Learning Sciences Education, M.Ed.

Learning Sciences Education, M.Ed. program focuses on the multiple aspects of learning in different environments, including specific aspects of the content to be mastered, cognitive aspects of the student, the instructional environment and materials, the preparation and activities of the instructor, socio-cultural and linguistic components, and assessment outcomes. The program also includes instruction in the social, organizational, and cultural dynamics of learning; learning and cognition; learning strategies; educational psychology; educational testing and measurement; instructional design and technology; and statistical design of educational research.

Candidates in this program are not eligible to apply for the Illinois Technology Specialist Endorsement.

Students applying to the Learning Sciences Education, M.Ed. program are subject to the National College of Education Graduate Admission requirements. 

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs):

PLO1. Critically evaluate the historical development of ideas, theories, practices and research of how learning occurs both individually and in groups within sociocultural contexts.

PLO2. Use deep knowledge of how people learn to identify learning progressions, including the interaction of cognition and social-emotional factors to improve instructional and assessment practices 

PLO3. Design effective learning experiences with digital tools and technologies using research-based learning theories, pedagogical content knowledge and/or

PLO4. Conduct design-based research to evaluate the impact of learning designs including instructional practices, digital technologies, activities, materials and learning environments to foster cognitive, motivational and social-emotional learning and development.

PLO5. Demonstrate the ability to implement high leverage instructional practices utilizing their knowledge of learning progressions and effective learning designs. 

Program Details: 

  • Requires 32 SH 

Required Courses

Core Courses - 12 SH

LSE 500Introduction to the Learning Sciences and Technology

3

LSE 520Introduction to Design-based Research

3

LSE 530Designing Learning Experiences: Cognition in Socio-Cultural Contexts

3

LSE 593Seminar in the Learning Sciences

3

Learning Technologies for Teachers Major - 15 SH

TIE 512Using Technologies to Support Student Thinking

3

TIE 515Critical Educational Technology Issues in Historical, Philosophical, and Policy Contexts

3

TIE 525Designing Digital Age Learning Environments

3

TIE 535Instructional Design Foundations for Digital Age Learning Environments

1 TO 3

TIE 542Digital Tools for Teaching, Learning and Assessment

3

Note: TIE 535 must be taken for 3 SH. 

Electives - 5 SH

Choose 5 SH from TIE courses and/or workshops in consultation with Program Chair and Academic Advisor.