MIST Curriculum

A full-time student is expected to take the following courses during semester 1:

• IST 501: Technology Workshop
• IST 511: Writing Workshop
• IST 522: Instructional Design
• IST 524: Instructional Technology

In the first semester, students examine the history, current issues, and emerging trends in instructional technology while gaining experience with key tools used throughout the program. They build skills in graduate level writing and instructional design by developing prototypes in small groups, often incorporating projects from their own workplaces.

Example Student Work: "How to Make the "Mixed Fungus Cold Dish"

The above video project was created by a student during IST 501 and highlights skill development, including text overlays and music/audio production, and shows how a short video can teach new skills.

A full-time student is expected to take the following courses during semester 2:

• IST 520: Learning Theories
• IST 526: Interactive Multimedia for Instruction
• IST 531: Multimedia Tools I

In the second semester, students develop a comprehensive instructional design document grounded in learning theories aligned with a specific target audience, often in preparation for their Capstone project. They build the skills needed to produce effective instructional videos for both classroom and corporate settings. Students also design multimedia learning solutions using tools such as  Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, and audiovisual production software like Camtasia. Using these platforms, they create practical solutions that address instructional challenges in their workplaces or within their Capstone projects.

Example Student Work: Sample Instructional Design Module

The above project is a strong example of what a simple online e-learning module can achieve when aiming to train new users or students

During the summer, full-time students are expected to take the following coursework:

• IST 622: Assessment and Evaluation
• IST 626: Advanced Instructional Design

During the summer, students work on authentic, real-world, instructional design projects individually or in small groups to integrate knowledge and skills from previous courses. Students implement instructional design processes, principles, multimedia for instruction, learning theories, and assessment and evaluation within these projects. Students will work with a corporate, K-12, higher education institution, or other organization on an actual client project to further develop the above-listed skills.

Example Student Work:

Given that students will work directly with a real-world client, a fully functional mini-learning module is expected to be completed by each cohort learning team. Below is an online course that was partially created by a team in IST 626 called Get Up and Move:

Get Up and Move Online Video Course

Students will also use their team project or capstone to conduct various summative and formative evaluation analytics to assess whether effective learning is taking place.

During the final semester, full-time students are expected to take their capstone course and one of two electives listed below:

• IST 530: Project Management
• IST 541: Multimedia Tools II
• IST 699: Graduate Capstone

Students complete the MIST program by working on a culminating instructional design or education/training technology topic, usually in the form of a fully functional interactive e-learning module that connects to their current career or serves as a strong addition to a resume.

Projects can also be more creative in nature, such as one student's project, which focused on the creation of a VR game for school-aged children that teaches how to cross the street safely.

An archived version of the project can be found here:
VR Crosswalk