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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 earning digital badges 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 both earning digital badges within the program and evaluating your peers’ work as part of the badge earning process.

Total Credit: 1

This course will primarily focus on the further earning of badges as part of meeting required program competencies. We will also further explore the purpose and process behind this. Additional resources and activities regarding a better understanding of the profession and your potential trajectory towards participating in it will also be available. (Prerequisite: EDCI 60001)

Total Credits: A 1 credit course that is taken 3 times for a total of 3 credits

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: EDCI 60001 and 60002)

Total Credit: 1