EPFA 510 E-Learning Essentials (3 credits with a noncredit option)

This course introduces learners to the literature, research, and practice of e-learning. It begins with a definition of terms and then explores both current and future technologies and systems that impact e-learning development, implementation, and management. Theories of e-learning are integrated with modern theories of learning and instruction, and students gain knowledge and experience in selecting and developing an e-learning model that best fits their specific teaching and learning environment. E-learning software options are also evaluated in terms of delivery, development, and implementation.

At the end of this course, students will have the tools to advise decision makers about the impact of e-learning in their organization and be able to provide initial guidance on how to begin the transition from a traditional education or training organization into one that can implement e-learning effectively.

EPFA 510 E-Learning Instructional Strategies (3 credits with a noncredit option)

This course focuses on helping traditional instructors become good e-learning facilitators. Through the exploration of learning theories and online instructional strategies, students step through the theory and practice required for effectively integrating Web-based technology in their classes. Students explore how to transition a traditional face-to-face course to the e-learning environment, including addressing special issues of building community, accessibility for economically and physically challenged learners, how to meet the needs of diverse learning styles, and the pros and cons of selecting online learning as the primary delivery medium. While participating in the online course, students experience first-hand the use of various e-learning technologies such as online lecture environments, testing options, discussion boards, chat, audio and video conferencing capabilities, and how to best facilitate each of these environments within a course. Students also learn how to create additional components for their own online courses using Web-development and course-management software.

EPFA 510 - Instructional Design for E-Learning (3 credits with a noncredit option)

Focus on the assessment, design, development, implementation, and analysis of instructional materials for e-learning systems is the heart of this course. Students analyze the differences between various-instructional design models, and identify the theoretical constructs supporting each model and how they best relate to the students' e-learning needs in their specific organizations. A systems approach provides the foundational structure for students to determine the "when, where, what, and why" of instructional design for e-learning. The final project involves the instructional design of a specific course, training module, or educational object relating to learners' needs.

EPFA 510 E-Learning Systems Leadership (3 credits with a noncredit option)

This course deals with managing the process of planning, designing, and building e-learning programs and the people responsible for putting those programs together. As a natural outcome of this focus, the course also includes topics related to project planning and management. In this context, students address project management both in terms of developing programs as well as courses or specific instructional events.

Topics include:

• Identifying program needs
  
• Developing program proposals
  
• Designing and managing program budgets
  
• Building functional project teams
  
• Managing projects and project teams
  
• Managing institutional obstacles and opportunities
  
• Developing and supporting instructors
  
• Assessing and controlling program quality

EPFA 510 E-Learning Systems Capstone (3 credits with a noncredit option)

This course is the capstone for the E-Learning Systems Certificate of Completion program. As such, it is designed to synthesize and integrate the knowledge gained in all previous courses and demonstrate the application of theory and practice through a project. For the capstone project, each participant selects a venue in which to apply his or her knowledge of e-learning design, development, delivery, and evaluation (e.g., work environment or an approved corporate setting, non-profit community agency, or public institution engaged in education or training). Students design a training or education course for the organization, including the development of a working prototype with a completed plan for implementation, pilot testing of at least two completely functional modules within the course, and development and acceptance of an evaluation tool to determine the course or project effectiveness.