Instructional Design

Courses

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 Workplace Education: Theory and Practice
Credits: 3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Course Description: This course introduces workplace education through the study of organizational and human resource development. Emphasis is on managing productive change by using tested theory in actual workplace situation.
Prerequisites: INSDSG 601, 602, 604 and 618.
INSDSG 640 Planning and 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.
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.
INSDSG 696 Independent Study
Credits: 3-6 Credits
Course Description: An independent study is the comprehensive study of a particular topic or area in instructional design as determined by the needs of the individual student. The student works under the guidance and supervision of the instructor.
Prerequisites: Permission of graduate program director.
INSDSG 697 Special Topics in Instructional Design
Credits: 3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Course Description: This is an advanced course offering intensive study of selected topics in instructional design. Course content varies according to the topic and will be announced prior to registration.
INSDSG 698 Internship
Credits: 3 Credits
Course Description: The internship is a culminating experience in which the student assumes responsibility for an instructional design and technology project. The student works under the guidance and supervision of both the instructor and the organization for which the project is to be done.
Prerequisites: Permission of graduate program director.