ONLINE Master of Education with a Concentration in Instructional Design & Technology

EDU505

Future of Education - 3 credits

This course explores technological, economic, demographic, and social trends and their implications for the future of education. As the foundation course for the M.Ed. program, students will develop their digital literacy skills, by creating an online Personal Learning Environment, and strengthen their graduate level writing skills through weekly discussions and a series of mini-projects, which culminate in a final Vision for the Future. Students will post their project to their PLE, as a first step toward creating their online learning community and professional portfolio. Note: Transfer credit will not be accepted for this course.

EDU510

The Cognitive Science of Teaching & Learning - 3 credits

Implications of cognitive science research on acquisition of knowledge theory will be analyzed in terms of applicability to teaching and learning.  Emphasis will be on practical means to facilitate mental processes related to attention, memory, motivation and problem-solving to foster depth in understanding and adaptable mechanisms for the transfer of learning.

EDU515

Measurement and Metrics - 3 credits

Students will be exposed to a number of statistical tools and measurement processes that are foundational to evaluation efforts.  Emphasis will be placed on the development of strategies for the identification, collection, presentation and use of metrics that are essential for measuring educational progress.

EDU520

Digitally-Mediated Teaching & Learning - 3 credits

Students will explore a variety of digitally-mediated resources and identify multiple means of technologically supportingand delivering instruction. Students will review the relevant theories, research literature, and case studies on digitallymediatedteaching and learning, identify technology resources, and learn how they can be used. Students will gain skillin using digitally-mediated technologies (e.g. WordPress, Twitter, Google Apps) to enhance learning through mini-projects throughout the course. Note: Transfer credit will not be accepted for this course.

EDU623

Designing Learning Environments - 3 credits

This course will engage the student in the theoretical and practical underpinnings of the effective design of learning experiences and events. Students will learn and apply the ADDIE design model and other complementary or competing models of design. Students will be introduced to principles of design from a variety of fields that provides metaphors for how one can design a learning experience for a student. Particular attention will be given to designing active student-centered learning environments.

EDU624

E-Learning Design for Diverse Learning Environments - 3 credits

This course explores how to maximize cognition for diverse and global learners through the design and structure of eLearning content using multimedia modalities. Students will develop a mastery of brain-based visual design and multimedia principles using current research, authoring tools and data-driven strategies. Emphasis will be placed on directly applying these techniques in a project involving the design and development of an e-learning module relevant to the learners’ environment.

Prerequisite: EDU623

EDU625

Integrating Technology into Learning - 3 credits

Students will explore ways technology can be utilized in learning environments. The course will provide an overview of key research on human-computer interaction and the effective use of technology in education. Students will analyze research on online education, technology in the classroom, etc. to form practical implementations of technology based upon evidence. Students will be exposed to current technology used in various education settings. The course will encourage students to be creative in integrating technology to improve learning experiences in a final course project.

Prerequisite: EDU623

EDU627

Managing Instruction & Technology - 3 credits

This course will introduce students to planning, assessing, budgeting, and evaluating instruction and technology in a variety of education settings, including K-12 classrooms, higher education, online education, and corporate training. Students will understand and apply principles of project management and instructional design to plan a training program. Students will utilize tools and metrics to monitor the program planning process, implementation success, and to improve program outcomes.

Prerequisite: EDU623

EDU697

Capstone Research Methods - 3 credits

Students will begin preparing for their capstone project by exploring the elements which define good qualitative and quantitative education research. Evaluation of research best practices will cover critical interpretation of research, types of research design, levels of significance, and validity. Students will consider the practical implications of research and review the literature to select a strong research-based foundation to frame their capstone project.

EDU698

Readings, Research and Planning - 3 credits

Students will choose a final project at the beginning of this course that will be completed in the EDU699 Capstone Project course. This course will require students to complete a plan for their final project and to perform a literature review of relevant research to support the final project. Depending on the type of final project a student chooses, s/he may be required to provide an argument in favor of the theoretical perspective or world view they will be using in the final project.

EDU699

Capstone Project - 3 credits

Each student will design and implement a project related to his/her area of professional expertise and matched to at least three of the M.Ed. program goals. All projects must integrate technology and demonstrate new professional skill gleaned through the Post University M.Ed. program.