Learning Design and Technologies
EDUC-42594
Learning Design and Technologies
Prerequisite: Introduction to Instructional Design or Teaching and Learning Online | 10 Weeks
Format: Asynchronous Online with Instructor Feedback and Guidance Throughout
Technology is reshaping how people learn, teach, and design instruction across educational environments and industry. This course offers a hands-on, strategic introduction to designing modern learning experiences with technology. Through real-world case studies, tool exploration, and a final portfolio based project, you will gain practical experience applying learning theory, design models, and technology frameworks to solve instructional challenges.
Course Details
Instead of focusing on a single platform or tool, this course provides a broad, critical survey of the digital learning ecosystem-including LMS/LXP platforms, authoring tools, delivery frameworks, collaboration technologies, and interactive media. You will learn how to evaluate and apply these tools based on learner needs, learning objectives, and instructional context.
Each week builds toward the creation of a cohesive instructional design prototype. Along the way, you will explore topics such as gamification, mobile learning, social learning, interactive learning elements, and the evolving role of AI in the learning landscape. This prepares you to design learning experiences that are engaging, inclusive, and aligned to strategic goals.
What You'll Learn
- Explain how foundational learning theories support the use of educational technologies in various settings
- Analyze the affordances and limitations of instructional technologies in both education and corporate training environments
- Identify learning models and frameworks commonly used in tech-enhanced instructional design
- Evaluate emerging technologies—such as mobile tools, multimedia platforms, or AI—for their pedagogical relevance
- Examine ethical considerations related to the adoption of digital learning tools
- Develop a strategic plan or proposal for integrating technology in a learning context, aligned to learning goals
Course Information
Flexible Enrollment: This course is a Required Course for the Instructional Design Professional Certificate but is open to all students, even if you're not enrolled in the Certificate Program.
Academic Calendar: The Academic Calendar shows the open enrollment dates and term start dates for each quarter. Courses do not necessarily start on the first day of the term.
Course sessions
Section ID:
Class type:
This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.
Textbooks:
All course materials are included unless otherwise stated.
Policies:
- No refunds after: 9/26/2025
- Early enrollment advised
- No UCSD parking permit required
- No visitors permitted
- Prerequisite required
Schedule:
Instructor:
Karen Winters, M.S.Ed.
Karen Winters is an experienced learning strategist and instructional designer passionate about helping organizations and learners reach their fullest potential. With over 15 years of experience spanning corporate, non-profit, and academic environments, Karen currently specializes in creating innovative, learner-centered solutions that help organizations achieve strategic business goals.
Karen holds a Master of Science in Education with a concentration in Online Teaching and Learning from California State University, East Bay, and a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Simpson University.
Her career includes designing global leadership development programs for Fortune 500 companies, leading large-scale learning initiatives, and collaborating with subject matter experts to create high-impact online courses for professional audiences. Karen has worked with organizations such as SAP and Udemy and is currently a Learning Consultant at Dayforce.
Karen currently resides in Northern California, surrounded by endless trees and mountains. She enjoys exploring nature with her dog, grabbing coffee from her favorite local shop, listening to live music, and finding good local restaurants with friends. For some reason, she loves watching Hallmark movies and also has excellent taste in buying books she'll never read. A SF Bay Area native, she makes it a goal to visit "civilization" every chance she gets.
