course sequence
  courses I took toward the MEd in chronological order

INSDSG 601: Foundations in Instructional Design and Learning Technology (Fall 2024).  Rob Pearson

Description:

This course provides an introduction to the field of instructional design and learning technologies. Learners explore the phases of instructional design, concentrating on the ADDIE model: analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. Students create an instructional design document that outlines a plan for a learning solution. This course also includes a team assignment allowing learners to explore tools and processes related to online collaboration.  

INSDSG 602: Adult as Learner (Spring 2025). Rebecca Hogue

Description:

In this course students explore theories of adult learning. Learners practice the application of these theories in different contexts and develop an ability to create an inclusive learning environment for adults, using a variety of existing and emerging tools and techniques for facilitation of the adult learning process. 

INSDSG 610: Video Principles for Instructional Design (Spring 2025). Frances Keefe

Description: 

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to video production theory and technique, including the study of principles for analyzing and synthesizing information, and of some basic video instructional formats. The goal is to equip those responsible for developing instructional materials with the skills they need in order to work with video professionals in creating, designing, and producing instructional video programs.

INSDSG 634: Project Management for Instructional Design (Summer 2025). Kishore Pochampally 

Description:

In this course, students explore strategic project management, including goal setting, diffusion of innovations, the interaction of social and technical interventions and the arc of project implementation. Students come away with an understanding of how Project Management is an essential tool for instructional designers. They learn to create documents like Project Charters, Work Breakdown Structures, and Communication Matrices.

INSDSG 604: Communication Theory and Practice (Fall 2025). Carol Sharicz

Description:

This course is based on communications strategies and practices as supported by current communications theory. Learners apply theory and strategies to their organizational environments and learning contexts. The course addresses theories of media communication and the study of communication as applied to instructional design. 

INSDSG 640 - Planning, Design and Development of eLearning (Fall 2025). Frances Keefe

Description: 

This course provides an overview of the process of designing and developing eLearning. Students define the characteristics of effective eLearning and look at the implementation of sound instructional design principles in designing and developing digital learning experiences. Students will explore various activity types and their learning contexts. The course emphasizes development strategies, visual design and navigation. Throughout this course, students will examine the role of the instructional designer working in multidisciplinary teams involving diverse stakeholders. 

INSDSG 642 - Assessment and Evaluation in Instructional Design (Spring 2026). Felicia Littlejohn

Description:

This course explores data collection and analysis in two key aspects of instructional design: the needs analysis phase and the evaluation phase. These two phases not only bookend the instructional design process but are also data-driven decision points by nature. Students explore methods and approaches of collecting, organizing, and analyzing data through the lens of these two instructional design junctures. 

INSDSG 607 - Using Primary Research for Evidence-Based Practice (Spring 2026). Felicia Littlejohn

Description:

This course examines how understanding data, research methodology and research reports can contribute to informed evidence-based practice. Emphasizing research relevant to the field of instructional design, students will be introduced to the processes and vocabulary of quantitative and qualitative research designs, including the questions, methodologies and standards of validity and reliability relevant to each. Students will learn to locate, critically read and evaluate research reports and to synthesize research findings to inform a question of practice. Students will learn to apply APA standards in writing and use technologies to support research, including online library resources and reference management software. 

INSDSG 608 - Information Design and Visual Literacy (Summer 2026). Linda Sudlesky

Description:

In this course, students will explore principles of visual literacy and information design and apply them to instructional design and learning.  Topics will include the foundations of image processing and visual learning and their practical application to enhance teaching and learning experiences.  The role of perception in communication and learning, visual cueing and communications, information design and presentation will be discussed.

INSDSG 690 - Capstone Seminar (Fall 2026). Felicia Littlejohn

Description:

The capstone project is the culminating activity for the Instructional Design Master’s program. In completing the capstone, students identify performance or educational problems and demonstrate expertise in design practice to address those problems. Under the guidance of a capstone advisor, students construct a formal proposal that outlines a complete plan for their capstone work. Once approved, the student designs, develops, and implements the project. The outcome of this coursework will be a learning intervention.

INSDSG 684 - Design and Instruction of Online Courses (Spring 2027). Frances Keefe

Description:

This course is for instructional designers, instructors, teachers, or trainers who want to explore the critical success factors in designing and delivering online instruction. Through readings, discussion, and various activities, students will examine the pedagogical implications of technology-mediated learning, the dynamics of the virtual classroom, the elements of effective online course design, as well as some of the tools and technologies available to create and deliver online instruction. Through group-based and individual project work, students will design and create online modules. This course will use a range of interactive and collaborative instructional methods.

INST 943 - The Impact of Technology on Education (Summer 2022). Craig Perrier

transfer from Framingham State University

Description:

A critical examination of the impact of digital tools in teaching and learning environments, including adaptive and assistive resources and online platforms, across in-person, hybrid, and virtual contexts. Students learn to create digitally-rich learning environments and strategize on how to best use these tools to enhance the experiences of their learners. Students create model lessons that integrate high-quality web-based resources and other educational technologies. Students also examine the direction of federal, state, and district technology plans.  (The prerequisite for this course is INST 941 - Internet for 21st Century Teaching and Learning.)