Online Learning

This course is designed to extend educators' knowledge and application of the instructional design process. Educators gain a deeper understanding of best practices for implementing and evaluating education and training programs. They engage in a variety of assignments that emphasize the delivery of instruction and the various strategies for assessing student learning both during and after instruction. Educators demonstrate their understanding of course concepts by solving a real-world instructional or performance improvement problem. (Prerequisite(s): Intended to be taken after EIDT 6100.)

An introduction to the principles and processes of research is provided in this course. Education professionals explore the various steps and considerations of the research process. They 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. Additionally, they consider the ethical responsibilities of the researcher.

Online education could be the driving force that transforms education and training practices in the 21st century. Through this lens, education professionals explore the current trends impacting the field of distance education and their implications for the design and development of distance-learning programs. They 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.

Purposeful and careful planning is a key element to the success of any program. In this course, education professionals explore the systematic approaches to project management. Education professionals learn to use various project management tools, procedures, and methodologies, which they apply to projects in a real-world education or training environment. They also analyze the interrelated nature of the triple constraints of time, cost, and scope as well as their influence on the overall quality of the project.

Effective instruction in an online setting requires strategies that leverage the unique characteristics of distance learners and online environments. In this course, educators 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. They learn methods for managing and delivering online instruction, with the goal of integrating effective strategies with course management tools and multimedia technologies in synchronous and asynchronous environments.

Instructors are provided with the opportunity to reach beyond traditional practices and explore new ways of assessing student learning outcomes in the online environment. In this course, educators apply their knowledge of learning theory, assessment practices, and instructional design principles to the development of assessment strategies in online education and training environments. They review research and practical strategies for assessing student learning in synchronous and asynchronous environments.

This course is the culminating experience for the program. Educators are provided with the opportunity to exhibit their knowledge, skills, and creativity in an authentic situation. They demonstrate their ability to integrate instructional design principles and practical skills and apply them to a real-world learning or performance problem. Educators work with a client in a consultative capacity or explore a case study that may include front-end analyses; design, development, and implementation of performance support and instructional materials; and/or evaluation of an instructional or performance support program. (Prerequisite(s): Completion of all other program coursework.)