Online Master's in Adult Education 

In this course, learners will apply effective written and oral communication principles to the role of adult educator and trainer in the workplace environments of today. Learners will examine the influence of perception, organizational change, and technology tools on the creation of professional communication. In addition, learners will demonstrate how to create communication appropriate to the audience and the communication channel, including digital, social media, and mobile platforms. The course also addresses interpersonal and intercultural communication in corporate, educational, and global settings.

In this course, learners will gain knowledge of adult learning theories, how adults learn, and what motivates and engages them to be active participants in their own learning. Learners will investigate research related to the foundational theories of andragogy and self-directed, transformative, and experiential learning. Emphasis is placed on the application of adult learning principles to create learning experiences in the workplace and/or adult education setting. Additionally, learners will examine the factors which influence adult learning and what it means to be an adult learner practitioner.

This course provides an overview of community-based programs and services available for adult learners. Learners examine programs designed to enable adults to engage in educational, informational, and enrichment activities for lifelong learning. Learners examine issues, trends, and barriers to success for adult students, including areas such as social and community services, economic issues, and legislative influence. Additionally, learners review special populations of adult learners such as the aging population, adults with disabilities, military veterans, immigrants, refugees, incarcerated adults, and sexual minorities.

In this course, learners focus on applying theory and systematic approaches to design and implementation of instruction for diverse adult learners. Learners identify and analyze trends, issues, models, methods, various instructional strategies, technology, and classroom management strategies in instructional design for adults. In addition, learners design an instructional unit, applying research-based best practices and employing instructional design models.

In this course, learners acquire a rich and deep framework to understand what diversity means in the workplace, in the training and development environment, and in the higher education classroom. Learners explore dimensions of diversity which include race, gender, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, religion, education, and socioeconomic status. Learners acquire an awareness of diversity and understand how to design, deliver, and evaluate training and education programs that are sensitive to the challenges and opportunities that a multicultural context presents.

Learners focus on developing the skills necessary to become effective assessors of adult learners in corporate training and in other adult education learning environments. Learners examine the fundamentals of planning, implementing, and analyzing assessments to improve instruction and learning. Additionally, learners explore purposes and methods of evaluation for courses, programs, and training.

Learners explore practical strategies for aligning effective principles of facilitation with the use of technology in adult learning and training environments. This course is tailored for educators, trainers, and professionals who are responsible for delivering engaging online learning experiences using a variety of web-based course management and information systems. Throughout the course, learners will develop a deep understanding of the key principles and best practices for successful online facilitation. Learners will learn how to integrate learning theories, facilitation practices and skills, and technology tools and features to effectively engage learners, promote active participation, and foster a collaborative and supportive online learning community from the start of the course to the end of the course. Learners will be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively facilitate engaging and impactful online learning experiences, as well as navigate the online learning landscape.

This course prepares graduate students to apply marketing principles to the roles they play as trainers and adult educators. Topics include the following: marketing basics, obtaining buy-in, market research, marketing strategies, communications, negotiation, and advocacy in education.

Learners focus on facilitating change by transforming theory into application using effective researched-based methods related to global influences of change, change management, and the analysis of human capital. In addition, learners explore various change management strategies and the use of skill sets that include being objective, using analysis, and using active listening when dealing with organizational change. Learners demonstrate an understanding of how to apply skills that are used by effective leaders and trainers to develop and conduct training sessions that lead the change process.

Learners are introduced to the use of social media platforms, tools, and resources that support professional learning in the 21st century. Learners explore a variety of social media tools for individual and collaborative learning, including development of a personal learning network. In addition, learners examine leading responsible social media usage and the future of social media for professional learning.

Learners examine best practices for developing and managing adult education within an organization. The fundamentals of program development are implemented, including needs assessment, data analysis, program design, and program evaluation for continual improvement. In addition, learners integrate marketing strategies to promote a training or program.