Learning Design and Technology (LDT)

LDT 500A | INTRODUCTION TO INSTRUCTIONAL AND LEARNING DESIGN

Units: 3 Repeatability: No

This course focuses on the field of instructional and learning design. Topics include the history of instructional design and the evolving landscape of the profession, including the integration of design thinking into the field. Students will examine foundational learning theories, instructional design models, and design thinking tools to think critically about taking a learner-centered approach to solving instructional design problems grounded in research-based design approaches and best practices.

LDT 500B | INTRODUCTION TO LEARNING TECHNOLOGIES

Units: 3 Repeatability: No

Prerequisites: LDT 500A with a minimum grade of C-

This course introduces students to research-based principles of effective multimedia design and creating original media that conforms to those principles. It examines common learning technologies and tools used to develop multimedia for instruction. Tools include contemporary course authoring software, and concepts include an introduction to principles of multimedia learning, eLearning design and development, and basic visual and graphic design principles. Students will explore various learning technologies to create digital artifacts and interactive learning experiences.

LDT 520 | ADVANCED LEARNING THEORY AND DESIGN

Units: 3 Repeatability: No

Prerequisites: LDT 500A with a minimum grade of C- and LDT 500B with a minimum grade of C-

This course examines advanced topics in instructional design, including needs assessment, learner characteristics, alignment of learning objectives, instructional strategies, and formative and summative assessments. Students will explore critical theories used to frame how we understand learning and motivation and the ethical responsibility of instructional designers to analyze and dispute common myths related to these concepts. Students will also learn to employ sound design principles and best practices in planning, designing, and evaluating effective learning experiences.

LDT 530 | LEARNING MEDIA DESIGN

Units: 3 Repeatability: No

Prerequisites: LDT 500A with a minimum grade of C- and LDT 500B with a minimum grade of C-

This course explores the artistic and technical aspects of creating engaging and accessible digital media to relay information and addresses research-based and ethical approaches to multimedia design. Students will apply basic user experience (UX) principles and follow WCAG 2.1 guidelines in designing an ADA-compliant learning artifact prototype. Learners will explore the Universal Design for Learning framework and evaluate design decisions using a learner experience (LX) design rubric.

LDT 535 | ASSETS AND ARTIFACTS

Units: 3 Repeatability: No

Prerequisites: LDT 500A with a minimum grade of C- and LDT 500B with a minimum grade of C-

This course focuses on digital asset and artifact curation within instructional systems design. Students explore laws applicable to education and training, including provisions of the U.S. Technology, Education and Copyright Harmonization Act, Open Educational Resources, and Creative Commons Licensing. Students will examine legal and ethical case studies regarding easily accessible online artifacts and assets and review content curation methods.

LDT 540 | LEADERSHIP IN VIRTUAL LEARNING

Units: 3 Repeatability: No

Prerequisites: LDT 500A with a minimum grade of C- and LDT 500B with a minimum grade of C-

This course establishes a strong foundation for ethical leadership in virtual learning. It focuses on developing knowledge of regulatory bodies (i.e., Accreditation, Accessibility, GDPR, etc.) and developing communication skills for effective online program administrations in various settings. Students will examine the needs of end users, map their learning journey, and create a business plan for an online program.

LDT 545 | PROGRAM ASSESSMENT & EVALUATION

Units: 3 Repeatability: No

Prerequisites: LDT 500A with a minimum grade of C- and LDT 500B with a minimum grade of C-

This course examines theories and techniques for evaluating educational and training programs. Students apply methodologies to identify needs, establish objectives, assess learners, and evaluate program outcomes in education and adult training environments. Students will examine practical applications of Kirkpatrik's Four Levels of Training Evaluation, build an assessment strategy, and practice communicating outcomes to stakeholders.

LDT 550 | EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH METHODS

Units: 3 Repeatability: No

Prerequisites: LDT 500A with a minimum grade of C- and LDT 500B with a minimum grade of C-

This course focuses on using evidence-based research and data to inform program and instructional design decisions. Students will conduct a review of scholarly literature to investigate a topic and identify gaps in the research. Students will also select between quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods research methodologies to pose research questions and write a research proposal for further study.

LDT 555 | EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES AND DESIGN APPROACHES

Units: 3 Repeatability: No

Prerequisites: LDT 500A with a minimum grade of C- and LDT 500B with a minimum grade of C-

This course explores the current landscape of learning technologies and evaluates the value and use of these tools in creating learning activities for learning and development contexts. Additionally, students will assess current learning design trends and make responsible recommendations for deployment.

LDT 560 | CAPSTONE PROJECT

Units: 3 Repeatability: No

Prerequisites: LDT 500A with a minimum grade of C- and LDT 500B with a minimum grade of C-

This culminating course synthesizes topics discussed in all program courses. Students demonstrate achievement of all program learning outcomes through completing three performance-based deliverables: Instructional Design Portfolio, Two-Module Online Course in an LMS, and final presentation. Students engage in peer evaluation and reflect on quality standards and ethics in learning design.

LDT 592 | NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION

Units: 0 Repeatability: No

This orientation course introduces students to the University of San Diego and provides important information about the program. Throughout the orientation, students will learn to successfully navigate through the online learning environment and locate helpful resources. Students will practice completing tasks in the online learning environment as preparation for success in their online graduate courses. This orientation course will be available to students as a reference tool throughout the entirety of your program.