Doctor of Education in Distance Education - Learning outcomes

The primary goal of the doctoral program is to provide students with a complete and rigorous preparation to assume senior responsibilities for planning, teaching, directing, designing, implementing, evaluating, researching, and managing distance education programs. The following core learning outcomes have been identified:

1. Development of analytic, evaluative, and procedural competencies in distance education as a field of study and practice, including historical and contemporary models and trends, and seminal research.
2. Integration of the theoretical and practical application of available and prospective distance education delivery methods, their characteristics, economies and diseconomies, indications and contra-indications in practice, and their management, planning, and assessment requirements.
3. Development of a theoretical framework regarding the use of technology-mediated instructional methods, for the practical application of these methods in distance-delivered courses.
4. Development of analytic, evaluative, and procedural competencies in research design, practice, and dissemination, including oral presentation and writing skills.
5. Application of various systems approaches to problem identification, analysis, and resolution, including management of complex operations, and program development and coordination skills.
6. Development of a theoretical framework and practical skills in the use of assessment strategies and evaluation methodologies in distance education.
7. Application of teaching and learning principles within the context of a variety of distance education modalities, both as a learner and as an educator.
8. Development of a theoretical framework regarding leadership models and change theories within the context of distance education organizations.