ETEC 522:
Ventures in Learning Technology (elective course)
Description
Take ETEC 522 if you want to understand the success of entrepreneurial or intrapreneurial ventures involving learning technologies. The course provides an online immersion in global learning technologies products, services and initiatives in public and commercial domains. ETEC 522 is delivered from a venture and market analysis perspective, with a particular focus on emerging markets and real-world ventures. As the foundation for practical learning, you will deconstruct companies, analyze pitches, explore markets, participate in a venture forum, and create a product. ETEC 522 is conducted in an open (publicly viewable) online environment where the educationally directed testing of new technologies is encouraged.
Listen to the podcast interview with David Vogt, on Radio EPLT, Episode 8: Ventures in Learning Technologies.
Objectives
The objective of this course is to provide you with a working knowledge of the institutional and business design principles and market processes which impact the success of learning technology ventures. In ETEC 522 you will:
- acquire a working knowledge of the institutional and business design principles and market processes impacting the success of learning technology ventures;
- learn to conduct critical evaluations of ventures, including market, finance, technology and partnership perspectives; and
- learn strategies for launching new ventures in the public and private domains.
Your success in this course will require an open mind, sound research, independent thought, creative synthesis, teamwork and focus. Not surprisingly, these are also core requirements for success in any enterprise.
Course Components
Following a "boot camp" orientation to ventures, pitches and market fundamentals, the course will proceed in the form of group-led explorations of the learning potentials within emerging technology markets. Each exploration will result in the publication of an original Open Education Resource (OER) product. The course culminates in a "venture forum" featuring enterprising ideas pitched by the students themselves.
All readings and learning resources for the course will be provided via the course website. You do not need to purchase additional textbook materials.
Course Structure
The course is divided into three (3) phases involving 12 separate modules. The three ETEC 522 phases are as follows:
PHASE 1. START-UP
An orientation focused on a business "boot camp" providing the fundamentals of successful ventures and the structure of the global learning technologies marketplace.
PHASE 2. RESEARCH
Team-based critical analysis of emerging learning technologies markets, including topics ranging from mobile technologies to serious games.
PHASE 3. VENTURE FORUM
A collective presentation, analysis and review of original learning technology venture concepts.
Assessment Criteria
Assignments
The three ETEC 522 Assignments will be major papers, presentations and/or productions following the narrative of the course, allowing you to present your understanding of the learning technology ventures in terms of: 1) Emerging Market Analysis; 2) Venture Analysis; and 3) Venture Pitch. The Assignments will involve individual and group efforts. We will be looking for critical thought, design, and presentation (structure and writing) of a professional and scholarly standard (APA style) in these papers. It is also expected that students, given the nature of the course content, will demonstrate a sound understanding of comparative and analytic techniques respecting the viability of learning technology enterprises.
Discussion Forums
There are several online Discussion Forums woven into the fabric of ETEC 522, and your insightful, active participation in these will be evaluated as 25% of your overall grade in the course. You will be expected to demonstrate excellent knowledge of the course material, as well as the ability to think critically and profoundly about the issues arising in discussion, course readings, and in the contributions of your peers.
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