Learning Systems Design and Technology - The program focuses on the principles and techniques of creating learning products and multimedia‐based online resources for learning, instruction, and education. Some examples include instruction in learning theories, systems design, and principles that apply to the design, development, evaluation, and management of learning systems, resources, and technologies. Applications of human performance problem analysis, specification of learning outcomes, task analysis, instructional design, test development, program evaluation, and consultation. The specialty area emphasizes the translation of learning theory into instructional practice and the application of problem solving and evaluation procedures. The graduate specialization in learning systems design and technology prepares individuals to serve as instructional designers/developers or training specialists in business, academic, health care, industrial, non-profit, or government settings.

 

EDUCATION COURSES

 

CI 401: Designing Video Games for Instruction and Assessment. This course focuses on the design and development of simulated environments (such as digital games and virtual worlds) and how they may be used for the delivery of online learning and instruction. The production process will focus on the use of suitable technologies and game development toolkits to create immediately usable prototypes for learning showcases.

 

CI 437 Instructional and Human Performance Technology. The role that learning systems and instructional design and technology play in the field of human performance technology. Emphasis is upon performance problem identification, the distinction between skill/knowledge deficits and other performance problems, and the rationale for instructional solutions as opposed to electronic performance support systems, feedback and incentives, certification and other HP technologies. The roles that instructional technologists play in ID&T offices in school and non-school settings are examined. A field trip to active instructional design and technology workplaces is planned; participation in the field trip is not a course requirement.

 

CI 483 Instructional Applications for Microcomputers. A study of the development and use of microcomputers systems in educational settings. Emphasis is upon the characteristics, capabilities, applications and implications of microcomputers and microcomputer lessons, with case studies of their integration into the teaching, learning process.

 

CI 504 Systematic Approaches to Instruction. Investigate, discuss and apply systematic approaches to instruction. Special emphasis is given to that element of the instructional system, which allows for the integration of instructional media into the process.

 

CI 595 Internship, Computer based instruction and curriculum. Culminating experience for Ph.D. or specialist degree students. Students engage in specialized service areas either in their own or a cooperating school or school system or university. Weekly on-campus or on-site seminar will be held with the intern supervisor, credit may be applied toward aPh.D. or specialist degree.

 

RTD 489 Electronic Media Workshop - Advanced work in various areas of electronic media, such as Gender and Media, Children and Media, Multicultural Television in the US, Reality TV, Spirituality, Media and Communication and Virtual Worlds. Focuses: History of the reality genre and television industry, political supports for the industry deregulation and mega-media corporations, popular culture, enculturation, socialization, contemporary sub-genres, symbolic demography narrative structures and implicit lessons. Additionally to critically examine the social issues within the context of a virtual community and to create, investigate, experiment, and interact with technologies, structures and people. Students can choose their focus with approval of instructor.

 

WED 409 Applications of Integrated Software for Education. Design of agricultural or educational applications of integrated software. Spreadsheet, database, word processing, and graphic and communications software will be applied to the solution of business problems. Individual student projects will be the focus of the applied nature of the class.

 

WED 410 Issues in Business Training/Education. Study of current issues in business training and education related to history, current status and trends. Organization of instruction, instructional settings, relation to general education, integration and impact of technology, curriculum development/review and evaluation of business training/education impact in the workplace.

 

WED 460 Occupational Analysis and Curriculum Development. The first of a two-course sequence presenting a systems approach to curriculum development and instructional methods utilized in vocational and occupational education. Includes analyzing occupations and jobs, specifying objectives, and developing curriculum. (a) Agricultural education, (b) business education, (d) education, training and development, (e) health occupations education, (f) home economics education, (g) industrial education.

 

WED 462 Instructional Methods and Materials. Study and application of instructional methods, techniques and materials. Preparation, presentation and evaluation of training plans and other instructional materials.

 

WED 463 Workforce Education Needs Assessment. Overview of needs assessment and analysis procedures used in workforce education environments. Learners will design and develop needs assessment instruments, collect and diagnose data to identify those workplace performance issues requiring training solutions, and develop a formal report detailing needs assessment findings and training solution recommendations.

 

WED 466 Foundations of Workforce Education. Examination of the historical, social, economic and psychological foundations of workforce education. Nature and role of education and training in preparing people for the world of work.

 

WED 468 Education/Labor Force Linkages. Attention given to the following areas: overcoming barriers to the linkage process; developing effective lines of communication; resource sharing; conducting joint problem solving with other agencies and individuals within the community; and jointly developing and providing programs and services.

WED 469 Training Systems Management. Insight and understanding of administration and management of organizational training. Principles and techniques of managing training organizations. Process of planning, organizing, marketing, programming, staffing, budgeting and evaluating a training organization.

WED 473 Coordinating Cooperative - Vocational Education. Overview of cooperative vocational education. Investigation into the competencies required for the establishment, implementation, and coordination of cooperative vocational education to include selection and maintenance of training stations, student placement, related instruction in cooperative vocational education, and the management of cooperative vocational education programs. Fulfills the remaining three semester hours of the six required for State of Illinois certification.

 

WED 495 Teaching Internship. Internship teaching in vocational programs in approved centers. The intern teacher will follow the program of the supervising teacher in both regular and extra class activities. May include independent study. (a) Agricultural education, (b) business education, (e) home economics education, (d) industrial education, (e) health occupations education. Prerequisite: 18 months fulltime equivalent of documented or nine months full-time equivalent of supervised experience or a combination.

 

WED 496 Professional Internship. Research or curriculum development or program management at approved education or training sites. The intern will follow the program of the supervising professional in regular and related activities. Not for graduate credit. Prerequisite: 18 months full-time equivalent of documented or nine months full-time equivalent of supervised work experience or a combination.

 

WED 561 Research Methods. Basic research methods and techniques in the design, investigation and reporting of research studies relating to education for work.

 

WED 566 Administration and Supervision. Nature, function, and techniques of administration and supervision of education for work programs at all levels.

 

BUSINESS COURSES

 

Accounting I-Financial. This course covers the basic concepts, principles and techniques used to generate accounting data and financial statements and to interpret and use the financial data to enhance decision making.

 

Accounting II-Managerial. The use of accounting information for managerial planning, control and decision making through budgeting, cost and variance analyses, and responsibility accounting.

 

Introduction to Finance. Study of issuance, distribution and purchase of financial claims including the topics
of financial management, financial markets, and financial investments.

 

Introduction to Business. Survey of business. General knowledge of the modern business world, the composition and
functions of the business organization, as well as business as a social institution. Does not satisfy a College of Business requirement.

Business Communications. Creating and managing written and oral administrative communications including the analysis, planning and practice of composing different types of internal and external communications in various administrative and business contexts.

 

Introduction to Management. Basic concepts of the administrative process are considered with emphasis on executive
action to develop policy, direction, and control based on traditional and behavioral science approaches to decision making.

 

Small Business Management. Identification of small business, its importance and relationship to the United States
economy, and the opportunities and requirements unique to operation and management. Personal characteristics, interpersonal relationships, organizational systems, and decision-making processes are examined for their contribution to the success or failure of the firm.

 

Quantitative Methods in Business/Business Mathematics. Emphasis is placed upon learning mathematical concepts through practical application to common business problems. This course is designed to assist students in reaching a level of increased competence in business mathematics.

 

Introduction to Microeconomics. Study of businesses, consumers, and the government and their effects on prices, output and income distribution. Current economic problems will be used as illustrative examples.

 

Introduction to Macroeconomics. Determination of income, employment, output and price levels in the national economy; government taxation, expenditure, and monetary policies to solve problems such as inflation and unemployment.

 

Continuing Education Courses:

 

Business Law I - Business law as part of the management, environment; common and statutory law, contract law, agency, and commercial transactions. Teaches managers how to work with and within the law; and Business law as part of the management environment; commercial paper, bankruptcy, business organizations, property, and government regulations. Teaches managers how to work with and within the law.

 

Other Workshops and Seminars: Life Long Learning Workshops, 35+ Seminars and Courses in Education, Health and Human Services, Leadership, Business, Technology and this semester (2014) im attempting Spanish