Classes

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Masters in Education, Adult Learning and Distance Education

COM 516 Professional Communications
EDTC 510 Foundations of Distance Education and Training
EDD 511 Adult Learning: Theories, Principles and Applications
CUR 524 Instructional Design
EDTC 526 Assessment and Evaluation in E-Education
QNT 540 Research and Ethics in E-Education
EDTC 550 Information Technology
EDTC 555 Internet and Distance Education Delivery
EDTC 560 Applications of Multimedia and Web Page Design
EDTC 570 Courseware Authoring
EDTC 575 E-Education in the Global Environment
EDTC 590 E-Education Capstone

COM 516 Professional Communications
In this class, we explored ways of communication (written and oral) and how to use effective communications with distance learning. We learned to expand on our research and critical thinking skills. In addition, we learned how to work collaboratively through learning teams. Through this, it was an opportunity to learn team dynamics.
Reflection: This was my very first class and I must say it was completely overwhelming. In fact, my advisor called me up to tell me that I had over 125 posts in one week and that if I didn't relax about it, I would burn out. I found out many things about myself in this class. 1) I am self-motivated. 2) I was a terrible writer. 3) I never knew what critical thinking meant. This course was just the beginning for me!

EDTC 510 Foundations of Distance Education and Training
This was an opportunity to explore principles of distance education. We learned best practices, philosophies,and technologies that are associated with distance learning focusing on eLearning in particular. Research included the evolution of distance education and perceptions and misperceptions of distance education.
Reflection: Another great course where I learned the background of distance education. It was completely eye opening in so many ways. I never knew that distance education had a history of over a hundred years! The other thing I realized was that people are very uneducated when it comes to the philosophies of distance education. There are so many misperceptions of what it is and I find myself more and more explaining what it is.

EDD 511 Adult Learning: Theories, Principles and Applications
In this class, we examine the many theories and development of the adult learner. We looked at the stages of adulthood and we compared and contrasted theories of andragogy and pedagogy. After becoming familiar with the theories, we explored instructional practices and used learning models and strategies geared for distance learning.
Reflection: This class was another wonderful class where I learned a lot of new theories with regards to the adult learner in particular. At times it was very challenging for me because theories like humanism, behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructivism were all new to me. The nice thing was that there were some students in the class who had an educational background and they were able to share their thoughts in regards to those areas. It ended making a nice learning experience for everyone.

CUR 524 Instructional Design
This course was designed to learn instructional planning skills and how to develop educational courses and materials for adult learners. The main focus was to create materials that were appropriate for the adult learners in classrooms and learning at a distance.
Reflection: The most anticipated class turned out to be not the best experience at UOP. For six weeks, we explored current events with education and children today. There was some focus on the adult learner. I was on a team with two school teachers and our project was developing a "Cat-in-the-Hat" first grader course. Fun, but had nothing to do with the adult. I wish I had the opportunity to develop a plan for an adult course. I may look into taking this course again. But from the other courses that I have taken at UOP, I believe that I am getting more and more opportunities to develop eLearning for adults.

EDTC 526 Assessment and Evaluation in E-Education
This course focused on learning about the fundamentals of traditional assessments, alternative assessments, and how to assess adult learners. Strategies like tracking student progress, rubrics and having good communication with students in the distance learning medium were explored.
Reflection: This was another experience where I did learn a lot of new things when it comes to concepts of creating assessments. I enjoyed looking at other ways of assessment other than a test or a traditional paper. I also enjoyed learning how to make a grading rubric.

QNT 540 Research and Ethics in E-Education
This course explored the fundamentals of research and statistics. In addition, we explored in the many ethical topics we face today in the electronic community.
Reflection: Another class which just sharpened my research skills. I almost wished this class was before the Instructional Design class. I enjoyed researching about copyrights, privacy issues and intellectual property. The ethics part of this class was wonderful and made me realize that many corporations are still struggling with ethics and the electronic community. The statistics part of this class was challenging but thankfully my patient teammates helped me through those road blocks!

EDTC 550 Information Technology
In this class, we examined the fundamentals of computer system, systems development, operating systems, the Internet and networking concepts.
Reflection: Much of this class was information I already had prior experience from working in big corporations. But using my critical thinking skills and creativity, I stretched my mind to find areas that were new to me. I reached to my company and my current job to look for new areas that I wanted to learn more about. I expanded my knowledge with servers and how they work with the Internet.

EDTC 555 Internet and Distance Education Delivery
This class was intended to explore distance education delivery platforms and the methodologies in Internet course management and strategies of distance education.
Reflection: Interesting class but I felt that it repeated a lot of the information we had already learned in the Foundations class. Some new things we touched on were Learning Management Systems (LMS), distance education platform deliveries,and plagiarism detection tools. I was a little disappointed with the book being that it was the same one as the Foundation class. I think that this course had the potential to be better. If we explored more strategies on teaching at a distance on different platforms and developing web-based training, I think that it would have been more beneficial. The good thing is that I researched and found some great books I purchased for my library of references!

EDTC 560 Applications of Multimedia and Web Page Design
This course is intended to give students an opportunity of create web pages and multimedia eLearning. A big focus in this class is that we look at the planning and principles of integrating concepts of developing a course in a multimedia environment and electronic delivery.
Reflection: As a graphic designer, many of the tools are familiar to me. I found myself falling behind because my focus was on the design and felt the need to perfect the graphics. I needed to constantly remind myself that I can go back to the graphics and pay attention to the elements of the assignments. Some great tools I found useful for multimedia learning is Microsoft PowerPoint and Macromedia Flash.

EDTC 570 Courseware Authoring
This course examines approaches in using courseware to design and develop computer-mediated instruction.
Reflection: I have not taken this class yet but I am looking forward to learning some new approaches using courseware authoring tools.

EDTC 575 E-Education in the Global Environment
In this class we will be looking at distance education from a global perspective. We will explore cultural and ethical differences and how to apply instructional theories to these environments.
Reflection: I am very excited to take this class being that my company is a global company. I hope this turns out to be a great class because I would like to take everything that I learned and implement it into my daily tasks.

EDTC 590 E-Education Capstone
My final course. We will integrate all theories and practices learned from all the courses in this program and sort of put it all together. This class will explore how to create effective courses and deliver to a variety of learners.
Reflection: As being my last class, I hope I can hold it together and make the best out of my last class! It will be a challenge because I am so excited to finish and can barely hold down my excitement!!