Workplace Learning and Instruction Adv. Cert. - Curriculum

This course examines the physiological, psychological, and socio/cultural factors related to learning and development of humans throughout the life cycle, as appropriate for the organization's needs. Selected theories of learning and development are critically analyzed and applied to teaching contexts. Students are expected to critically examine their own assumptions and beliefs about learning, and development and develop an appropriate approach to the task of designing learning based on the organization's workforce and needs. Attention is given to stages of cognitive growth, the development of learning goals, learning environments, and to a variety of theories of learning. Learning styles are discussed as a sub component of learning theories. Lecture 3 (Spring).

The process of instructional design is both an art and science. The framework of this course is to teach the students how to design instruction regardless of content area to allow learners to successfully achieve stated outcomes. The components of the course include problem identification, needs assessment, analysis of learner’s abilities, the design of measurable performance objectives, the development of assessment strategies within the design of instructional materials, and the formative and summative evaluation process. Lecture 3 (Spring).

In a learning environment assessing the accomplishment of learning outcomes involves designing evaluation instruments, collecting data regarding performance, and calculating the overall impact of learning. Of equal importance is to calculate the costs for the learning program to demonstrate a return on investment to the organization. This outcome is computed through measuring the increased competencies of the learners and determining the value the learning contributes to the organization. To achieve this outcome learners will measure and grade performance for a variety of intellectual learner domains as well as assess the overall program effectiveness through interpretation of data. This is an online class only. Lecture 3 (Fall).

Learning in the 21st century requires creating an engaging and exciting learning experience whether you are interested in online, classroom-based or blended, and delivery for a school, college or training environment. This course guides you through the process of developing and applying a learning product or solution that addresses a performance gap or educational need in any educational or training experience. The course learning outcome is to develop an instructional strategy proposal, create a learning plan that includes technology to support the learning experience and then evaluate the effectiveness of that learning plan. Course topics include: learning in the 21st century, understanding diversity in learning design, and applying assistive technologies, analyzing task and learner needs; applying instructional design principles with a focus on educational technologies, exploring innovative and emerging technologies; and evaluating strategy. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: • Demonstrate knowledge of a job analysis/needs analysis and selection of an appropriate model to accomplish learning. • Demonstrate the ability to develop and implement a learning strategy using technology, given the needs of the learners and the organization. • Describe how to conduct a formative evaluation process evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of the selected learning strategy in the work environment including learner achievement and the organization's needs. • Evaluate technology used for learning and training purposes. This course is open to any graduate status student or department permission. (This class is restricted to degree-seeking graduate students or those with permission from instructor.) Lecture 3 (Summer).