Digital & Distance Learning

PREREQUISITE:  None

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course provides a comprehensive exploration of digital and distance learning, as well as educational technology, focusing on their roles in enhancing teaching, learning, and assessment across diverse settings. Students will examine the integration of technology in education, with an emphasis on tools, platforms, and strategies that support effective instructional design, learner engagement, and collaboration in digital environments.  The course delves into the applications of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality, gamification, and learning management systems (LMS). Learners will also explore accessibility considerations, digital equity, and the creation of inclusive, technology-enhanced learning environments. Additionally, the course addresses instructional design for virtual platforms, strategies to foster collaboration in distance education, and the use of analytics to monitor and improve learner outcomes. Emphasis is placed on developing the skills necessary to design, implement, and evaluate innovative learning experiences, while also understanding the pedagogical and ethical implications of utilizing technology. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to leverage educational technology to create impactful, inclusive, and engaging learning experiences in digital and distance education settings.

AQUIRED SKILLS:

• Developing learning solutions for virtual environments
• Evaluating educational technology
• Assessing the effectiveness of digital and distance learning strategies

UPON COMPLETION OF THE COURSE, THE STUDENT WILL BE COMPETENT IN:

• Analyzing the role of digital and distance learning technologies in enhancing teaching, learning, and assessment across diverse educational settings.
• Designing innovative instructional materials and learning experiences using emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, virtual/augmented reality, and gamification.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of digital tools, learning management systems (LMS), and analytics to support learner engagement and achievement.
• Integrating accessibility principles and digital equity considerations into the creation of inclusive, technology-enhanced learning environments.
• Applying strategies to foster collaboration and community in digital and distance learning environments.
• Developing skills in instructional design tailored for virtual platforms, emphasizing learner-centered approaches and adaptability.
• Examining the ethical implications of using technology in education, including data privacy, equity, and the responsible use of AI.
• Assessing the impact of digital tools and platforms on learner outcomes, engagement, and collaboration.
• Synthesizing theoretical and practical knowledge of educational technology to solve complex challenges in digital and distance learning.
• Demonstrating an understanding of the pedagogical frameworks that guide the effective integration of technology into education.
• Critically analyzing trends and future directions in digital and distance learning to anticipate and address emerging challenges in technology integration and pedagogy.
• Designing and implementing strategies for evaluating and improving the scalability and sustainability of digital and distance learning programs in diverse educational contexts.
• Analyzing pedagogical frameworks to align technology with learner needs.
• Implementing data-driven decision-making strategies to enhance instructional design, learner engagement, and course effectiveness in digital and distance learning environments.
• Exploring the psychological and cognitive factors that influence learner motivation, self-regulation, and persistence in online and distance education.