Background
A Canadian EdTech company partnered with the Government of Canada to launch a fintech training program specifically designed for internationally trained professionals (ITPs). I was invited by a former colleague to contribute my expertise as a subject matter expert (SME) and instructor. The training program is a joint collaboration between three organizations and I joined the team responsible for delivering the core fintech training. Our training taught ITPs essential knowledge and skills through four modules: Introduction to Finance and Fintech, Financial Programming (with Excel), Introduction to Blockchain and Cryptocurrency, and Introduction to Machine Learning.
My Contribution
Initially engaged as an SME, I collaborated with the program’s instructional designer to author specialized fintech content within the Finance module. Following this initial successful engagement, I was asked to deliver the module as a core instructor, and then also requested as an instructor for the Machine Learning module.
Each cohort consisted of a blended learning with synchronous live Zoom lectures and asynchronous support through Slack. I was actively involved, and provided real-time assistance to ensure students remained engaged and felt supported throughout their independent work.
After the successful completion of the first cohort, I recommended adding an extra live review session at the program’s end to enhance student retention and reinforce core concepts. This addition was enthusiastically adopted, and proved highly popular among students.
Next, the instructor for Module 3 was unable to continue in their role, and I was recommended as a successor. I was glad to assist and I then refined and expanded upon their existing, excellent foundation. This now meant that I was the lead instructor and face of the program, teaching three of the four core modules plus the course review.
- Finance (w/ Jonathan)
- Financial Programming (w/ other instructor)
- Cryptocurrency and Blockchain (w/ Jonathan)
- Machine Learning (w/ Jonathan)
- Course review (w/ Jonathan)
As the program progressed, I continuously improved my live lecture materials, regularly incorporating current industry news, trends, and interactive elements. I regularly answered students questions to the best of my ability and often researched topics deeply, and then incorporated answers and insights into my live lectures and resources.
Project Outcome
Over three successful years and fifteen cohorts, more than 180 internationally trained professionals graduated from the program. Our students frequently left excellent reviews and specifically commented their appreciation for teaching enthusiasm, excellent content and resources, and passion for sharing knowledge.
Students left with with significantly enhanced knowledge and skills with respect to fintech, financial programming, blockchain and cryptocurrency, and machine learning. Further, students left with an understanding to how machine learning can be applied to fintech problems and an appreciation of how artificial intelligence will be used in future financial product development.
The program concluded successfully, demonstrating substantial educational impact, and significantly increasing participants’ readiness for roles within Canada’s evolving fintech industry. Many students found full-time employment within the industry shortly after program completion.
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