M.Ed. in Instructional Design and Educational Technology

This capstone course serves as the culminating academic experience for students in the M.Ed. Instructional Design and Educational Technology program, integrating knowledge and skills acquired throughout their program. Participants will develop a comprehensive project that demonstrates their mastery of core concepts and their ability to apply them to real-world challenges in their field. Through independent research, critical analysis, and collaboration, students will develop an original piece of work that showcases their readiness for professional practice or advanced study in instructional design and educational technology. The course emphasizes self-directed learning, project management, and the synthesis of multidisciplinary perspectives to address complex issues relevant to the discipline.

In this course, learners explore the research and science to support effective online learning. Learners analyze theories of learning, instructional design models, and emerging technologies to create engaging, effective, and inclusive learning experiences. Learners leverage evidence-based practices to optimize cognitive load and motivate specific audiences using instructional design models.

Learners apply their knowledge of curriculum alignment principles and backward design to develop a curriculum map for an evidence-based, technology-integrated learning opportunity for their chosen organizational context. Topics include how to conduct a needs assessment to identify an opportunity for learning, plan well-designed curricula, and collaborate with subject matter experts (SMEs).

This course allows students to apply the skills and tools required to design and evaluate online learning experiences. Through interactive activities, learners apply a quality assurance checklist to evaluate ethical validity of the components of an online course. This includes user experience, inclusiveness, and accessibility using tools and evidence-based frameworks.

Throughout this course, learners explore the systems, modes of delivery, and best practices for integrating technology for learning. Best practices are analyzed for incorporating engaging activities and instructional resources, such as discussions, gamification, educational videos, and other media. Learners assess the value of various online assessments that allow their audience to show objective mastery. Finally, learners explore project management tools for instructional design and evidence-based models for evaluating online learning.

Through hands-on activities, learners discover how to unleash the power of instructional media. They analyze best practices for teaching members of their target audience through effective visual, audio, and audiovisual design. While designing screen graphics, editing audio elements, creating videos, and curating an ideal space for live recording, learners develop the skills to master the art and science of designing professional learning experiences.

Learners investigate how to structure online learning for maximum impact. They create and deliver content with a variety of media and authoring tools. While appraising strategies for creating authentic, collaborative online communities within an online learning environment or learning management system, learners assess and evaluate techniques for online environments.

Learners integrate their program’s coursework to build the first half of an evidence-based, technology-integrated learning opportunity for members of their chosen organizational or learning environment. They practice effective scripting, storytelling, and cognitive load management. Additionally, learners select video tools, create visuals, and develop an educational video.

Learners integrate their program’s coursework to build the second half of an evidence-based, technology-integrated learning opportunity for members of their chosen organizational or learning environment. They develop interactive resources and learning activities, use authoring tools, and design online discussions to foster authentic engagement. Learners complete the design lab by assembling their work in a learning management system and reflecting on their philosophy of learning design and technology.

This course examines the theory and research of andragogy, with an emphasis on the historical influences, practical applications, and critical analysis. Topics include fields of practice, schools of thought, clarification of concepts, and emerging issues and challenges.

This course examines a variety of learning and teaching strategies to enhance adult learning. Students analyze methods suited for adult learning in different settings, apply knowledge of adult learning theories, and explore ways in which adults learn critical thinking.

This course provides an introduction to the historical developments, theoretical perspectives, fundamental approaches, and real-world practices of evaluating adult learners. Students learn to apply a variety of methods to assess learning outcomes effectively and to analyze assessment data to improve teaching and learning.