(Formerly known as "Online Learning Design") (OLE)
This specialization is for those wanting to become Learning or Instructional Designers. You will learn about emerging technologies and innovative learning activities and approaches. You will build on emerging trends afforded by new media and technologies (AR/VR, AI, social media, etc) and the latest findings in learning sciences and learning experience design to design engaging online experiences for K–12, higher education, and adult learning environments, both in formal and informal settings.
Move beyond traditional learning activities and technologies to create engaging, motivating learning environments
Develop the ideal mix of synchronous and asynchronous learning activities for any situation, drawing on best practices in the field
Respond effectively to the expectations of today’s learners
Work with educators from diverse backgrounds and in divergent settings to craft designs that meet unique needs
Help deliver on the promise of expanded education opportunities for diverse communities
You will need to take 3 relevant electives for this specialization. Note that this course builds on the LTXD required course EDCT-GE 2158 Design Process for Learning** (offered in SPRING). If you are a G4L student, you will need to take Design Process for Learning as one of the 3 courses in this specialization.
See these sample electives*-- choose three electives from list, or by advisement
EDCT-GE 2197 Media Practicum: Field Internship (if aligned with specialization)
EDCT-GE 2350 Designing Online Learning in Higher Education (offered in FALL)
EDCT-GE 2076 Tech Studio: Digital Skills for Learning Designers (SPRING/SUMMER)
EDCT-GE 2251 Introduction to Coding for Learning Designers (FALL)
EDCT-GE 2040 SMILES - Social Media in Learning Environments (SPRING)
EDCT-GE 2184 Tangibles in Teaching and Learning (FALL)
EDCT- GE 2200 Media for Museums and Public Institutions (SPRING)
EDCT- GE 2260 Building Artificial Intelligence Applications for Education
Others- see Electives Airtable Database (for non-ECT courses)
*Electives change from semester to semester. You should search ALBERT for Learning Design related courses.
ECT has identified other relevant courses outside of our program for your consideration-- visit our student-created ECT "Airtable" Electives Database (click on the "non-ECT electives tab", then 'By Specialization' for electives outside of ECT)
Though optional, students specializing in Online Learning Design may also wish to engage in supplemental learning activities and resources and join professional organizations and communities as described below:
Research Internships
Independent Study
Faculty projects with an learning design focus [REMOVE? LINK GOES TO GENERIC FACULTY PAGE, AND WOULD BE TOO MUCH TROUBLE TO MAINTAIN]
Events and Workshops (including conferences that focus on Instructional Design, Learning and Development, Learning Experience Design)
Learning design Thesis
Career Resources page (ECT student website)