Instructional Design Overview

Instructional Design for Technology-Mediated Learning - LRNT 504

Below is an overview for the instructional design course that is a requirement for the MA in Learning and Technology and the Graduate Certificate. This overview is provided for prospective students interested in learning more about the instructional design component of these programs.

Course Overview
This course on instructional design is for graduate learners in the Master of Arts in Learning and Technology program. The course is focused on the fundamentals of instructional design history, theory, and practice within the context of technology mediated learning environments. You are introduced to instructional design through a brief historical overview of the field, and to the two basic theoretical frameworks which support instructional design practice – learning theory and systems theory. You explore a taxonomy of instructional design models, classified according to contextual/environmental applicability.

You will select and apply an instructional design model to a given instructional context. You will work through the basic components of the model, including analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation plans. From assessment of instructional need to learner analysis and task analysis, you will develop desired learning outcomes and evaluative plans. The design and development will make use of the preliminary analysis, plus the application of appropriate learning theory. An implementation plan will be developed as part of this practical work.

The future directions of instructional design will be explored in relation to existing and emerging technologies of learning, and to new developments in learning theories. How instructional design has been adapting to educational, training, and societal realities of constructivist learning theories, the information society, and online or blended learning environments will be the focus.

Assignments will be both individual and team based. For the practical course assignment, you will work in teams of three to four members. You will also take part in self-directed exercises and unit discussion forums, which will be organized around key issues from the literature. You will be provided with the opportunity to relate issues from the literature to your own professional work environment(s) through discussions and course activities.