This course investigates the evolving intersections between digital technologies, culture, and education, focusing on the Internet’s influence on contemporary life and learning. In this course, students explore how the online sphere shapes cultural norms, identity, relationships, activism, and communication. Through guided inquiry, multimedia production, and peer interaction, participants cultivate digital literacy and creativity while reflecting on the ethical, social, and personal implications of digital life, particularly for PK-16 students. The course provides hands-on experience with current web-based applications used in educational and professional environments.

This course investigates current and potential future impacts of social media using the connected learning model (Ito) and participatory culture (Jenkins) as a theoretical lens to understand the ways in which it can be used for learning. The connected learning model focuses on learning “pathways” that move across formal and informal settings to transform the very nature of learning – what it means, how it occurs, and where it takes place. In addition to gaining a philosophical understanding of participatory practices in spaces of connected learning, students will develop conceptual and practical expertise in using social media applications and social networking platforms for learning, creative expression, forming connections, and interacting as global citizens. This course investigates current and potential future impacts of social media using the connected learning model (Ito) and participatory culture (Jenkins) as a theoretical lens to understand the ways in which it can be used for learning. The connected learning model focuses on learning “pathways” that move across formal and informal settings to transform the very nature of learning – what it means, how it occurs, and where it takes place. In addition to gaining a philosophical understanding of participatory practices in spaces of connected learning, students will develop conceptual and practical expertise in using social media applications and social networking platforms for learning, creative expression, forming connections, and interacting as global citizens.

This course delves into the ethical challenges posed by emerging technologies, from the privacy concerns of digital data collection to the biases inherent in algorithms, and the moral dilemmas raised by AI and robotics. We also consider the impact of misinformation, the digital divide, and the ethical use of bioengineering and human enhancement technologies. By engaging in these topics, participants develop a nuanced understanding of how technology both empowers and challenges us, and how we might navigate its complexities in a way that upholds ethical principles. The course is designed to foster critical reflection and meaningful dialogue, encouraging the participants to connect theoretical concepts with real-world applications.

This course investigates the evolving intersections between digital technologies, culture, and education, focusing on the Internet’s influence on contemporary life and learning. In this course, students explore how the online sphere shapes cultural norms, identity, relationships, activism, and communication. Through guided inquiry, multimedia production, and peer interaction, participants cultivate digital literacy and creativity while reflecting on the ethical, social, and personal implications of digital life, particularly for PK-16 students. The course provides hands-on experience with current web-based applications used in educational and professional environments.

This course examines the instructional applications of digital tools and technologies in both educational and business settings. It provides an in-depth exploration of methods to enhance computer-supported collaborative work, address and resolve instructional challenges, and motivate and engage learners. Participants will leverage audio, video, graphics, and text to collaborate effectively with virtual teams, promote their personal brand, and develop comprehensive multimedia and e-learning modules. Additionally, students will design digital badges, QR codes, and digital narratives to enrich the learning experience.

This course explores the histories, theories, and practices of online and distance education, with special attention on issues of interest that remain central to the evolving nature of online education over time in varied educational contexts including K-12, higher education, adult education, and informal settings. By the end of the course, learners will be able to identify leading scholars influencing online/distance education and summarize their contributions; explain significant milestones in the history of distance education; articulate informed perspectives on key theories and issues relating to distance education; discuss the role and practice of distance education in different contexts, and evaluate emerging ideas and issues in the field of online learning.

This course is focused on understanding and designing online learning communities. We will explore, learn about, and research online learning environments that promote community. We will discuss multiple definitions of “community,” how community can manifest in different contexts, and how it can foster learning, formally and informally. We will investigate instructional/learning design theories and models relevant to community building, and engage in hands-on practice. Throughout the course we will use a variety of technological tools that allow educators, designers, and learners to develop online learning communities for their own educational purposes.

This course focuses on emerging theories and practices in learner experience design for online environments. We will engage in the analysis and implementation of learner-centered pedagogies and design principles to help you design for the learner experience in an online course you currently teach or a new one you’d like to develop. The practical application of design principles for online environments will be grounded in contemporary research and predicated on a conceptual understanding of the educational philosophies and pedagogical approaches that most effectively meet the unique challenges and opportunities associated with online teaching and learning. Practices will be contextualized and explored for their potential to make online learning interactive and engaging, resulting in a learning experience that is personalized, meaningful, and fun. As an authentic final project, learners will also design an online learning environment for their educational context with guided support from the course facilitator and class peers. Whether you are new to online teaching or a seasoned veteran, you will gain from this highly interactive and collaborative course as we examine new topics and tools together as a learning community.

This graduate-level course offers an introductory and expansive investigation of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) in education. It will enable learners to (1) investigate the foundations, possibilities, realities, and challenges of AI in education, and (2) gain practical experiences with using AI in education. Through practical and conceptual activities learners will grow their knowledge, skills, and experiences with GenAI in education, and become able to speak fluently about this technology's proposed benefits (e.g., personalization) and challenges (e.g., biases) in education. The course will balance conceptual and practical experiences, and enable students to use AI tools more effectively and creatively. This course is relevant to numerous learning and teaching contexts, including K-12, higher education, adult education, professional settings, and informal settings.

This graduate-level course provides an introductory overview of the evolving field of Learning Technologies, including its history, contemporary movements, theoretical/philosophical foundations, and practical design models/processes. This dynamic, growing, interdisciplinary field draws from and is informed by the learning sciences, instructional systems design (or learning design), sociology, cultural studies, media studies, digital humanities, and more.

In this course, learners will examine the myriad of ways the Internet may support teaching, learning, and literacy within educational contexts. “Why,” “How,” and “So What” questions associated with using the Internet and Internet-based technologies will be explored. We will use definitions of digital literacies to frame our thinking about teaching and learning roles on the Internet. We will consider the Internet as a learning resource, as a location for self-directed learning, as an environment upon which to design and deliver instruction, and as a platform for education. We will also explore the social, political, and cultural opportunities, implications, and challenges in using the Internet or Internet-based technologies for teaching and learning.

This course is a Ph.D.- level seminar focused on research and writing in the Learning Technologies field.  Students assume a lead role in developing this course in consultation with the course instructor, focusing on an up-to-date orientation to the field of Learning Technologies as well as in depth study of a range of topics current to the field. The course emphasizes research, synthesis, and academic writing/development, with students spending dedicated time on writing goals and outcomes.