teaching in a digital age requires that educators be proficient in creating interactive lessons for their learners.  By integrating the video with structured interaction, response, and feedback, students can engage in active learning, making the content more meaningful and applicable.

Post 4


This is the YouTube video that I might use with my students  to engage them  with video-based learning. This video serves as a valuable instructional tool, fostering engagement and deeper understanding. Below is a structured breakdown of how students might interact with the video and how their learning can be enhanced through designed activities and feedback.

1. Inherent Interaction

The video naturally requires students to engage cognitively by processing the information presented. If it includes questions, prompts, or thought-provoking content, students might be compelled to reflect or attempt to answer them mentally. If it’s a tutorial or instructional video, students may feel inclined to follow along and apply what they see.

2. Learner-Generated Response

Students are likely to respond in various ways, depending on their individual learning styles. Some may take notes to capture key points, while others may pause and replay certain sections to reinforce their understanding. If the video presents a problem or concept, students may independently try to solve it or analyze it critically.

3. Designed Post-Video Activity

A meaningful follow-up activity could be a reflective summary or a problem-solving exercise related to the video content. For example:

• Activity: Students could create a short presentation or infographic summarizing the key points. Alternatively, they could complete a case study or real-world application task.

• Skill Development: This would enhance critical thinking, comprehension, and application skills.

• Medium/Technology: Students could use Google Slides, Canva (like this video) or a shared document platform (e.g., Google Docs) to collaborate and present their insights. Teachers can expand worksheets into whiteboards to create collaborative workspaces for students. 

4. Feedback Mechanism

Feedback can be provided through various methods:

• Peer Review: Students can review and comment on each other’s work using Google Docs’ commenting feature or a discussion forum.

• Instructor Feedback: The teacher can provide direct feedback through video responses (e.g., Loom or Flipgrid), written comments, or a rubric-based evaluation. It is important that teachers use presentations to present their lesson content.

• Automated or Self-Assessment: If the activity involves quizzes or concept checks, tools like Kahoot or Google Forms can provide instant feedback.

Teaching in a digital age requires that educators be proficient in creating interactive lessons for their learners.  By integrating the video with structured interaction, response, and feedback, students can engage in active learning, making the content more meaningful and applicable.

Post 3

An effective interactive learning resource must be designed with inclusivity in mind, ensuring that the needs of all learners are met. This can be achieved through various strategies, including accessibility considerations, differentiated instruction, and engagement techniques that cater to diverse learning preferences.

One key aspect of my interactive learning resource would be its accessibility. Ensuring that content is available in multiple formats, such as text, audio, and video, would allow learners with different needs to engage with the material in ways that suit them best. For instance, subtitles and transcripts for videos would support those with hearing impairments, while screen reader compatibility would make the resource more accessible to visually impaired learners. Additionally, using clear fonts, high-contrast colors, and simple navigation would benefit those with cognitive or learning disabilities. Technological advances have made learning more accessible which were nearly impossible more than twenty years ago. A  friend in her 40s shared that when she was studying at UBC’s Allard School of Law twenty years ago, one of her classmates who was deaf needed to have a transcriber to be present during every lecture she attended. If the transcriber fell sick, she would have to look for another transcriber which could be disruptive. 

Another important element is differentiated instruction. Learners have varying levels of prior knowledge, learning speeds, and preferences, so my resource would incorporate multiple pathways for engagement. For example, interactive quizzes with adaptive feedback would help students learn at their own pace, while branching scenarios would provide personalized learning experiences. This would ensure that both struggling learners and advanced students can find content that is appropriately challenging.

Engagement strategies would also play a crucial role. Incorporating gamification elements such as badges, progress tracking, and interactive simulations would increase motivation and make learning more enjoyable. Additionally, including opportunities for collaboration through discussion forums or group activities would support social learning, helping learners develop communication and teamwork skills.

In my specific context, I would also consider cultural inclusivity and relevance. Ensuring that examples, case studies, and language are representative of diverse backgrounds would make the resource more relatable and meaningful for a wide audience. Furthermore, providing multiple language options or translation tools could help non-native speakers engage more effectively.

By applying these principles, my interactive learning resource would cater to different learning needs, making education more inclusive, engaging, and effective for all learners.

Workplace Mental Health: Building Resilience and Promoting Well-Being

Overview

This course, “A Healthy Mind at Work Leads to a Thriving Workplace,” is designed for early- to mid-career professionals (ages 25–45) seeking to improve their understanding of mental health in professional settings. It targets individuals with diverse backgrounds—from entry-level employees to mid-level managers—who encounter workplace stressors such as high workload, conflicts, and work-life imbalance. The course emphasizes that mental well-being is as critical as physical health, influencing productivity, decision-making, and team dynamics.

  • Misconceptions: 

#1: “Mental health issues are a personal problem and should not affect work.”

 #2: “High-performing employees don’t struggle with mental health.”

Course Objectives and Audience:

Recognizing that mental health impacts not only individual performance but also overall workplace culture, this course offers practical strategies to manage stress, build emotional resilience, and foster a supportive, inclusive work environment. It is delivered online through an interactive learning management system (LMS) that supports multimedia content, discussion boards, and live role-playing sessions. The estimated completion time is 4–6 hours, allowing for both self-paced study and synchronous group interactions.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon completing the course, participants will be able to:

1. Identify and Manage Workplace Stressors: Recognize common stress factors such as workload, interpersonal conflict, and work-life imbalance, and apply effective stress management techniques.

2. Enhance Emotional Resilience: Develop practical strategies to improve emotional resilience and prevent burnout in high-pressure environments.

3. Promote Inclusive Communication: Implement techniques for open communication and build strong support networks that foster a psychologically safe and inclusive workplace.

4. Integrate Mental Health Best Practices: Utilize technology-driven tools and resources to monitor mental well-being and facilitate continuous learning and peer support.

Learning Design Plan:

The course combines theoretical insights with real-world applications through a blend of asynchronous and synchronous activities:

• Case Studies:

Example: Learners are provided with a detailed scenario about a mid-sized company facing high employee turnover and low morale due to chronic workload issues. They work in groups to identify key mental health challenges, analyze the impact on productivity, and propose a comprehensive intervention plan that includes stress reduction workshops, flexible work hours, and team-building exercises.

• Interactive Peer Feedback:

Example: After submitting an initial analysis of a workplace stress scenario, participants are paired with peers for a structured review session. They use a digital rubric to provide feedback on the clarity of identified stressors, the feasibility of proposed solutions, and suggestions for further improvement. This feedback is then discussed in a moderated online forum.

• Role-Playing Exercises:

Example: In a live virtual session, learners participate in a role-playing exercise where one group acts as managers and another as employees. The scenario involves a high-pressure project deadline and escalating conflict due to unclear communication. Participants practice techniques for de-escalating tension, assertive communication, and providing constructive feedback, followed by a debrief session to analyze the outcomes.

• Reflective Discussions:

Example: During a webinar, participants are invited to share personal experiences of workplace stress and discuss the coping strategies they used. A facilitator guides the discussion with questions such as “What was the most challenging part of managing your workload?” and “How did you create a supportive environment for your team?” These insights are then compiled into a shared resource for ongoing reference.

• Technology Integration:

Example: The course utilizes an LMS that integrates video conferencing tools for live sessions, interactive digital whiteboards for brainstorming during case studies, and mobile-friendly assessment apps for quick quizzes. For instance, after a role-playing session, learners complete a brief online survey via the LMS to evaluate their own performance and receive immediate, automated feedback on stress management techniques.

These examples illustrate how each component can be applied practically to enhance both the theoretical understanding and real-world application of workplace mental health strategies.

Assessment Plan:

To evaluate understanding and application of course concepts, learners will complete:

• Short Quizzes: 

Example: A five-question quiz might include questions such as:

• Multiple Choice: “Which of the following is a common indicator of workplace stress?”

a) Increased collaboration

b) Frequent absenteeism

c) Enhanced creativity

d) Early project completion

• True/False: “Effective stress management techniques include regular breaks and mindfulness exercises.”

This quiz helps assess learners’ grasp of key concepts in workplace mental health and stress management.

• Case Study Analysis: 

Example: Learners receive a scenario describing a small tech company experiencing high turnover and reports of burnout among employees due to tight deadlines and unclear communication. They are asked to:

• Identify and list the primary stressors (e.g., excessive workload, lack of clarity in roles).

• Analyze how these stressors impact overall team performance and individual well-being.

• Propose tailored interventions such as implementing flexible work hours, establishing regular check-ins, and offering mindfulness sessions.

The written analysis should include a structured argument supported by evidence from course materials.

• Reflective Journal: 

Example: Participants are prompted to maintain a weekly journal over the duration of the course. An entry might include:

• A description of a recent stressful situation at work and how they responded.

• Reflection on which stress management strategies (like deep breathing exercises or time management techniques) were most effective.

• An action plan for incorporating one new strategy into their daily routine, with measurable goals for the upcoming week.

This journal helps learners internalize the concepts and track their progress in implementing strategies for improved mental well-being.

Resources:

https://www.annualreviews.org/content/journals/10.1146/annurev-orgpsych-120920-050527

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-at-work

Project Plan:

Zejun Chen – Responsible for the topic selection and provided a concise description about the topic with 2 academic sources. Identified 2 misconceptions and mistakes often made. 

Tianya Wu – Contributed the rationale part in the topic overview, explained why this topic is critical for employees and companies. Defined the big idea with essential questions, which outlined the key concept and learning objectives that learners will learn from the learning resource.

Zhehao Yan- Responsible for writing up learning outcomes which address the ‘big ideas.’ Planned all learning activities that allow learners to explore, experiment and actively engage with the concepts and be prepared to be assessed.

Ziwen Zhao: Prepared assessment plan in alignment with the learning outcomes that were identified. Came up with a list of resources that learners will need to access.

Post 1

The design of a high school social studies class on climate change would differ significantly depending on whether the teacher adopts a behaviorist, cognitivist, or constructivist approach. Here is how each perspective would shape the learning experience:

1. Behaviorist Approach

Focus: Observable behaviors and mastery of factual knowledge about climate change.

Learning Design:

• Objective: Students will memorize and recall key facts about climate change, such as definitions, causes, and impacts.

Activities:

• Drill-and-practice exercises, like matching terms (e.g., greenhouse gases, global warming) to their definitions.

• Multiple-choice quizzes to test retention of key facts.

• Use of rewards (e.g., praise, badges) for correct responses and immediate corrective feedback for mistakes.

Assessment: Structured tests or quizzes measuring recall and factual knowledge.

2. Cognitivist Approach

Focus: Understanding mental processes, such as organizing, processing, and applying knowledge about climate change.

Learning Design:

• Objective: Students will understand and explain the causes and effects of climate change, and categorize different solutions.

Activities:

• Present information through multimedia (e.g., videos, infographics) to aid comprehension.

• Use graphic organizers like concept maps to connect climate change causes (e.g., deforestation, fossil fuels) with effects (e.g., rising sea levels, extreme weather).

• Encourage reflection through prompts such as, “How does human activity contribute to climate change?”

Assessment: Short-answer and essay questions requiring explanation, comparison, and analysis.

3. Constructivist Approach

Focus: Active, student-centered exploration where learners construct their own understanding of climate change in real-world contexts.

Learning Design:

• Objective: Students will investigate climate change’s impact on their local community and propose actionable solutions.

Activities:

• Facilitate project-based learning, where students research a specific aspect of climate change (e.g., local flood risks or renewable energy).

• Encourage group collaboration to develop presentations or campaigns to raise awareness about climate change.

• Incorporate inquiry-based learning: Students ask questions like, “How does climate change affect agriculture in our region?” and research answers.

• Simulations or role-playing, such as a mock UN climate summit, to explore global and local perspectives.

Assessment: Authentic tasks like group presentations, community action plans, or reflective journals documenting their learning process.

Key Differences:

• Behaviorist: Prioritizes knowledge retention and drills; learning is teacher-centered and focuses on repetition and reinforcement.

• Cognitivist: Aims to deepen understanding and foster mental connections; learning emphasizes comprehension and problem-solving strategies.

• Constructivist: Encourages exploration and real-world application; learning is student-centered, collaborative, and experiential.

Each approach reflects different goals, from building a foundational knowledge base (behaviorist) to fostering critical thinking (cognitivist) and empowering students to apply knowledge in meaningful ways (constructivist).

Welcome

Feature Photo by John Schnobrich on Unsplash

My name is Zejun . I am in my third year at UVic, and I major in Economics and minor in Business. When I took my first accounting course and fell in love with it immediately. I decided to pursue economics and business. I prefer macroeconomics because it touches on issues like inflation which is an important factor in maintaining a healthy and vibrant economy.

© 2025 EDCI 335

Theme by Anders NorenUp ↑