Master of Education in Instructional Design
Plan of Study
All courses in the MEd program can be taken either online or on-campus with two exceptions. INSDSG 602 and INSDSG 604, required courses, are only offered on-campus. To meet the needs of those students outside of the Boston area, these two courses are also offered in an accelerated summer format on Nantucket Island.
Non-degree students are invited to select individual courses to meet their career development or other specialized needs; their enrollment in courses is on a space-available basis.
Required courses
The program curriculum includes courses in three areas:
Area I: Instructional Design Core Courses
The following five courses, required of all degree candidates, provide a foundation and a context for the instructional design process. The first two courses (INSDSG 601 and 602) form the basis of the program and should be completed first. The remaining three may be completed at any time during the program.
- INSDSG 601 Introduction to Instructional Design
Credits: 3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Course Description: 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.
- INSDSG 602 The Adult as Learner
Credits: 3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Course Description: 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.
- INSDSG 604 Communication Theory for Organizations
Credits: 3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Course Description: 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.
- INSDSG 618 Assessment in the Instructional Design Process
Credits: 3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Course Description: This course provides a comprehensive overview of the Needs Assessment process, including data gathering, analysis techniques and tools, extant data collection, planning and managing the assessment, the role of technology, job and task analysis, observation and interviewing practices, working with subject matter experts, and properly documenting all aspects of Assessment in the Instructional Design process.
Prerequisites: INSDSG 601.
- INSDSG 690 Capstone Seminar
Credits: 3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Course Description: This 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.
Area II: Instructional Strategies and Skills
It is strongly recommended that students take two courses in this area. Current course offerings include:
- INSDSG 603 Selection and Evaluation of Instructional Materials
Credits: 3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Course Description: 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.
- INSDSG 612 Instructional Strategies and the Adult Learner
Credits: 3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Course Description: 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 601 and 602 and 604.
- INSDSG 614 Writing for the Business Professional
Credits: 3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Course Description: 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 written tasks typically required of training and development specialist 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 and 618.
- INSDSG 620 Interpersonal Skills and Group Dynamics
Credits: 3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Course Description: 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.
Prerequisites: INSDSG 601, 602 and 604 or permission of the instructor.
- INSDSG 622 Curriculum Development for Organizations
Credits: 3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Course Description: In this course, students learn to develop curriculum used in organizations according to principles of instructional design. Students research and write a complete instructor manual/lesson plan and accompanying student folder/manual on a selected training topic. Curriculum development topics include: writing course goals and performance objectives; testing mechanism; complete lesson plan content; instructional methodologies and strategies such as role plays, group activities, case studies; creating original materials such as student handouts, prepared flipcharts, PowerPoint slide presentations, or other media as needed; equipment and technology; curriculum standards; and evaluation strategy.
- INSDSG 630 Managing the Training Function
Credits: 3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Course Description: 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.
Prerequisites: INSDSG 601, 602, and 618.
- INSDSG 632 Organizational Development
Credits: 3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Course Description: In this course students will discover the dynamics of organizational development in the workplace. Students will explore change interventions and strategies in order to create an environment in which learning can flourish. Students will have opportunity to examine and diagnose problems in order to implement appropriate solutions that will help organizations to achieve the results they want. The program will present both theory and practical application through experiential exercises. Students will explore structural, psychosocial, technical, managerial systems with organizations to apply training and administrative solutions. Students will learn how to be a positive change agent, develop human potential, and support organizational vision, mission and goals.
Prerequisites: INSDSG 601, 602, 604 and 618.
Area III: Educational Media and Technology
Students take two courses in this area. Current course offerings include:
- INSDSG 605 Production of Media Materials
Credits: 3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Course Description:This course provides a systematic survey of a variety of media formats including visual displays, audio and visual presentations. Aspects of theory include psychological principles and research on media as a teaching mode. Students have the opportunity of applying knowledge and skills to selected areas of media production, especially as they provide solutions to instructional problems.
Additional Information: This course is a hands-on introduction to some of the latest and most powerful software tools available to instructional designers today. This fall we will be exploring and evaluating the vast array of both commercial and open source Web 2.0 tools.
Prerequisites: INSDSG 601 and 602.
- INSDSG 608 Information Design and Visual Literacy
Credits: 3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Course Description: 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.
- INSDSG 610 Video Principles for Instructional Design
Credits: 3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Course Description: This course provides a comprehensive introduction to video 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 601 or permission of instructor.
- INSDSG 616 Production of Computer-Based Training
Credits: 3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Course Description: This is a basic course in developing computer-based training programs. The course addresses user interface design, the execution of common instructional strategies employed in training products, as well as techniques of graphics and sound production. The course is project-based: students work in teams to design, make prototypes, and produce CBT/multimedia programs.
Prerequisites: INSDSG 601.
- INSDSG 617 Advanced Computer-Based Training
Credits: 3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Course Description: This course builds on the student’s basic knowledge of creating courseware and multimedia. Students learn techniques of advanced scripting and data architecture as well as methods of developing student tests and student tracking systems. Students create simple animations and interactive simulations. The course is project-based: students work in teams to design, make prototypes, and produce CBT/multimedia programs.
Prerequisites: INSDSG 601.
- INSDSG 619 Design and Instruction of Online Courses
Credits: 3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Course Description:This course is for instructors, teachers, trainers, or instructional designers who want to explore the critical success factors in designing and delivering online instruction. Through readings, discussion, and various activities, we will examine the pedagogical implications of technology-mediated learning, the dynamics of the virtual classroom, the elements of effective online course design, as well as the tools and technologies available to create and deliver online instruction and to assess student performance. Through group-based and individual project work, we will design and create online lessons. This course will use a range of interactive and collaborative instructional techniques, as well as synchronous and asynchronous lessons, in an effort to provide current or potential online instructors rich firsthand experience of what it is like to be a student learning in an online environment.
- INSDSG 640 Planning & Design of Educational Multimedia Programs
Credits: 3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Course Description: This course provides an overview of the process of designing interactive multimedia instruction. Since instructional multimedia is created and delivered in a technical environment, the course covers a combination of technical and not-technical topics. We will discuss the technical environment and tools used to create and deliver multimedia instruction; the technical requirements and educational value of various media elements; how to structure multimedia experiences; and how to plan multimedia projects.
Multimedia development is a multidisciplinary undertaking. Throughout the course, we will discuss the role of the instructional designer in the process and the other forms of expertise required to create a successful project.
Educational multimedia can take many forms depending on such factors as the delivery environment and the involvement of an instructor. While the course will describe the spectrum of uses of multimedia in instruction, we will focus primarily on self-paced, interactive instruction delivered in the form of "CBT" or through a Web browser.
Prerequisites: INSDSG 601.
- INSDSG 650 Assessment of Educational Technologies
Credits: 3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Course Description: This course brings the students’ practical experience in computers and multimedia together with the issues of how these technologies get used in the training room. Specifically, students will examine the formative evaluation process for technology-based programs in corporate training programs. By obtaining feedback from representatives of the target audience in the early stages of a product’s development, the developer can assure that the courseware meets its stated goals while staying within budget. Formative evaluation plans are now a requirement by most funding sources and corporations. Students will learn these assessment procedures and apply them in a project based on a real-world application.
Prerequisites: INSDSG 601.
- INSDSG 655 Project in Multimedia
Credits: 3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Course Description: Students work with Umass Boston faculty, teachers in cooperating schools, or trainers in 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 on a team.
Additional Electives
In order to complete the 36-credit program, students may choose three additional electives from Area II, Area III, or a wide range of graduate offerings throughout the University. They may also choose to complete some of their credits in other ways (see below).
Independent Study
This option is available with permission of the program faculty.
Internship
This option is also available with permission of the program faculty.
The Capstone or Thesis
An instructional design capstone or thesis is required of all degree candidates for the MEd. For additional information please consult the program faculty.
Advising and Course Selection
All students are expected to meet with a faculty advisor each semester for prior approval of course selection.
