UMUC

Graduate School of Management & Technology – Programs

Course Descriptions - OMDE

OMDE 601 Foundations of Distance Education (3)

An overview of the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that are required by a competent practitioner of distance education. Critical concepts and issues identified in the distance education literature are explored and the history and theories of the field are critically examined. The course has been developed by Ulrich Bernath (Germany) and Eugene Rubin (USA) in collaboration with Borje Holmberg (Sweden) and Otto Peters (Germany).

OMDE 603 Technology in Distance Education (3)

A review of the history and the terminology of technology used in distance education (DE), building on the topics and technological issues raised in OMDE 601. The basic technology building blocks of hardware, networks, and software are identified. The characteristics of asynchronous and synchronous technologies and tools used in the teaching and learning, as well as the administration, of DE are analyzed. The relationship between technology and the goals of the educational/training organization are critically examined. The relationship between information technology and DE is explored, with special emphasis placed on online technology. Topics covered include the criteria and guidelines for selecting technologies for DE and the future directions of technology in DE.

OMDE 606 Costs and Economics of Distance Education (3)

Study places the economics of distance education in the larger context of economics of education. A variety of methodological approaches (including cost/benefit and cost/effectiveness analysis) are applied to the distance education context. A variety of costing techniques and economic models are explored and applied to different institutional forms and levels of distance education. The module has been developed by Thomas Huelsmann (Germany).

OMDE 608 Learner Support in Distance Education and Training (3)

An introduction to the theories and concepts of support for learners in distance education and training. The various types of learner support, including tutoring and teaching; advising and counseling; and library, registrarial, and other administrative services are examined. Management issues, such as planning, organizational models, staffing and staff development, designing services to meet learner needs, serving special groups, and evaluation and applied research are addressed. In the final part of the study, an opportunity is provided to apply theory to designing a learner support model for a particular context (e.g., public or private educational institution, corporate or military training).

OMDE 610 Teaching and Learning in Online Distance Education (3)

An exploration of the online teaching and learning dynamic, including its theoretical foundation and best practices. The themes that shape the online teaching-learning relationship are addressed through individual and collaborative projects. Topics include philosophical frameworks; instructional, social, and cognitive presence; interaction, collaboration, and participation; community and engagement; and administration and management.

OMDE 670 Portfolio and Project in Distance Education (3) (Formerly OMDE 690)

A capstone study of distance education and training designed to demonstrate cumulative knowledge and skills through two major projects: an electronic portfolio and a case study. The personal e-portfolio documents credentials and accomplishments to date and also serves as an ongoing resource and record of continuing professional development. The case study, which focuses on a distance education/training program or organization, involves in-depth analysis of the setting and application of concepts and strategies to enhance practice and performance in distance education and training.