I followed the course-based route, which means at the conclusion of my fourteen courses, I completed a written exam and an oral defense with a committee put together by my program director.
601: Introduction to Distance Education and Training
We were provided with an overview of the field, addressing issues such as: what distance education is, where it came from, who it serves, how it serves, and what its major problems are.
602: Research Methods in Distance Education
In this course we focused on research methodologies that are available to the distance education researcher.
603: System Design in Distance Education
This course was an introduction to a wide range of systems design theories such as systems in education, systems needs in distance education, and systems approaches to organizational development.
604: Instructional Design and Program Evaluation in Distance Education
In this course we were introduced to the concept of individualized instruction. We considered the attributes of instructional systems that can be adapted to meet the needs of individual learners.
605: Planning and Management in Distance Education and Training
This course concentrated on the planning and evaluation of distance teaching organizations. Aspects of management such as strategic planning and performance assessment were dealt with at length.
610: Introduction to Technology in Distance Education and Training
We were provided with a conceptual overview of education and training technology in distance education. We addressed definitions and basic issues such as instructional technology, telecommunications technology, passive or aggressive technology, and technology in learning.
611: Foundations of Adult Education
This course introduced us to the foundations and purposes of adult education. We were provided with an overview of adult education theory and practice.
613: Adult Learning and Development
In this course we studied current information about how it is believed the process of learning occurs in adulthood, the impact of sociocultural influences upon adult learning, the role experience plays in adult learning, and how all of these factors impinge upon adult development.
614: International Issues in Distance Education
This course explored issues that arise when systems and practices related to open and distance education (ODE) move from one context to another. Because the trend towards cooperation and collaboration among ODE institutions has emerged, Athabasca University offered this course in an attempt to answer the questions and problems that affect such initiatives. Such questions were in relation to national development and cultural differences.
615: Human Factors in Educational Technology
The focus of this course was on the development of educational systems and students worked collaboratively on the development of a high-quality web-based educational product.
617: Program Planning in Adult and Continuing Education
This course was a study on theoretical foundations, policies, evaluation, models, methods, and materials for planning adult and continuing education and/or training programs.
620: Advanced Technology for Distance Education and Technology
We closely studied planning and implementation issues relating to a specific technology. The course combined information, theoretical concepts and frameworks, case studies, and direct experience with specific technologies in actual education and training use.
621: Using On-line Teaching and Learner Support Technologies in Distance Education and Training
We were presented with fundamental concepts, basic principles, background information, and models for the successful use of technology in distance education and training programs intended for various learners.
650: Special Topics: Tutoring and Student Support in Distance Education and Training
In this course, we created our own tutoring and student support system in distance education or training. We were introduced to some variation in tutoring and student support, and to some critical concepts and issues.
