INSDSG 601 - Foundations in Instructional Design and Learning Technology

This course provides an introduction to the field of instructional design. Various instructional design models are analyzed theories are introduced, and learning technologies are explored. As a final project, students are expected to complete an instructional design plan for a learning or training event

Credits: 3

INSDSG 602 - The Adult as Learner

In this course students research the practices and theoretical underpinnings of adult learning. An experiential process will allow students to increase their understanding and ability to apply theories of adult learning, to set appropriate learning climates conducive to the characteristics of adult learners, and to become familiar with a variety of existing and emerging tools and techniques for facilitation the adult learning process.

Credits: 3

INSDSG 604 - Communication Theory and Practice

This course is based on communications strategies and practices as supported by current communications theory. Learners apply theory and strategies to their organizational environments and learning contexts. The course addresses theories of media communication and the study of communication as applied to instructional design.

Prerequisites: INSDSG 601

Credits: 3

INSDSG 605 - Collaborative Learning Design

This course is a hands-on introduction to the many web-based, digital tools used in teaching and learning. Students will have the opportunity to explore how these tools enable instructional designers to provide diverse learners with opportunities for both formal and informal collaborative learning. Students will also be reviewing mobile learning concepts and their implications for instructional designers. Moreover, students will investigate how online and social media tools have been adapted to the mobile environment.

Prerequisite: Masters or certificate student in Instructional Design or permission of instructor.

Credits: 3

INSDSG 607 - Using Primary Research for Evidence-Based Practice

This course examines how understanding data, research methodology and research reports can contribute to informed evidence-based practice. The course emphasizes research relevant to the field of instructional design. Students will be introduced to the processes and vocabulary of research designs, including the questions, methodologies and standards of validity and reliability. Students learn to formulate a unique research question and look to academic sources to answer that question. Students will learn to locate, critically read and evaluate research reports, and synthesize research findings to inform design practice.

Prerequisites: INSDSG 601 and 602

Credits: 3

INSDSG 610 - Video Principles for Instructional Design

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to video production theory and technique, including the study of principles for analyzing and synthesizing information and of some basic video instructional formats. The goal is to equip those responsible for developing instructional materials with the skills they need in order to work with video professionals in creating, designing, and producing instructional video programs.

Prerequisite: INSDSG-601

Credits: 3

INSDSG 616 - Design and Authoring of eLearning

This project-based learning course is designed to introduce students to key components of creating self-paced and technology mediated learning. Students have an immersive learning experience by exploring the development process of eLearning programs using current and emerging eLearning tools. Research-based techniques are examined and applied during the development process. Through hands-on assignments students address user interface design, the execution of effective instructional strategies and techniques of graphic production. Students work individually and in teams to create prototypes and produce eLearning portfolio-ready projects.

Prerequisite: INSDSG 601 or permission of instructor.

Credits: 3

INSDSG 634 - Project Management for Instructional Designers

Project management is an essential tool for instructional designers. Rarely will you be the only person on a project. The success or failure of the intervention depends on the work of many people and you will often be in charge of managing the process. Traditional project management methods can be used for building anything from buildings to software. In this course, we will explore strategic project management, including goal setting, diffusion of innovations, the interaction of social and technical interventions and the arc of project implementation. NOTE: There will be three REQUIRED synchronous online course meetings, at this point scheduled for Saturday, early afternoon East Coast time.

Prerequisite: INSDSG 601

Credits: 3

INSDSG 640 - Planning, Design and Development of eLearning

This course provides an overview of the process of designing and developing eLearning. Students define the characteristics of effective eLearning, and look at the implementation of sound instructional design principles in designing and developing digital learning experiences. Students will explore various activity types and their learning contexts. The course emphasizes development strategies, visual design and navigation. Throughout this course, students will examine the role of the instructional designer working in multidisciplinary teams involving diverse stakeholders.

Prerequisite: INSDSG 601 or permission of instructor.

Credits: 3

INSDSG 642 -Assessment and Evaluation in the Instructional Design Process

This course explores data collection and analysis in two key aspects of instructional design: the needs analysis phase and the evaluation phase. These two phases not only bookend the instructional design process but are also data-driven decision points by nature. Students explore methods and approaches of collecting, organizing, and analyzing data through the lens of these two instructional design junctures.

Prerequisite: INSDSG 601 and 602

INSDSG 646 - Universal Course Design

This online elective course will investigate the principles and theories of Universal Course Design for Learning. The focus will be primarily on access tools for diverse learners with particular emphasis on learners with disabilities. The practical application of Universal Design principles to the discipline of Instructional Design will be explored. Some examples of instructional design tools that can be re-purposed to support universally designed learning are reusable learning objects and gaming. Reusable learning objects can be embedded into learning environments to support diverse learning styles and gameification is a useful resource for educating learners with learning and cognitive disabilities. The development of accessible multi-media and the use of on-line for the establishment of inclusive teaching practices will also be presented.

Prerequisite: INSDSG 601

Credits: 3

INSDSG 655 - Project in Multimedia

Students work with UMass Boston faculty, teachers in cooperating schools, or sponsoring corporations to make a prototype multimedia application or to produce a planning document for multimedia implementation in the client organization. Students may participate in projects pre-arranged by the instructional technology staff or may generate their own, working individually or in a team.

Prerequisite: INSDSG 601 and 640 or permission of instructor.

Credits: 3

INSDSG 684 - Design and Instruction of Online Courses

This course is for instructional designers, instructors, teachers, or trainers who want to explore the critical success factors in designing and delivering online instruction. Through readings, discussion, and various activities, students will examine the pedagogical implications of technology-mediated learning, the dynamics of the virtual classroom, the elements of effective online course design, as well as some of the tools and technologies available to create and deliver online instruction. Through group-based and individual project work, students will design and create online modules. This course will use a range of interactive and collaborative instructional methods.

Prerequisite: INSDSG 640 and matriculated Instructional Design student or permission of instructor

Credits: 3

INSDSG 690 - Capstone Seminar

The capstone project is the culminating activity for the Instructional Design Master's program. In completing the capstone, students identify performance or educational problems and demonstrate expertise in design practice to address those problems. Under the guidance of a capstone advisor, students construct a formal proposal that outlines a complete plan for their capstone work. Once approved, the student designs, develops, and implements the project. The outcome of this coursework will be a learning intervention.

Students who have completed ten or more courses for the Instructional Design MEd should enroll in this course. All core courses should be completed before (or concurrently with) the capstone.

Prerequisite: Permission of department

Credits: 3