Course Descriptions
General Program
EDUC 6105 Organizations, Innovation, and Change (3 sem. cr.)
Understanding the fundamentals of organizational behavior and change management are essential for facilitating innovation in any organization. In this course, students examine the role the instructional designer can play in managing change within an organization. Students evaluate leadership qualities and practices that foster and sustain innovation in settings such as corporations, higher education, K–12 education, government, health care, and nonprofit organizations. Topics include the resistance to change and barriers to innovation, as well as problem-solving techniques that promote competitive advantage.
EDUC 6115 Learning Theories and Instruction (3 sem. cr.)
Effective instructional design begins with an understanding of the learning process. This course examines behaviorist, cognitive, constructivist, and social learning theories, and their relationship to instructional practices and course design. Factors that influence learning, such as learning styles, motivation, and engagement, are also explored.
EIDT 6100 Instructional Design (3 sem. cr.)
In this course, students learn the foundational principles and elements of the instructional systems development process, from analysis through evaluation. Students explore commonly used instructional design models, such as ADDIE, and learn how to apply them in an education or training environment. They gain an understanding of the preliminary phases of instructional design models, such as writing instructional objectives and conducting analyses. Students also focus on incorporating sound instructional strategies into the design and development of instructional systems and into the development of prototypes in real-world instructional settings.
EIDT 6110 Advanced Instructional Design (3 sem. cr.)
This course is designed to extend students’ knowledge and application of the instructional design process. Students gain a deeper understanding of best practices for the implementation and evaluation of education and training programs. Emphasis is placed on delivery of instruction and the various strategies for assessing student learning both during and after instruction. Students demonstrate their learning by solving a real-world instructional or performance improvement problem.
EIDT 6120 Multimedia Design and Development (3 sem. cr.)
In this course, students take a systematic approach to the design and development of multimedia for instruction. Students combine their knowledge of effective instructional strategies with the basic principles of visual literacy, Web design, and multimedia design to develop effective and usable learning objects. They create an interactive learning experience and beta test it in a learning management system.
EDUC 6125 Foundations of Research (3 sem. cr.)
This course provides an introduction to the principles and processes of research. The various steps and considerations of the research process are explored. Students develop an understanding of basic research methodologies and statistical analyses, learn how to formulate research problems and questions, conduct a literature review, and critique and evaluate research. Consideration is given to the ethical responsibilities of the researcher.
EDUC 6135 Distance Learning (3 sem. cr.)
Online education could be the disruptive force that transforms education and training practices in the 21st century. Through this lens, students explore the current trends impacting the field of distance education, and their implications for the design and development of distance-learning programs. Students examine the different models, theories, and technologies used in the development and delivery of online education and training programs. They also explore the implications and considerations of designing instruction for blended, fully online, instructor-led, and self-paced learning environments.
EDUC 6145 Project Management in Education and Training (3 sem. cr.)
Purposeful and careful planning is a key element to the success of any program. In this course, students are introduced to systematic approaches to project management. Students learn to use various project management tools, procedures, and methodologies, and apply them to projects in a real-world education or training environment. Students analyze the interrelated nature of the triple constraints of time, cost, and scope, and their impact on the overall quality of the project.
EIDT 6130 Program Evaluation (3 sem. cr.)
Program evaluation is the final step in an effective systematic approach to instructional design. In this course, students explore the models, principles, and practices employed in conducting effective and thorough evaluations of instructional and performance improvement programs. Students learn how to select an evaluation approach, develop an evaluation plan, design or select data collection tools, and collect, analyze, and interpret data related to authentic cases.
EIDT 6910 Capstone: Practical Application of Instructional Design (3 sem. cr.)
This course serves as the culminating experience for the program and provides the student the opportunity to exhibit their knowledge, skills, and creativity in an authentic situation. Students demonstrate their ability to integrate instructional design principles and practical skills and to apply them to a real-world learning or performance problem. Students work with a client in a consultative capacity or explore a case study that may include front-end analyses; the design, development, and implementation of performance support and instructional materials; and/or the evaluation of an instructional or performance support program.
Specialization/Certificate Courses
Training and Performance Improvement Specialization
EIDT 6500 Performance Improvement (3 sem. cr.)
This course surveys the research, models, and issues associated with improving human performance in workplace settings. Students explore methods and techniques for recognizing and analyzing performance gaps, conducting needs assessments, determining appropriate instructional and performance support interventions, and measuring the results of implemented solutions. Emphasis is placed on determining whether instructional or other performance support interventions are appropriate for addressing identified needs. Students also use results from analyses to inform the design of job aids, instruction, and other performance support systems.
EIDT 6501 Training and Development (3 sem. cr.)
The ability to manage and deliver training is an essential skill for human resource and performance improvement professionals. In this course, students study models, techniques, and best practices for managing and delivering training systems and modules. Topics include managing the learning environment, selecting appropriate materials and assessments, and tracking learner performance and completion. Students also explore technologies that support the planning, presenting, and managing of instructor-led and self-directed courses and training systems in both face-to-face and virtual environments.
Online Learning Specialization
EIDT 6510 Online Instructional Strategies (3 sem. cr.)
Effective instruction in an online setting requires strategies that leverage the unique characteristics of distance learners and online environments. In this course, students apply their knowledge of instructional design and distance learning to analyze, select, and design instructional strategies that are most effective for engaging and teaching online learners. Students learn methods for managing and delivering online instruction, with the goal of integrating effective strategies with course management tools and multimedia technologies in both synchronous and asynchronous environments.
EIDT 6511 Assessments in Online Environments (3 sem. cr.)
The online environment provides instructors the opportunity to reach beyond traditional practices and explore new ways of assessing student-learning outcomes. In this course, students apply their knowledge of learning theory, assessment practices, and instructional design principles to the development of assessment strategies in online education and training environments. Students review research and practical strategies for assessing student learning in both synchronous and asynchronous environments.
