LEARNING DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY

Online learning and technology has been a growing, rapidly changing environment for many years, but it has never been as critically important as it is today. From K-12 classrooms, to colleges and universities, to business and government sectors, learning design and technology is pivotal in the evolution of education.

Immerse Yourself in the Art & Science of Instructional Design and Online Learning

The online Learning Design & Technology (LDT) provides students with in-demand knowledge and skills in instructional design to advance within their fields or pursue a career as an Instructional Designer/Learning Experience Designer. Focused on the online learning environment, the program utilizes current and emerging technologies to meet education and training goals in higher education, K-12, business, or government.

Students will gain the essentials of designing and delivering effective learning experiences grounded in research-based principles. Students will be able to create engaging and active learning experiences and develop courses and programs applying learning pedagogy and integrating emerging technologies.

Learning Design & Technology Program Outcomes

  • Demonstrate a foundational knowledge of instructional design principles, methods and techniques.
  • Apply instructional design theories to the design, development, and implementation of the learning experience in diverse settings, with a focus on the online environment.
  • Design, build and implement rich and interactive online courses and programs.
  • Identify, evaluate and integrate technologies and media into effective instructional and learning design plans.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of the instructional design process and product and devise solutions to maximize learning outcomes.
 
Villanova University’s College of Professional Studies is proud to be a PDE-approved provider of Act 48 and continuing professional education programs. Each course in the Learning Design and Technology program is approved for 80 Act 48 credits.  
 

Full Certificate Program or Single Course Options

Full Program Enrollment
$3,000 total, $750 savings compared to single course enrollment

  • 24+ weeks
  • Can begin with any course
  • Earn digital badges upon completion of each course AND a program certificate of completion

Single Course Enrollment
$1250 per course

  • 8 weeks
  • Earn a digital badge upon successful course completion
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COURSE INFORMATION

For students enrolling in the full certificate program, the program savings of $750 is applied to the third course taken.

Instructional Design Assessment & Evaluation

Program and course evaluation is one of the key steps in determining the effectiveness of teaching and continuous improvement of the learning experience. In this course, students will explore various evaluation models, principles, and practices employed conducting Instructional Design evaluation. Throughout the course, students will also evaluate and measure the entire instructional design process within various contexts to determine the accomplishment of learning outcomes. This course is approved for 80 Act 48 credits.  
 

SPRING 2025

100% Online, 8 weeks
 February 20 - April 10 | Thursdays, 7:00 - 8:00 pm
Course cost: $1,250

Learning Design & Online Learning Pedagogy

This course introduces learners to the conceptual and theoretical foundations of learning design. It explores the history of learning design, learning design models, and foundational theories and principles of adult learning and online learning. This course also introduces the fundamentals of designing high quality online learning experiences by considering course alignment, learning outcomes, engaging online activities and assessment. Students will learn effective online teaching practices and the relationship to the use of technology. This course is approved for 80 Act 48 credits.  

SUMMER 2025

100% Online | 8 weeks
Dates TBD | Thursdays, 7:00 - 8:00 pm
Course cost: $1,250

Instructional Design Tools

In this course, students will explore the role of technology in education and examine various instructional technologies and media used in the eLearning environment. Students will learn how to apply technology integration models in selection, design, and development of instructional technologies and media to achieve learning outcomes and promote learning experience. Further, students will develop skills in utilizing technology to enhance communication and collaboration in consideration of learning equity. This course is approved for 80 Act 48 credits.   

FALL 2025

100% Online, 8 weeks
Dates: TBD
Course cost: $1,250

MEET THE INSTRUCTORS

Ankit Desai

Ankit Desai
Director, Learning Technologies
Villanova University

Ankit received his Master of Sciences in Instructional Technology from Saint Joseph's University.  His professional experience focuses on supporting technologies utilized by instructors and students for online learning, such as LMS, video conferencing, and various collaborative technologies.  This includes providing technical support and administration, teaching instructors and students how to use these learning technologies, and working with instructors and academic programs to build online courses.  Ankit is also experienced with supporting instructional multimedia technologies and classroom technologies used in hybrid and online learning environments.   

Rui Li

Rui Li
Assistant Vice President for Digital Learning & Innovation
West Chester University of Pennsylvania

Rui is an online and digital learning expert who partners with faculty and academic leaders to enhance teaching and learning experiences through innovative pedagogical and digital strategies. She has supported the creation and implementation of over 20 online programs ranging from degree completion to doctoral programs. Rui is an accomplished scholar in the field of distance education and educational technology. Her research focuses on online education and technology effectiveness, impact, and management. She has published regularly in peer-reviewed journals and edited books. She is a frequent presenter at a variety of national and international conferences.

Melissa Swope

Melissa Butler
Director of Technology and Middle Level Education
Springfield School District

Melissa has worked in the field of education and led professional development for over 25 years. With a doctorate in online learning, Melissa has been the Director of Technology, Assessment, and Communications for a K-12 public school system for the last seven years. Her professional experience has included maintaining instructional and administrative systems, telecommunications, cybersecurity initiatives, and networks, onboarding learning management systems, and supporting instructional technology, learning design, and student engagement.

College of Professional Studies

800 E. Lancaster Avenue
Vasey Hall, Room 103
Villanova, PA 19085

Maps & Directions to Campus

Important Notices for Distance Education Students

The following includes important information for students participating in online courses, online programs and/or on-ground clinicals or practicums while physically located outside of Pennsylvania.

Read the Notices for Distance Education Students

VALUE OF A PROFESSIONAL PROGRAM:

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Enhance your resume.

Professional education classes enable you to add new skills, expertise, or credentials to your resume and make you even more valuable to your employer.

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Expand your professional network.

Communicating and building relationships with your classmates and instructors can open new doors in your career.

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Learn from industry experts.

All programs are taught by instructors who have worked or who are currently working in the field, and who are able to share practical applications and real world examples of topics in the course.