Instructional Design — Courses

To better meet the working schedules of our students, many of our courses are offered in an online format as well as in a traditional on-campus format. As presently constructed, these courses are accessible from a home computer via the Internet.

Our online courses are designed to have thirteen class sessions. Students have a week to access the material for each class and to complete the assignments. Also built into course expectations are two face-to-face or electronic meetings. Currently, we are using Centra audio/video conferencing for these electronic meetings. Students can sit at home in front of their computers as they talk and share documents.

Our online technology allows for the utilization of such features as video chat sessions and seminars, case studies using threaded discussion, resource-rich websites, and guest lecturers. Strategies used to promote learning may include:

• Formation of student teams for projects and other activities
  
• Peer-to-peer learning through e-mail communication
  
• Clear information from instructor about expected quality and expected timeliness of e-mail exchanges, expectations for online participation, etc.
  
• Stimulating material such as audio or video lecture, PowerPoint presentation, streaming video segments
  
• Comprehensive and detailed online syllabus
  
• Clear student assessment and grading policy.

Students pursuing the MEd in Instructional Design must take the first four courses of the program on campus, after which they may take courses online as desired. Currently, online course selections will include one of the five required courses, the five courses in the certificate program, and four other courses that are suitable for online delivery. In total, students will have 10 online courses available to complete the 36-credit MEd program in Instructional Design. While taking the first four courses on campus, students will be given an orientation to the campus learning management system, online learner expectations, and UMass Boston resources.

Currently, the following courses are offered online:

• INSDSG 601
  
• INSDSG 616
  
• INSDSG 617
  
• INSDSG 640
  
• INSDSG 650
  
• INSDSG 655
  
• INSDSG 690

Additional online courses are being added each semester.

Courses

INSDSG 601
Introduction to Instructional Design

This course provides an introduction to the cognitive and experiential content of the program. The course emphasizes the components of the instructional design model. Various models are analyzed, and students are expected to complete, as a final project, a learning module micro-design.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

INSDSG 602
The Adult as Learner

Students are introduced to the body of knowledge concerning adults as learners. This course focuses on the principles of adult education, learning styles, variables that affect adult learning, motivation techniques, appropriate training methodologies, reinforcement of learning, skill transfer, and measurement procedures for identifying learner characteristics.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

INSDSG 603
Selection and Evaluation of Instructional Materials

This course analyzes the factors that determine the selection, evaluation, and utilization of materials used in instructional design. It studies the comparative instructional value of a wide range of print and non-print materials. At the end of the course, students will be able to choose materials on the basis of cost effectiveness, technical quality, teaching-learning mode, physical facilities, and availability of equipment.
Prerequisites: INSDSG 601 and 602.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

INSDSG 604
Communication Theory for Organizations

This course focuses on the study of communication as applied to instructional technology and on theories of media communication. It covers audience variables, systems of media analysis, message structure, environmental factors, and the integration of these elements into an efficient communication model.
Prerequisites: INSDSG 601 and 602.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

INSDSG 608
Information Design and Visual Literacy

In this course, students explore the principles of visual literacy and apply them to a variety of instances in instructional design, instructional technology, and information presentation. Topics include the theoretical foundations of visual learning, the role of perception in communication and learning, verbal and visual communications, visual and information design, and the use of visuals in various industries.
Prerequisites: INSDSG 601 and 602
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

INSDSG 610
Television Principles for Instructional Design

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to television 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.
Prerequisites: INSDSG 604.
3 Lect Hrs, 2 Lab Hrs, 3 Credits

INSDSG 612
Instructional Strategies and the Adult Learner

This course is designed to assist participants in making classroom training more effective. Emphasis is on instructor roles and tasks, determining learning styles, and selecting appropriate techniques. Techniques focus on stand-up teaching skills, including lecture, question-and-answer, discussion and facilitation, as well as common media formats, role-playing, games and simulations, and case studies.
Prerequisites: INSDSG 604.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

INSDSG 614
Writing for the Business Professional

This course is designed to help participants develop effective writing. It provides both analysis of written documents and a theoretical review of professional writing techniques. Assignments emphasize the writing tasks typically required of training and development specialists in any organization. They include the design, assessment, marketing, and evaluation of instruction. Participants develop the skills for effective communication with those outside the organization, and those at all levels within it.
Prerequisites: INSDSG 601 and 602.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

INSDSG 616
Production of Computer-Based Training

A basic course in developing computer-based presentation programs. Through such programs as Hypercard and Powerpoint, students are introduced to state-of-the-art CBT development software. The course addresses user interface design; the execution of common instructional strategies employed in training products; techniques of graphics production (scanners, clip art, and paint programs) and sound production techniques (Macrecorder and Macintalk); and introductory scripting in HyperTalk. The course is project-based: students work in teams to design, make prototypes, and produce simple CBT or multimedia programs.
Prerequisite: INSDSG 618.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

INSDSG 617
Advanced Computer-Based Training

This course builds on the students’ basic knowledge of creating courseware and multimedia. They learn techniques of advanced scripting (HyperTalk) and multimedia presentation; ways to integrate text, graphics, animation, sound and motion video into CBT and multimedia products; and methods of developing student tests and student tracking systems. The course is project-based: students work in teams to design, make prototypes, and produce simple CBT or multimedia programs.
Prerequisite: INSDSG 616.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

INSDSG 618
Assessment in the Instructional Design Process

This course examines assessment in all phases of the instructional design process, including needs analysis and the various stages of formative and summative evaluation. Topics include various types of data, techniques for data gathering, the construction of questionnaires, a hands-on review of computer programs, and characteristic issues in the analysis and interpretation of assessment. The course also offers practical experience in the use of representative measures and applications.
Prerequisites: INSDSG 601 and 602.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

INSDSG 620
Interpersonal Skills and Group Dynamics

This course introduces the students to the body of knowledge governing interpersonal, intrapersonal, and public communication. Through readings and the laboratory method, students learn human relations skills for effectiveness in personal and career situations. Topics include perception, listening, conflict resolution, and group dynamics.
Prerequisite: INSDSG 604 or permission of program director.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

INSDSG 630
Managing The Training Function

This course focuses on the requirements for successfully managing an organization’s training function. Areas of concentration include building a training department; managing change and stress; delegating; communicating performance expectations; winning management support; and long-range planning. Classes include small and large group instruction, video, participatory exercises, and case studies.
Prerequisite: INSDSG 618.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

INSDSG 632
Workplace Education: Theory and Practice

This course introduces workplace education through the study of organizational and human resource development. Emphasis is on managing productive change by using tested theory in actual workplace situations.
Prerequisites: INSDSG 604 and 618.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

INSDSG 640
Planning and Design of Educational Multimedia Programs

This course helps students become familiar with the current uses of the video disk and other multimedia, as well as with such delivery platforms for multimedia as SonyViewSystem, IBM M-motion, IBM’s DVI, Philips CDI, and with the planning, budgeting, and logistics of video production. Participants learn the range of authoring tools that exist for these systems and their relative advantages. They apply principles of instructional and courseware design and study the practical considerations involved in the production of visual media, as well as writing a design proposal and a multimedia project budget. Using this general design document, students produce specifications for the video, computer program flow, graphic screens, video disk layout, and other effects that translate the original instructional design into a usable program. They also achieve basic proficiency in the use of a popular project management software program.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

INSDSG 650
Assessment of Educational Technologies

This course on formative and summative evaluation brings the students’ practical experience in computers and multimedia together with the study of the ways these technologies get used in the classroom. Students examine the formative evaluation process for technology-based programs in corporate training programs and school curricula. By obtaining feedback from representatives of the target audience in the early stages of a product’s development, the developer can assure that it meets goals while staying within its budget. Formative evaluation plans are now required by most funding sources and corporations. Summative evaluation—the evaluation of an educational product at the end of its development process—is a way to determine whether the project has met its goals. Students learn to apply these assessment procedures in a project based on a real-world application.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

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.
Hrs to be arranged, 3 Credits

INSDSG 690
Capstone Seminar

The course provides guidance and a structured environment in which students develop advanced instructional design skill in the context of their capstone project. Based on the nature and complexity of the students’ projects, the course deals with such topics as: component display analysis; needs assessment data, analysis and reporting techniques; cognitive flexibility theory; competencies modeling; and self-directed/ learner-centered strategies. Students who have completed eight or more requirements for the Instructional Design MEd should enroll in this course.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

INSDSG 696
Independent Study

The comprehensive study of a particular topic or area in instructional design, as determined by the needs of the individual student. The student works under the guidance and supervision of the instructor.
Prerequisite: Permission of graduate program director.
3 Lect Hrs, 3-6 Credits

INSDSG 697
Special Topics in Instructional Design

An advanced course offering intensive study of selected topics in instructional design. Course content varies according to the topic and will be announced prior to registration.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits