UMUC

Graduate School of Management and Technology

Course Descriptions - OMDE (Distance Education)

OMDE 601 Foundations of Distance Education (3)

(Developed by Ulrich Bernath of Germany and Eugene Rubin of the United States, in collaboration with Borje Holmberg of Sweden and Otto Peters of Germany.) 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.

OMDE 603 Technology in Distance Education (3)

A review of the history and terminology of the technology used in distance education. The basic technology building blocks of hardware, networks and software are identified. Analysis covers the characteristics of asynchronous and synchronous technologies and tools used in the teaching and learning, as well as the administration of distance education. The relationship between technology and the goals of the educational/training organization are critically examined. The relationship between information technology (especially online technology) and distance education is explored. Topics include the criteria and guidelines for selecting technologies for distance education and future directions of technology in distance education.

OMDE 606 Costs and Economics of Distance Education (3)

(Developed by Thomas Huelsmann of Germany.) A study of the economics of distance education in the larger context of the economics of education. Various methodological approaches (including cost/benefit and cost/effectiveness analysis) are applied to the distance education context. Costing techniques and economic models are explored and applied to different institutional forms and levels of distance education.

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. Discussion addresses 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. Assignments include designing a learner support model for a particular context (e.g., public or private educational institution or 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.