SBIR Phase I: An integrated digital approach to mental health and skill development for workforce re-entry (COVID-19)

小型企业创新研究(SBIR)第一阶段项目的更广泛影响/商业潜力是提供集成的数字工具，以支持成熟的学习者重新加入劳动力大军。拟议的系统利用最佳做法，通过几种不同的工具让学习者参与进来，使他们能够与促进者及其同龄人进行互动；此外，内容可以以自定进度的方式提供。此外，该系统包含了对精神健康挑战的新理解，这些挑战实际上是为了支持重新进入劳动力大军。在新冠肺炎疫情后的工作场所调整中，这一点尤为关键。这个小型企业创新研究(SBIR)第一阶段项目综合了许多技术，如自定进度的数字课程、点对点虚拟环境和现场指导，为重返劳动力提供功能指导和社交/情感支持。拟议的项目将测试数字工具和教学方法的可行性，以评估综合系统的可行性。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的智力优势和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to provide integrated digital tools to support mature learners in rejoining the workforce. The proposed system leverages best practice in engaging learners virtually through several different tools, enabling them to interact both with facilitators and their peer groups; moreover, content can be delivered in a self-paced fashion. Furthermore, the system incorporates new understanding of mental health challenges in operating virtually to support re-entry to the workforce. This is particularly critical in the realignment of the workplace following the COVID-19 pandemic. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project synthesizes a number of technologies such as self-paced digital courses, peer-to-peer virtual environments, and live coaching to provide both functional instruction and social/emotional support for return to the workforce. The proposed project will test the feasibility of both the digital tools as well as pedagogical approaches to assess feasibility of an integrated system.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.