ACE240 is a popular personal finance course offered live and online. When I came onboard to Illinois in the Fall of 2017, we had 50 students enrolled. We were handed compass, textbook publisher slides and set out on a journey.
We have transformed ACE240 into an interactive class miles from where it was - as exhibited by feedback and growth. We have achieved this by utilizing Moodle platforms, working with CITL to create a series of 3-7 minute scripted videos, engaging student actors to record content, and thoughtfully prioritizing personal finance learning to be hands on and applied rather than taught by a traditional textbook. Additionally, we have integrated NPR podcasts and video content in the area of personal finance to add additional perspectives.
The department of ACE has experienced a boom of student interest in personal finance, financial wellness and financial planning. The Consumer Economic and Finance and Financial Planning concentrations have surged from 202 aggregate majors in the spring of 2016, to 322 in the spring of 2020. This 9.7% annualized growth rate eclipses that of the greater University system of 2.3% over the same time period . Interest in personal finance courses has surged as well, with ACE240 Personal Financial Planning moving from 590 students in the 2017-2018 academic year, 731 last year and is on pace to top 1,000 enrollments this year. Our online ACE240 has been rated in the top 95% of all classes offered in the UIUC system, and as we continue to innovate we hope that will only increase.
Students enjoy learning from students, but in a way that is constructive and fun. We've tried to create an impactful experience. I've learned so much from this journey, and can not wait to embark on the same journey in ACE398 Risk Management and ACE445 Intermediate financial planning.
Course Playlist on YouTube
Craig Lemoine
Director, Financial Planning Program and Clinical Associate Professor
College of ACES, Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics