The IT577 Practicum in Online Learning Environments is recruiting clients from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, who need any online learning components for their department or programs.
Practicum (noun) A college or school course, especially one in a specialized field of study, that is designed to give students supervised practical application of previously studied theory. source
This graduate course is a culminating experience for master’s students from the Department of Ed Psych and Counseling (with an instructional technology concentration) to gain real world experience by working with clients while developing online learning components. Clients may be from any UTK department or program that needs training or other online learning support.
The practicum is a win-win situation
Has your department considered training needs or ideas that have gone undeveloped based on time, staffing, or budgets? As a client in the practicum, students design and produce training for your department or program based on your project needs. Students learn how to make their instructional design and technology skills a successful reality by working together with clients in an online environment.
Instructional design and technology (IDT) is a process of developing effective learning through theory, practice, and technology. Online learning strategies can gain attention and align learning goals with the content design to increase retention of new knowledge.
Clients are Subject Matter Experts (SME)
As a client, you are the Subject Matter Expert (SME) and possess the knowledge and background for the project to be developed by a student designer. You will work in partnership with one or more students to move your ideas and needs from wishful thinking into learning products!
I recruit clients each academic year to participate in the practicum course, which is offered during full summer term. Overall, clients are usually UTK employees representing departments or programs that have limited access to campus services for developing online learning materials. By participating in the practicum, you will experience the process of making your wishful thinking a reality.
The Practicum in Online Learning Environments is a requirement for the IT Online master’s degree program and the graduate certificate in Online Teaching and Learning at UTK. The key roles of those involved in the practicum course are the clients (you), students, and instructor (me). While program coursework builds knowledge and skills, the graduate students will gain an authentic work experience in the practicum learning environment.
