Learning Design and Technology

Overview

Key facts

While all of the Learning Design and Technology courses are now delivered fully online at San Diego State University, they don’t follow the usual impersonal format of many other programs. You will still attend class sessions just as you would face-to-face on campus; regular meetings are held via videoconferencing software that allows for engaging, real-time interaction. Not only will you see your instructor and the course materials up close, you’ll meet in breakout rooms with fellow students for activities and collaboration.

Another thing that sets us apart is our balance of theory and practice. Our courses are centered on real projects, real clients, and real opportunities for leadership and collaboration with community partner organizations. We infuse our innovative DesignLAB model throughout the curriculum, with the master’s culminating in a client-based practicum experience.

Because of the relationships among students developed in our program, LDT has an active and tight-knit LDT alumni network that helps students make lasting and valuable connections reaching well beyond their studies. Many of our alumni contribute to curriculum revisions, serve as lecturers, bring an array of projects to the table, and take on mentorship roles. Our graduates are ready for a wide variety of careers in every sector in which learning professionals work: K-12 (charter, private, public, for-profit), higher education (2- and 4-year institutions), government, corporate, nonprofit, and military.

On the job, LDT graduates assume the roles such as designers, trainers, project managers, evaluators, teachers, communicators, and technologists. Working locally and/or globally, they:

• Analyze learning needs and performance opportunities.

• Design training and performance support programs, courses and resources.

• Design electronic performance support systems and mobile learning solutions.

• Work on usability and human-computer interaction design.

• Build prototypes, websites, games, simulations, mobile apps and much more.

• Build coaching and mentoring systems.

• Build VR or AR-supported learning environments.

• Provide consulting for organizations on issues related to instructional design and technology.

• Oversee learning management and content management systems and the implementation of innovative solutions.

• Conduct research related to teaching, learning, and training.

• Evaluate program effectiveness and impact.