Introduction

The Keelworks Masters Program is a skill development initiative aimed at helping individuals break free from poverty by equipping them with the necessary competencies to be productive citizens of their community. The program targets adults who are struggling to find stable employment, providing them with practical skills to improve their economic and emotional well-being. By focusing on holistic personal growth, Keelworks fosters a sense of purpose and direction for individuals who may feel lost or underqualified in today's competitive job market​(Keelworks Masters Progr…).

Objectives

1. Economic Empowerment: Helping participants secure jobs with better income opportunities by equipping them with relevant skills.

2. Emotional Well-being: Improving the emotional state of participants by helping them find purpose and a sense of fulfillment.

3. Community Impact: Turning participants into productive members of their community, contributing positively to local economies and social structures.

Target Audience

• Primarily aimed at adults who are either unemployed or working in low-wage jobs and wish to find a sustainable career.

• While the program is beneficial for high school students, the focus remains on adults until the program's efficacy is demonstrated​(Keelworks Masters Progr…).

Program Stages

1. Onboarding: The first step involves analyzing participants' barriers through needs analysis and identifying ways to mitigate these challenges. This stage is crucial for addressing personal or systemic issues that may prevent participants from fully engaging in the program.

2. Core Competency Courses: Participants are assigned to teams and guided through ten core competencies that range from personal goal-setting to practical job-related skills. Example goals might include learning a trade, such as becoming an electrician​(Keelworks Masters Progr…).

3. Graduation: Once the core competencies are completed, participants continue to meet weekly to discuss their progress. The emphasis is on long-term change rather than immediate results.

4. Alumni Group: After completing the program, participants are encouraged to stay involved through alumni groups, fostering a support network​(Keelworks Masters Progr…).

Learning Management System (LMS) and Web App The program is supported by a comprehensive LMS and web app that include:

• Content Management: Modules, lessons, and assessments are delivered through the LMS, ensuring participants have access to structured learning materials.

• Team Chat and Discussion Forums: Participants engage in discussions and activities within their teams, fostering collaboration and peer support.

• Progress Reporting: The web app allows users to track their progress through detailed reports on course completion, participation, and knowledge development​(Keelworks Masters Progr…).

MVP Feature List

The MVP for the LMS was determined based on the following key elements:

1. Content Management: Every course within the system is structured with modules, lessons, and activities. Modules may include video uploads, exams, discussions, and activities aimed at fostering active learning​(LMS Re-evaluation (1)).

2. Interactive Learning: A focus on active, collaborative learning through group projects and discussions. Gamified exercises and simulations were also considered to reinforce learned concepts​(LMS Re-evaluation (1)).

3. User Management: The system would support four roles: Developer, Administration, Facilitator, and Student, with customizable dashboards for different user roles​(LMS Re-evaluation (1)).

4. Assessment & Quiz: Multimedia content (e.g., video, audio, presentations) would be supported, and quizzes would feature scenario-based questions to enhance real-world learning​(LMS Re-evaluation (1)).

5. Progress Tracking & Reporting: Attendance, participation, and progress would be tracked, with participation measured in part by the length and quality of discussion responses. Facilitators would guide students passively, encouraging them to discover solutions independently​(LMS Re-evaluation (1)).

6. Social Learning Features: The system would include peer-to-peer learning but would not aim to replicate social networking platforms like LinkedIn. Instead, the focus would be on collaborative learning experiences​(LMS Re-evaluation (1)).

Challenges

1. Mobile Compatibility: The LMS design for mobile and offline access was not yet determined, posing a potential limitation for learners without reliable internet access​(LMS Re-evaluation (1)).

2. Personalized Learning Paths: The system currently only offers a single learning path where all courses are mandatory. Paid users could potentially skip courses, but this feature is still under consideration​(LMS Re-evaluation (1)).

3. Community Engagement: The LMS was designed with two asynchronous discussion boards—one for the entire community and one for individual courses. Weekly live sessions were considered as a way to facilitate interaction but posed challenges related to inclusivity and engagement​(LMS Re-evaluation (1)).

LMS and Web App Split

While the LMS would handle core educational tasks like content management and assessments, several features would be managed by a separate web app. These include:

1. Progress Reporting: Detailed reports on user progress.

2. Career Planning: Job boards and professional development tools.

3. Community Support: Platforms for peer interaction, knowledge sharing, and live chat​(LMS Re-evaluation (1)).

Recommendations

The team concluded that building a web app alongside the LMS would offer the best solution. The web app would handle community features and career planning, leaving the LMS to focus on educational content and tracking learner progress. Further research is recommended to assess the impact of live chat versus weekly live sessions, and how professional development can be better integrated into community learning​(LMS Re-evaluation (1)).

Impact and Outcomes Keelworks aims to transform participants' lives by not only improving their job prospects but also by instilling a sense of purpose. By offering a pathway to economic stability and personal growth, the program seeks to break the cycle of poverty for individuals and their families.

Limitations

Conclusion The Keelworks Masters Program provides a structured, supportive environment for individuals seeking to improve their economic situation. Through a combination of skills training, emotional support, and community-building, Keelworks is uniquely positioned to uplift those struggling with poverty and underemployment​(Keelworks Masters Progr…).

Conclusion

This case study highlights the critical need for a well-structured LMS that supports both educational and social learning features. While the LMS can handle many of the educational components, additional support through a web app is required for community engagement, progress tracking, and career development. The re-evaluation process ensures that the Keelworks Masters Program continues to provide a robust, learner-centered experience.