Purdue launches educational technology master's program online
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue University's College of Education is offering a new online master’s degree program focused on learning design and technology.
The program, which has been offered through the traditional, in-person method for nearly 35 years, also will be offered completely online beginning this fall.
The learning design and technology master's program prepares graduates to design, implement and evaluate learning materials and experiences that integrate effective instruction and technology for a variety of fields and organizations.
"If training or instruction is involved, someone with a background in learning design and technology likely played a part," said Maryann Santos de Barona, dean of the College of Education. "Fields such as education, business, industry, and the military, have a need for effective training and instruction prepared by skilled professionals. Our program incorporates cutting-edge learning theory, educational technology and instructional development in a convenient online delivery method - taught by the same faculty as the on-campus classes."
Three years in the making, the online master's program in learning design and technology provides a convenient mode to obtain a degree in a growing field. Students will access a virtual classroom interface where they will post coursework, view assignments and communicate with the instructor and fellow students. Program participants can complete coursework at their convenience - providing established deadlines are met.
"The online coursework is equally as vigorous and challenging as the coursework for the on-campus classes," said Timothy Newby, professor of learning design and technology.
Graduates say they found the program valuable.
"The learning design and technology program prepared me to provide effective learning solutions to solve business problems," said Mahelet Senbetta, who earned a master's in learning design and technology in 1991 and is currently working in the Leadership, Talent and Organization Development Department at W.W. Grainger, Inc. "It also gave me the necessary tools to show business people the learning impact on performance and tie it to the bottom line."
Newby added, "There is no fundamental difference between the in-class and online course. The faculty, many of whom are award-winning educators and known experts, are committed to providing the same educational opportunities for our online students. We want all of our graduates to have a complete understanding of how to facilitate learning through the use of technology."
While the instructional uses of computer and other technology are aspects of the program, the focus is on the total learning process, from development to evaluation. Computers and technology often play a key role in support of teaching and learning and so are an important aspect of learning design and technology in today's world.
"Learning is a lifelong process, with new discoveries and technology increasingly affecting our daily life," Santos de Barona said. "By offering the classes online, Purdue opens access nationwide and worldwide to its innovative curricula and faculty members on the vanguard of research and scholarship in this exciting and developing field."
For more information about the online master’s degree in learning design and technology visit https://www.purdueonlineprograms.com or call toll-free 877-497-5851.
Writer: Jeanne Norberg, 765-494-2084; jnorberg@purdue.edu
Contact: Maryann Santos de Barona, 765-494-23336, msdb@purdue.edu
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