EDCI 573: Instructional Development Practicum

EDCI 573 provides supervised field experience in programs involving instructional development activities. Students participate in ongoing projects in the design and development of instructional materials and training programs in business and industry, medical facilities, or other settings deemed appropriate. It is hoped that the course will help students to develop skills in his/her particular field of interest as well as provide a realistic look at the job demands of that field.

The purpose of the practicum is to provide students with the opportunity to apply knowledge gained in EDCI 572 and other instructional development courses with practical field experiences. Therefore, EDCI 572 is a prerequisite.

The student in cooperation with a faculty advisor is responsible for arranging a practicum experience with an organization. The program area maintains a file of employers who are willing to provide students with a practicum experience.

The student is expected to work 50 hours for each 1 hour of credit. For example, to receive 3 hours of credit, the student must dedicate at least 150 hours to the practicum experience.

It is the responsibility of the student to schedule at least two meetings at which the on-site supervisor, the university supervisor and the student will be present. The first meeting must be held at the beginning of the practicum experience. The purpose of the initial meeting is to discuss the roles and responsibilities expected of each party. The second meeting must be held near the end of the practicum. At the final meeting, the practicum experience will be discussed and informally evaluated.

There are no regularly scheduled class meetings. Consultations with student, university supervisor, and the on-site supervisor take place as needed.

Course Requirements

The student is expected to maintain a log of his/her activities during the practicum. The log should include the hours worked and the tasks performed each day that the student participates in the practicum.

The student is expected to submit a copy of the Log of Activities to the university supervisor at the end of the practicum. The student is also required to submit a copy of any product(s) developed during the practicum to the university supervisor. Grades will be assigned based on the level of performance indicated by the Log of Activities, the products of the practicum, and the evaluation of the student by the on-site supervisor.

Checklist of Activities

• Make initial contact with on-site supervisor to arrange for a practicum. Participate in an interview if required.
• Submit a document in which the student describes what will be accomplished during the practicum (goal/purpose, tasks, final product).
• Schedule and attend an initial meeting involving on-site supervisor, university supervisor, and student.
• Maintain Log of Activities during practicum on a daily basis.
• Schedule and attend final meeting with on-site supervisor, university supervisor, and student.
• Submit the Log of Activities and a copy of the product(s) developed during the practicum to the university supervisor.