MALS in Online Learning and Teaching

Areas of Study Overview

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The Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MALS) degree program in Online Learning and Teaching focuses on developing online pedagogy for those who want to be well prepared to teach online. Since Thomas Edison State University pioneered the use of technology to deliver quality higher education, this program leverages the institution’s deep expertise.

Credit Distribution

I. Core Course Sequence (18 Credits)

LAP-500Liberal Arts and Professional Life

3

SAM-501Sense of Community I: Art and Morality

3

SAM-502Sense of Community II: Faith and Reason

3

CCR-610Change, Conflict, and Resolution

3

SIC-520The Species, the Individual, and Community

3

THC-625Technology and the Human Community: Challenges and Responses

3

II. Area of Study (12 Credits)

OLT-510Theory and Culture of Online Learning

3

OLT-520Learning Technology as an Issue in Online Learning

3

OLT-630Issues in Instructional Design in Online Learning

3

OLT-640Communication and Interactivity in Online Learning

3

III. Capstone (6 Credits)

MLS-700Capstone I

3

MLS-710Capstone II

3

Total Credit Hours: 36

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the area of study in Online Learning and Teaching, students will be able to:

  • apply learning theories and student learning styles to online learning;
  • assess the impact of culture and diversity on online learning;
  • identify best practices for technology-infused education that resolve the student and teacher issues with learning in the online environment;
  • develop appropriate assessment strategies that are relevant to online learning, including formative and summative evaluations of instruction as well as design;
  • evaluate ethical issues in online learning environments, such as educational copyright law, fair use, the TEACH Act, cheating, and plagiarism;
  • design strategies and techniques that promote student engagement and motivation in online environments; and
  • create an online course using a learning management system that incorporates models, techniques, and strategies for online learning and teaching learned throughout the program.