Learning Design & Technology

Program Overview

Villanova University's online Learning Design & Technology program equips students with the knowledge and skills to design effective online learning experiences. Through interactive courses, students learn instructional design principles, utilize emerging technologies, and engage in hands-on application, preparing them for careers as Instructional Designers or Learning Experience Designers in various sectors.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

Villanova University's College of Professional Studies offers an online Learning Design & Technology (LDT) program. The LDT program provides students with in-demand knowledge and skills in instructional design to advance within their fields or pursue a career as an Instructional Designer/Learning Experience Designer.

Objectives:

• Prepare students with essential principles of instructional design and online learning.
• Enable students to design effective learning experiences based on research-based principles.
• Help students create engaging and active learning experiences, and develop courses and programs that integrate learning pedagogy and emerging technologies.

Description:

The LDT program focuses on the online learning environment and utilizes current and emerging technologies to support education and training goals in different sectors including higher education, K-12, business, and government.

Outline:

Program Content and Structure:

• The LDT program comprises three courses that can be taken as a complete program or as separate courses.
• The courses are taught in 8-week terms with a cohort-based model and a focus on interactive learning.

Course Schedule and Modules:

| Course | Duration | Modules | Descriptions | |--------------- |--------- |------------------ |---------------------------- | | Learning Design & Online Pedagogy | 8 weeks | 1. Conceptual Foundations of Learning Design | Introduces the theoretical foundations and models in learning design, emphasizing online learning environments. | | | | 2. Online Instructional Design | Focuses on the practical application of instructional design principles in online environments, considering quality course design. | | Instructional Design Tools | 8 weeks | 1. Technology and Learning | Explores technology's role in education, including instructional design technologies and media, selection, and integration strategies to enhance learning. | | | | 2. Technology in Communication & Collaboration | Examines the use of technology to improve communication and collaboration, considering equity and diversity in learning. | | Instructional Design Assessment & Evaluation | 8 weeks | 1. Evaluation Principles & Models | Explores evaluation models for instructional design, emphasizing the process of assessing the effectiveness of teaching and learning interventions. | | | | 2. Measuring and Evaluating Instructional Impact | Focuses on practical applications of evaluation techniques, including collecting and analyzing data to determine learning outcomes. |

Assessment:

Assessment Methods:

• The LDT program utilizes various assessment methods such as online discussion boards, quizzes, case studies, projects, and final research projects.
• Each module within a course is assessed using diverse methods to evaluate students' understanding and application of the concepts and skills.

Assessment Criteria:

• Assessments focus on evaluating:
• Understanding of instructional design principles, theories, and models.
• Design, implementation, and evaluation of effective online learning experiences.
• Integration and effective use of technologies for instructional delivery and engagement.
• Application of research in learning design practices.
• Effective communication, collaboration, and professionalism.
• Grades are typically based on a combination of participation, assignments, and project evaluations.

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

• The LDT program employs an interactive and collaborative teaching approach.
• Instructors utilize technology tools to facilitate active learning and encourage student engagement throughout the online courses.
• Courses feature a mix of synchronous live sessions and asynchronous activities.

Faculty:

• The LDT program is taught by experienced professionals with backgrounds in instructional design, online learning, and education administration.
• Instructors are experts in their respective fields and provide practical insights to the courses, grounded in research and real-world examples.

Unique Approaches:

• The program emphasizes hands-on application, providing students with practical experience in designing, developing, and evaluating instructional materials and online learning environments.
• Students engage in collaborative activities and receive regular feedback to refine their work throughout the program.

Careers:

Career Paths:

• Completion of the LDT program prepares learners for roles in the field of learning design and technology, including:
• Instructional Designers
• Learning Experience Designers
• E-Learning Developers
• Curriculum Developers
• Training and Development Specialists

Opportunities:

• The LDT program graduates are well-equipped for employment within various sectors including higher education, K-12, government, non-profit organizations, and corporate training departments.
• There is a growing demand for professionals with skills in instructional design and educational technology.