eLearning
The Organization, Information & Learning Sciences Program of the University of New Mexico, USA, offers an innovative, online Professional Development Certificate in eLearning which develops knowledge and skills in professionals who design, teach, support, evaluate, lead, and manage programs for diverse audiences via distance technology in educational, corporate, government, military, and non-profit organizations. The program is innovative as it approaches eLearning from an international and cross-cultural perspective.
Developed using the latest Internet-based technologies, and facilitated by internationally recognized faculty from a respected graduate program, the eLearning Certificate is accessible entirely online (with optional face-to-face meetings). There is no requirement for campus residency to complete these courses.
The 12 credit-hour program consists of four graduate level courses that address foundations of eLearning, the adult distance learner, media and technologies for eLearning, cultural issues and international contexts, eLearning design, development of online learning communities, faculty development, e-mentoring, learner support, assessment methods, and eLearning program planning, implementation, evaluation, and management.
The program emphasizes a learner-centered, community-centered, interactive approach to online learning, where participants engage in hands-on activities and work collaboratively on complex, authentic projects to develop products for immediate, practical use in the work environment. The Certificate can be completed within two semesters and the 12 non-degree graduate credits are transferable towards the Master's degree in OILS.
The following are the four OILS courses required for this Certificate:
- OILS 535: Culture and Global eLearning I (1 credit hour)
Students explore the Sociocultural dimensions of eLearning and how culture influences eLearning practices and methods. Topics include globalization vs. homogenization in learning design; international information flow and access; identity and online interaction, cross-cultural e-mentoring.
AND
- OILS 536: Culture and Global eLearning II (2 credit hours)
Continuing the learning in 535, students further explore the Sociocultural dimensions of eLearning and how culture influences eLearning practices and methods nationally and globally. - OILS 532: eLearning Course Design (3 credit hours)
Explores new paradigms based on constructivist and Sociocultural learning theories for designing distance learning. Focuses on online learning design and evaluation, and networked learning communities. Analyzes print, audio, and video for designing hybrid learning environments. Recommended Pre-requisite: OILS 535. - OILS 533: Leadership of Online Learning Systems (3 credit hours)
Focuses on management strategies and key elements of modern systems. Discusses program planning and management, funding and budget management, technology selection and implementation, marketing, quality control, and evaluation.
Or:
- OILS 505: Management of eLearning Systems (3 credit hours)
This course prepares students to analyze LMS requirements, customizations and integrations for organizations requiring training for compliance, skill-building and knowledge-building. Students will experience LMS implementation and management through typical workflow or calendared events.
- OILS 534: Mobile Learning: Introduction to Mobile Learning and Mobile Learning Design (3 credit hours)
This course provides an overview of mobile learning research, trends in the adoption of m-learning, instructional design principles and strategies for curriculum integration, and applications of mobiles for distance learning.
NOTE: OILS 534 can be substituted with one of the following:
- OILS 502: Instructional Media
- OILS 503: Digital Video Techniques for Instruction
- OILS 504: Instructional Use of Computer Simulations and Games
- OILS 554: Consulting and Project Management
