Athena Rayne Anderson

Project Introduction

I redesigned this course for the Academy of Peer Services, which creates and manages courses for the Peer Specialist Certification program in New York State. Courses are offered online, asynchronously, and are open-source and self-paced. The vast majority of learners are seeking or maintaining their credentials for Peer Specialist Certification in NYS.

I created this course using Articulate Storyline 360 (which I absolutely love!) and had a blast designing engaging features. Some of my favorites include:

• Content reveals
• Image slideshows
• Elimination game
• Drag and drop activities
• Multiple choice quizzes

Major Redesign Elements

• Discussion of multiple multicultural interaction concepts, highlighting Cultural Intelligence (CQ)
• Well-defined and measurable Learning Objectives (LOs)
• Relevant LOs listed in each lesson
• List of important multicultural interaction skills
• Explanation of why and how multicultural interaction skills are important for Peer Support Providers
• Strategies to help the learner identify areas for improvement in their multicultural interaction skillset
• Suggestions for improving multicultural interaction skills
• Inclusive images of people with a variety of gender presentations, dress, age, and occupations

Redesign Purpose

I changed the course focus from the ambiguity of “cultural competence” to a more comprehensive discussion of multicultural interaction skills. Cultural Intelligence (CQ) is featured as the only intercultural interaction concept with a universal definition that is based on research, can be assessed with reliable results, and can be improved upon. Learners are also guided through a discussion of how multicultural interaction skills can remove barriers to access and use of mental health services for those they support.

Original Features

The following original contributions make this course unique in the peer support sector and are in preparation for publication:

• List of multicultural interaction skills
• Explanation of how each multicultural interaction skill is important in Peer Support
• Strategies for assessing and improving multicultural interaction skills

Course Lessons

Course lessons are as follows:

1. Introduction
2. Exploring Your Cultural Identities
3. Multicultural Interaction Skills
4. The Importance of Multicultural Interaction Skills in Peer Support
5. Multicultural Interaction Tools
6. Assessing Your Multicultural Interaction Skills
7. Course Review

View the Course

View the course from a learner perspective: Multicultural Interaction Skills for Peer Supporters.