Master of Distance Education at the University of Maryland University College
The Master of Distance Education (MDE) program is designed for working adults who want to complete their degree without interrupting their careers, and are keen on enhancing their professional skills and competencies within or moving into the distance education field. The curriculum requires 36 credits of coursework and is divided into 15 credits of required core coursework, and 21 credits of required coursework, including a 3-credit capstone course, from one of the program specializations. As a graduate of the program, I will be able to:
In addition, I have developed competencies in the following areas within the distance education field:
My career path within the MDE program is the specialization of Technology. This specialization path has prepared me for such positions as:
I am excited to implement my knowledge of distance education in her current position as Learning Content Management Systems Coordinator at Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School (PALCS). As the LCMS Coordinator, I have spear-headed numerous committees such as the K-12 instructional design committee, grade-book and report card redesign committee, Moodle enhancements, and PALCS front page design committee. In addition, I create trainings for new teachers as well as trainings for new Moodle enhancements and releases.
The Master of Distance Education (MDE) program is designed for working adults who want to complete their degree without interrupting their careers, and are keen on enhancing their professional skills and competencies within or moving into the distance education field. The curriculum requires 36 credits of coursework and is divided into 15 credits of required core coursework, and 21 credits of required coursework, including a 3-credit capstone course, from one of the program specializations. As a graduate of the program, I will be able to:
- Develop and communicate a mission and vision for the implementation of distance education within an organization
- Function effectively as leader, manager and team member within a distance education or training organization
- Develop strategic goals and business plans for distance education within an organization
- Analyze and recommend an organizational distance education technology plan, and manage the implementation of that technology in distance delivery
- Design, implement, and assess the necessary support services for a distance education program
In addition, I have developed competencies in the following areas within the distance education field:
- Organizational and management processes
- Leadership and change management
- Information technology
- Business development, strategic action planning, problem solving, ethics, and social responsibility
My career path within the MDE program is the specialization of Technology. This specialization path has prepared me for such positions as:
- Technical director (for example, involved in setting up the appropriate technology configuration; has a profound understanding of the technology options combined with an awareness of pedagogical objectives)
- Production manager (for example, supervises and guides course development processes and media integration; awareness of what is technically feasible and what is pedagogically intended, is necessary, and bears on the management of the development and production process)
- Technical expert/advisor/consultant (for example, advises setting up distance education centers or courses; evaluates the efficiency and appropriateness of technology configurations; works as consultant for international organizations on aspects of technology/media choice)
- Coordinator of online instruction (for example, advises on the instructional design, the functionality of the learning and content management systems, and the setting up of the faculty and student support systems)
- Online course support specialist (for example, creates shells for online course development; faculty support; maintains critical data and course information)
I am excited to implement my knowledge of distance education in her current position as Learning Content Management Systems Coordinator at Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School (PALCS). As the LCMS Coordinator, I have spear-headed numerous committees such as the K-12 instructional design committee, grade-book and report card redesign committee, Moodle enhancements, and PALCS front page design committee. In addition, I create trainings for new teachers as well as trainings for new Moodle enhancements and releases.