Program Overview
Introduction to the MASC Program
The Master's in Sports Coaching (MASC) program at the University of Denver is designed to cultivate robust online teaching and learning. The program utilizes online technologies to offer greater spaces for immersive and engaged learning.
Program Design
The MASC program is designed to deliver online content and learning activities in an asynchronous nature, allowing students to engage at their own pace. The program uses Canvas' discussion boards to integrate, develop, explore, and connect content to other concepts, topics, and disciplines, as well as students' real-world experiences and contexts.
Technologies Used
The program uses a variety of technologies to communicate and engage learning, including:
- Marco Polo
- FaceTime
- MS teams chats
- Voxer
- Texts
- Videos
Cross-Unit Collaborations
The program values cross-unit collaborations, allowing students to connect and blend knowledge across concepts, topics, and disciplines. The program has integrated two strategies to facilitate this:
- Redesigning the home page of each course to make information instantly accessible
- Adopting MS Teams as a learning community to increase dialogue, discussion, interaction, and engagement
Streamlining Information
The program carefully and critically judges the technologies adopted, streamlining their use to ensure no replication, confusion, or wasted time. The program is considering implementing various initiatives, including:
- Implementing Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles
- Strengthening DEI outcomes and engagement
- Increasing standardized tools and teaching templates
- Supporting communication outside of the classroom through Microsoft Teams
- Utilizing new features in Zoom
Research and Development
The program is driven by research, with students supervised through an Action Research project, applying concepts or topics from the program in any community and context of their choosing. The program is also investigating a research platform to share cutting-edge ideas, collaborate with peers, and build relationships and networks.
Final Thoughts
The MASC program is designed to produce giant learning safety-nets, allowing students to explore and blend knowledge across disciplines and their own contexts. The program is looking forward to exploring future possibilities and developing knowledge in the field of sports coaching.