Online Master of Science in Education in Learning Design & Technology — Courses

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Master of Science in Education
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Purdue’s online MSEd in Learning Design and Technology consists of 12 courses (32 credits) over 20 months. It provides you with effective strategies and techniques for educating learners and training employees. This flexible online program puts you in the driver’s seat with real-world examples and brings you up to speed with the very latest instructional techniques aimed to inspire, excite and enlighten your learners.

MSEd in Learning Design & Technology Core Courses

  • EDCI 51300 - Foundations of Learning Design and Technology

    This course provides an historical overview of the field and delineates the foundational knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed by professionals in the field of educational technology and instructional design. Students explore the field by engaging in collaborative projects along with thinking and writing about various aspects of educational technology and the underlying instructional design theories.

    Total Credits: 3

  • EDCI 52800 - Human Performance Technology

    This course provides an introduction to the field of human performance technology (HPT). It examines basic concepts and principles of human performance, the theoretical underpinnings of the field, research and application literature, and various approaches to solving human performance problems. A systematic approach to the analysis, design, development, implementation and evaluation of performance improvement interventions within organizations is emphasized.

    Total Credits: 3

  • EDCI 53100 - Learning Theory and Instructional Design

    This course helps students learn how theories of human learning and motivation can be applied to the instructional process in order to make the process more effective, efficient, and/or appealing. The focus of the course is on two areas: 1) the theoretical principles that have contributed to the field of Instructional Design (ID), and 2) how those principles can be applied within practical settings.

    Total Credits: 3

  • EDCI 56900 - Introduction to E-Learning

    This course examines how the design and development of instruction are impacted by the use of the computer as delivery system. A primary focus is on effective learning design strategies for e-learning. Learners will identify and apply effective design practices with emphasis on project management, planning, and implementation. Education or training materials will be developed using appropriate authoring tools as determined by the instructional context. Learners will design an E-Learning module with end-to-end documentation of the design process (Project Plan, Design Document, Storyboard). Opportunities for collaborative feedback and evaluation will also be featured elements of the course experience. (Prerequisite: EDCI 57200).

    Total Credits: 3

  • EDCI 57200 - Learning Systems Design

    This course is an introduction to the principles of designing instructional materials and to instructional communication theory and techniques. Topics include objectives, student characteristics, media selection, communication variables, message design, and systematic evaluation. (Pre-requisite for EDCI 67200, EDCI 56900 & EDCI 57300)

    Total Credits: 3

  • EDCI 57300 - Learning Design and Technology Practicum

    The practicum provides students the opportunity to present their acquired skills to gain a real-world understanding and proficiency in instructional or learning systems design in classroom and workplace settings. While participating in the practicum, you’ll combine effective design with project management, planning and implementation — carrying a project from concept through completion. Ultimately, you’ll gain the satisfaction of producing a dynamic instructional design model that can be applied in a professional setting for a client. (Prerequisites: EDCI 56900, 57200 & 67200)

    Total Credits: 3

  • EDCI 57700 - Strategic Assessment and Evaluation

    This course explores principles and techniques that can be used to carry out evaluations within an organization. The course also examines several aspects of conducting evaluations, including planning and designing an evaluation, developing appropriate instruments, using various methods to collect information, analyzing information obtained from those methods, and communicating results and recommendations. This course is designed to help learners understand the multiple ways that evaluation is used in instructional systems and provides opportunities to design various types of evaluation instruments. A portion of the course will examine the study of learner assessment as part of the evaluation of instructional programs; however, the course's focus is dedicated to the study of program evaluation.

    Total Credits: 3

  • EDCI 60001 – Introduction to Demonstrating Professional Competencies in LDT

    This course is designed to help you to understand the knowledge and skills necessary for your successful online learning in the Learning Design and Technology program, with a focus on the process of preparing documents and artifacts aligned with professional competencies. In this orientation, you will explore what online learning entails and reflect on how you can best set yourself up to succeed in your studies. You will also learn and apply the process of creating a competency-based portfolio.

    Total Credit: 1

  • EDCI 60003 – LDT Professional Competencies Portfolio

    This course will focus on completion of the competency portfolio reflecting on the depth and breadth of your educational growth since entering the Master’s program. The purpose of the LDT competency portfolio is to demonstrate that you have mastered the graduate competencies. The portfolio will contain student evidence aligned with LDT competencies and will be reviewed by your committee. The completed competency portfolio is a requirement for graduation from the LDT Master’s program. (Prerequisite: All core courses except EDCI 52800 must be completed.)

    Total Credit: 1

  • EDCI 67200 - Advanced Practices in Learning Systems Design

    This course focuses on the application of learning systems design to real-world educational situations through the in-depth consideration of key instructional design processes (e.g., analysis, design, development, implementation, evaluation). Additionally, a key focus of the course is on the development of instructional design expertise. (Prerequisite: EDCI 57200).

    Total Credits: 3

Technology Selective Courses

One course from the list of technology selectives is required.

  • EDCI 55600 - Computer and Video Game Design for Education

    This course has been designed to provide you with an introduction to the design of educational computer and video games. Computer and Video games have been gaining increased recognition as potentially powerful media for engaging and effective learning. The focus of the course throughout the semester will be on two areas: 1) the learning, instructional design, and game design theories that can inform the design of effective and engaging educational computer and video games, and 2) how to apply those theories within practical settings. Key theories will be introduced through course readings and discussion. Students will be asked to play and analyze educational games outside of the classroom. Students will apply the theories through the design of their own educational computer or video games. 

    Total Credits: 3

  • EDCI 56000 - Educational Technology for Teaching and Learning

    This course addresses the fundamentals of educational/learning technologies within both the traditional classroom, as well as the corporate/business training environments. Students will explore and evaluate various tools/technologies and determine how, when, and why such technologies can/should be infused into normal, hybrid, or fully online learning situations. The goal of the course is to help the student plan, implement, and evaluate technology for teaching and learning.

    Total Credits: 3

  • EDCI 56400- Integration and Management of Technology for Learning

    This course focuses on techniques for and issues related to integrating computers in learning environments. Topics covered stem from literature in the field and include (1) theoretical foundations of technology integration, (2) teaching and learning issues with technology integration, (3) designing the application of learning technologies for use in educational settings, and (4) emerging issues in research and practice with technology integration. Class activities are designed to model applications of learning technology, while class projects allow individuals to develop skills and knowledge in areas of your personal need or interest. The goal of the course is to help you develop an understanding of important issues associated with the integration and management of technology in learning and to effectively plan, design, implement, and evaluate technology-based instruction.

    Total Credits: 3

  • EDCI 56600 - Educational Applications of Multimedia

    This course involves the exploration of educational applications of multimedia. Examination and application of related research is a key component of the course. Projects involve the creation of instructional materials incorporating multimedia (e.g. sound, photographs, video, and/or interactive elements). Usability and usability testing considerations are explored.

    Total Credits: 3

  • EDCI 59100 - Using Articulate 360 to Develop Engaging and Interactive Learning Experiences

    This course focuses on how to utilize Articulate Storyline to create interactive and engaging learning modules. Through a variety of learning activities implemented in this course, learners will be able to utilize Articulate Storyline functionalities and resources along with appropriate pedagogical strategies to design and develop an original Articulate Storyline learning module. Additionally, they will be able to develop professional skills such as peer feedback and assess their instructional design growth through self-reflection.

    Total Credits: 3

General Electives

In addition to taking a technology selective, you're required to take an additional course from the list of general electives or you may take a second course from the list of technology selectives.

  • EDCI 57500 - Foundations of Distance Education

    An introduction to the field of distance learning/education. Examination of basic concepts and principles of distance learning, the theoretical underpinnings of the field, research and application literature, and distance education delivery technologies. A systematic approach to the design, development, delivery, and evaluation of instruction for learners at a distance is emphasized. Special attention is given to course management systems. 

    Total Credits: 3

  • EDCI 58800 - Motivation and Instructional Design

    This course has been designed to provide an in-depth study of motivation as one of the fundamental variables underlying human learning, behavior and instructional design. The focus of the course is on two areas: 1) theories of motivation and the general principles that have contributed to the field of instructional design, and 2) how those principles are selected and applied within practical design settings.

    Total Credits: 3

  • EDCI 63300 - Instructional Design Project Management

    This course focuses on the application of project management ideas, concepts, and strategies in instructional design settings. Students will be asked to consider the relationship between instructional design and project management, tools that can assist with managing instructional design projects, and factors influencing the instructional design project management process. Students will explore these topics by creating deliverables for instructional design cases and other interactive assignments.

    Total Credits: 3

  • EDPS 53300 - Introduction to Educational Research

    An introductory course in educational research and evaluation methodology that considers the various methods of educational research, the formulation of research hypotheses, and the preparation of research reports.

    Total Credits: 3

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Learn more about the online Master of Science in Education in Learning Design and Technology from Purdue University. Complete the form or call us at 877-497-5851 to speak to an admissions advisor.