Nova Southeastern University
Education: Instructional Technology & Distance Education
Fort Lauderdale-Davie, Florida
Expected Graduation: May 2011
Core Courses
EDD 9100: Leadership
Winter 2009 (3 Credits)
This course focuses on strategic leadership and its influence for organizational effectiveness which occurs in the context of modern society by initiating change and reacting to change. Participants will pursue theory and research focusing on the foundations for decision making and analysis of complex historical, cultural, sociological, philosophical, and theoretical perspectives in the leadership process. This results in the creation of action plans for restructuring organizations.
Syllabus | Assignments
EDD 9100S: Leadership Simulation
Winter 2009 (3 Credits)
Reinforcing EDD 9100, this co-requisite course applies problem based learning methodologies to allow students to practice the leadership skills being acquired in EDD 9100. Students will learn to apply problem solving and critical thinking skills in a real world-like, risk-free, and immersive environment. Through rich dialog and collegial collaboration, students will serve in a variety of key leadership roles within a city administration using a cutting-edge interactive simulation of a virtual city. Over a period of 12 weeks, you will be engaged in making vital decisions relating to the quality of life of Centerville.
Syllabus | Assignments
EDD 9200: Trends & Issues
Spring 2008 (6 Credits)
This course provides a study of the significant current trends and issues that provide paradigms of functionalism, conflict, and symbolic interaction. Emphasis is placed on critical review of issues of recent trends and developments affecting the interpretation of the (a) social process: culture socialization, and change, (b) institutions: political, economic, educational and religious, and (c) social structures: social stratification, ethnic race, relations, and environment. Students examine issues through research findings and case study analysis/results provide knowledge through a learner-designated development action plan leading toward a vision and mission of achieving success.
EDD 9300: Methods of Inquiry
Summer 2008 (6 Credits)
The purpose of this core course is for doctoral students to demonstrate an understanding of the use of the scientific approach in educational and human service practices to ensure informed decision making grounded in empirical research. Research design methods and program evaluation will constitute the major focal points. A theory to practice model will be utilized with the emphasis on applied research. A diversity of research designs and methodologies as well as program evaluation models will be examined. Upon completion, students will be expected to demonstrate the ability to analyze, synthesize and evaluate research in preparation for dissertation studies. Specifically, students will have the opportunity to work with their Chair while they are in the course so that they can develop a draft version of the Concept paper.
Research Electives
ARC 8920: Mixed Methods
Fall 2008 (3 Credits)
This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of mixed methods approaches to research studies. Appropriate strategies for incorporating both quantitative and qualitative paradigms will be explored. Specific issues, challenges, and considerations encountered in using mixed methodologies will be addressed in detail. The conflict between positivism and constructivism will be investigated, as will various examples of mixed model designs applicable to education and human services.
Concentration (Instructional Tech & Distance Ed.)
EDD 7005: Instructional Media
Summer 2008 (3 Credits)
An introduction to the effective use of instructional media. Major topics include planning for instructional media use, visual communication, audio and motion media, computers as tools for learning, and evaluating the effectiveness of instructional media.
EDD 7007: Principles of Distance Education
Fall 2008 (3 Credits)
An introduction to distance education. Topics include the historical, theoretical, and philosophical foundations of distance education; an overview of distance education technologies; and an examination of effective techniques for teaching and learning within a distance education system.
EDD 8001: Instructional Design
Fall 2008 (3 Credits)
An introduction to the systematic design of instruction. Major topics include the assessment and analysis of needs, performance improvement, the systematic design of instructional materials and events, and the formative and summative evaluation of instructional materials.
EDD 8006: System Analysis & Design
Winter 2009 (3 Credits)
An advanced course providing skills for the analysis and design of educational and instructional systems. Major topics include critical elements in the structure of a distance education delivery system; analysis of educational systems and instructional systems; relationship of subsystems within an educational system; design of an educational system; design of instructional systems; and evaluation and continuous improvement of a system.
Syllabus | Assignments
EDD 8008: Principals of Instructional Tecnology
Spring 2008 (3 Credits)
An introduction to instructional technology. Topics include the historical, theoretical, and philosophical foundations of instructional technology, the literature of instructional technology, and an examination of the status of instructional technology.
EDD 8012: Management and Evaluation of ITDE Programs
Summer 2009 (3 Credits)
Theories and methods of planning, operating, and evaluating instructional technology and distance education are studied and applied to case studies. This course explores the process for managing ITDE programs in ducational and corporate settings, and emphasizes the principles of staff training, proposal development, and legal issues of the ITDE manager.
Course Rationale: Since this course exists within NSU's Programs in instructional
Technology and Distance Education, course content and activities will emphasize the
management of resources – technological, human, and financial – within the context of
an ITDE setting in education, industry, government, or the private non-profit sector. Special attention will be given to practical applications within the work settings of cluster
members.
In the real world of technology management, the responsibilities of those who manage ITDE resources and services fall into two general categories. To borrow from military terminology, job functions may be classified as tactical, those involving management of day-to-day customer service activities, or strategic, those activities conducted to ensure that the ITDE function is in the strongest possible position to carry out its mission over the long term.
EDD 8119: Contemporary Topics in ITDE
Fall 2009 (3 Credits)
A. Course Description: Policy issues related to technology implementation and utilization are studied in this course. The role of the distance education and technology leader is examined using video based case studies. Special emphasis is on the practice of ITDE, and how the field is defined in a changing educational and training environment. Research related to barriers to the integration and adoption of instructional technology and distance education is analyzed and applied to the workplace.
B. Course Rationale: A clear definition of instructional technology and distance education is critical for the effective practice of the field. Currently, the definitions of both aspects of the field are undergoing examination and new definitions are being proposed by the leading professional organizations. New definitions will be examined and related to the practice of instructional technology and distance education, especially the development of policies that organizations use when integrating instructional technology and distance education. Virtual schools are a current issue that will be studied. Policy manuals guide the day-to-day practice of the field. Implementation of instructional technology and distance education is only possible if barriers are identified and overcome. Research on barriers is examined in this course and procedures for implementing instructional technology and distance education are also examined.
Syllabus | Assignments
EDD 8120: Advanced Instructional Design
Fall 2009 (3 Credits)
A. Course Description: Instructional Technology and Distance Education are examined and compared to other professions. A special emphasis is made on the impact of media and technology on teaching and learning. In order to understand the dynamic nature of the field, the literature of ITDE is analyzed as a basis for increasing the impact of instructional technology on education and training. National expert’s positions on the status of the field are closely examined using videos, audios, and discussions. The impact of instructional technologies on schools and training organizations is studied in this course. Case studies dealing with various perspectives for implementation of distance education initiatives are examined using videos, audios and interviews.
B. Course Rationale: One characteristic of a true professional person is continued study of the field, especially after graduate study is completed. One of the most difficult responsibilities of the professional is to remain current in the changes occur in the profession.
With this in mind, one purpose of this course is to introduce perspectives that have been important to instructional technology and distance education professionals for decades, and to confront concepts that are of current importance to individuals in the field and to the field itself.
Syllabus | Assignments
EDD 8121: Advanced Instructional Design
Fall 2009 (3 Credits)
This course combines the use of case studies, discussion of seminal publications, and evaluation of recent publications in Instructional Design to allow the student to become a knowledgeable consumer of research and a researcher in the field of instructional design. Discussion of articles will encourage an evaluative view of the field’s principles, while analysis of case studies will allow students to apply theory and research to realistic situations.
Syllabus | Assignments
EDD 8123: Advanced Applications in ITDE
Fall 2009 (3 Credits)
A. Course Description: This course deals with the examination of large scale distance education projects, including statewide technology and distance education initiatives. Special attention is directed towards the changed roles of students, teachers and the curriculum. Virtual schools and virtual training are studied. The study of leadership for online learning is included in this course. Technologies for distance education are examined with special emphasis on the use of video for virtual instruction.
B. Course Rationale: Advanced Applications of Distance Education is part of the concentration in the Instructional Technology and Distance Education. It is an extension of one of the first courses in the program, Principles of Distance Education. It is a course that can be offered either online or face-to-face, but most often there will be no face-to-face instruction. The activities included in the course assume a level of sophistication of students. As a matter of fact, this course requires active, involved participation. Students will identify projects and
present them using video. Instructors will serve as guides and facilitators, rather
than lecturers.
The course is divided into two units and five modules. Materials are available electronically and will be distributed to students at the beginning of the term and during the term. Online chats and threaded discussions will be used routinely.
EDD 8124: Instructional Design
Fall 2009 (3 Credits)
This course provides a theoretical foundation for understanding how human learning occurs. Concepts from the major writers in behaviorism, cognitivism, humanism, constructivism, and social and adult learning will be presented. Key elements of student development are also included.
Syllabus | Assignments