Catalog - University of Maryland University College

NPMN 655 Process and Outcome Evaluation for NonprofitOrganizations (3)An examination of the growing importance of process and outcomeevaluation to nonprofit organizations in supporting theirmissions. Various quantitative and qualitative evaluation strategies,as well as quality and process-improvement methodologies,are explored. Topics include important evaluation concepts suchas validity and reliability of various data collection tools, variousapproaches to sampling, and precision of results.NPMN 660 Strategic Management in Nonprofit Organizationsand Associations (3)(Formerly NPMN 670.) A study of the integration and applicationof strategic management principles, concepts, and practicesin nonprofit organizations. Topics include the development ofmission statements, goal-setting concepts, and strategy formulationand implementation approaches. Assignments focus ondesigning organizational plans and strategies relevant to thespecific needs of organizations.OMDE (Distance Education and E-Learning)OMDE 601 Foundations of Distance Education andE-Learning (3)(Developed by Ulrich Bernath of Germany and Eugene Rubinof the United States, in collaboration with Borje Holmbergof Sweden and Otto Peters of Germany.) An overview of theknowledge, skills, and attitudes that are required by a competentpractitioner of distance education. Critical concepts and issuesidentified in the distance education literature are explored andthe history and theories of the field are critically examined.OMDE 603 Technology in Distance Education andE-Learning (3)A review of the history and the terminology of technology usedin distance education. The basic technology building blocks ofhardware, networks, and software are identified. Analysis coversthe characteristics of asynchronous and synchronous technologiesand tools used in the teaching and learning, as well as theadministration of distance education. The relationship betweentechnology and the goals of the educational/training organizationare critically examined. The relationship between informationtechnology (especially online technology) and distanceeducation is explored. Topics include the criteria and guidelinesfor selecting technologies for distance education and the futuredirections of technology in distance education.OMDE 606 Costs and Economics of Distance Educationand E-Learning (3)(Developed by Thomas Huelsmann of Germany.) A study ofthe economics of distance education in the larger context of theeconomics of education. A variety of methodological approaches(including cost/benefit and cost/effectiveness analysis) areapplied to the distance education context. A variety of costingtechniques and economic models are explored and applied todifferent institutional forms and levels of distance education.OMDE 608 Learner Support in Distance Education andTraining (3)An introduction to the theories and concepts of support forlearners in distance education and training. The various typesof learner support—including tutoring and teaching; advisingand counseling; and library, registrar, and other administrativeservices—are examined. Discussion addresses managementissues, such as planning, organizational models, staffing and staffdevelopment, designing services to meet learner needs, servingspecial groups, and evaluation and applied research. Assignmentsinclude designing a learner support model for a particular context(e.g., public or private educational institution or corporateor military training).OMDE 610 Teaching and Learning in Online DistanceEducation (3)An exploration of the online teaching and learning dynamic,including its theoretical foundation and best practices. Thethemes that shape the online teaching/learning relationshipare addressed through individual and collaborative projects.Topics include philosophical frameworks; instructional, social,and cognitive presence; interaction, collaboration, and participation;community and engagement; and administrationand management.OMDE 670 Portfolio and Project in Distance Education andE-Learning (3)Prerequisite: Completion of at least 27 graduate credits. (FormerlyOMDE 690.) A capstone study of distance education andtraining designed to demonstrate cumulative knowledge andskills through two major projects: an electronic portfolio and acase study. The personal e-portfolio documents credentials andaccomplishments to date and also serves as an ongoing resourceand record of continuing professional development. The casestudy, which focuses on a distance education/training programor organization, involves in-depth analysis of the setting andapplication of concepts and strategies to enhance practice andperformance in distance education and training.w w w.umuc.edu / grad 115