The field of learning sciences advances the knowledge and practice of learning from multiple theoretical perspectives and disciplines. The Organization, Information, and Learning Sciences (OILS) program offers a unique perspective on learning sciences by concentrating on the convergence of organization development, information design and data management, and instructional design and instructional technology. The program focuses on learning at the individual, group, and organizational levels.
OILS offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees for individuals interested in improving the learning experiences of adults in businesses, non-profits, government, and schools through the application of instructional and organizational practices and technologies, and methods for designing, managing, analyzing, visualizing, and preserving data and information. The OILS program prepares leaders who facilitate organizational learning, instructional technology, and data management initiatives in real-world settings.
Learning is a life-long process, which is stimulated by active participation, a respect for individuals’ past experiences and diversity, critical reflection, and dialogue.
Courses
IADL 1110.
Introduction to Information Studies.
(3)
Introduction to systems of information and how they impact our current social and cultural life. This course introduces organizing systems and classification, definitions of information, intellectual property and copyright, information formats, information ethics, and the history and structure of the internet. Other topics may include the history of information, social media, the attention economy, Wikipedia, net neutrality, and algorithmic bias.
Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area 1: Communication.
OILS 102.
Online Learning and Strategies for Success.
(3)
This course will introduce the fundamental knowledge and practice of online learning and learning strategies. Students will apply this knowledge and practice in online learning environments in order to be successful online lifelong learners.
OILS 293.
Topics.
(1-3, no limit Δ)
Undergraduate topics in Organization, Information, and Learning Sciences.
OILS 320.
Managing Information for Professionals.
(3)
Concerns the use of organizing systems and information in a profession or discipline to learn, manage, and develop knowledge. Students will explore the use of the inquiry and research process in a professional context.
OILS 391 / 591.
Problems.
(1-3 to a maximum of 18 Δ)
OILS 401.
Ethics and Diversity Training in the Workplace I.
(1)
The course directs students towards developing deeper, nuanced and complex views of ethics and diversity rooted in socio-historical theories and foundations. Students will work to develop codes of ethics, ethics philosophies and policies.
Corequisite: 402.
OILS 402.
Ethics and Diversity Training in the Workplace II.
(2)
Students will develop an intervention plan to address a specific issue related to inclusion. They will develop a personal ethics and inclusion statement, and the steps that help building inclusive and ethical environments.
Corequisite: 401.
OILS 403.
Ethics and Diversity Training in the Workplace.
(3)
The course directs students towards developing deeper views of ethics and diversity rooted in theories. In addition, students will learn how to develop interventions aimed at the improvement of organizational climate regarding ethics and inclusion.
OILS 405 / 505.
Management of eLearning Systems.
(3)
This course prepares students to analyze LMS requirements, customizations and integrations for organizations requiring training for compliance, skill-building and knowledge-building. Students will experience LMS implementation and management through typical workflow or calendared events.
OILS 407 / 507.
Management of eLearning Systems I.
(2)
This course focuses on Learning Management Systems (LMS) and the role of the site administrator as students get practical, hands-on experience understanding and learning about LMS's for assessment and evaluation.
Corequisite: 408.
OILS 408 / 508.
Management of eLearning Systems II.
(1)
This course focuses on the technical software skills of the online eLearning site administrator as students get practical, hands-on experience using MoodleCloud (MC) and other LMS's.
Corequisite: 407.
OILS 418.
Creativity in the Wild.
(1)
This course is designed to develop your ability to apply research-backed creativity strategies and design thinking in your work, learning, and life; in other words, "in the wild" by documenting your own creative practice.
OILS 419.
Framing Wicked Problems.
(2)
This course is designed to develop your ability to frame and reframe ill-structured, complex problems, AKA "wicked problems", from your work, learning, and life using research-backed creativity strategies and design thinking methods.
OILS 420.
Creativity and Technical Design.
(3)
Design theory and principles as applied to the research and development functions of industry. Product development via team organization, brainstorming, data analysis, oral presentations and creative problem solving. Two lectures, 3 hours lab.
OILS 421.
Production and Utilization of Instructional Materials.
(3)
This course addresses principles of instructional media use and provides students opportunities to learn instructional material development using various applications such as content creation applications tools, communication tools, and data analysis and visualization tools.
OILS 440.
Survey of Human Resource Development.
(3)
This course provides students with learning opportunities on the overview of human resource development, including but not limited to fundamentals, processes and models, and various tools.
OILS 457.
Leading the Training Organization.
(3)
In this class we will learn about finding and leading people, managing projects, developing a scope of work, creating a budget, and overseeing project quality.
OILS 466.
Principles of Adult Learning.
(3)
Explores the world of the adult learner from historic, social, political and pragmatic perspectives. Issues of life stages, culture, teaching theory and andragogical practice are considered as they relate to the practice of adult learning.
OILS 470.
Workplace Training.
(3)
Introduction to the concepts of training in the corporate sector.
OILS 471.
Designing Training.
(3)
Introduction to the principles of planning and designing of training packages and programs.
OILS 472.
Training Techniques.
(3)
This course provides students with learning opportunities on various training techniques and strategies based on adult learning theories, so that they can effectively use them to enhance workplace training as instructors or instructional designers.
OILS 473.
Analyzing and Measuring Training and Performance.
(3)
Principles of analysis and evaluation of instruction and trainee performance applied to organizational training programs.
OILS 481.
Technological Change and Society.
(3)
Focus on industry as humanity’s systematic effort to provide the necessities and conveniences of life. In addition to developing a historical perspective, students will study in depth a variety of industrial organizations that provide goods and services to meet the needs and desires of society.
OILS 483.
eLearning and Instructional Technology.
(3)
This course is an introduction to eLearning authoring tools and instructional media technology to develop an effective eLearning module for workplace learning and training. This course features current apps for eLearning development.
OILS 492 / 592.
Workshop.
(1-4 to a maximum of 13 Δ)
Special offerings given on demand for terms less than a semester.
OILS 493 / 593.
Topics.
(1-3, no limit Δ)
Used to test new courses.
OILS 495.
Field Experience.
(1 to 6, may be repeated four times Δ)
Planned and supervised professional laboratory or field experiences in agency or institutional setting.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
Restriction: permission of instructor.
OILS 500.
Contemporary Instructional Technologies: Survey.
(3)
An overview of contemporary instructional technologies and how they can be utilized to improve the effectiveness of instruction. Students will gain expertise in selecting and using appropriate instructional technologies supporting the achievement of performance-based objectives.
OILS 501.
Presentation Technologies.
(3)
Designed to increase the effectiveness of presentations for educator/trainers using a variety of presentation technologies. Utilizing ISD principles, students engage in production of media to develop an instructional package. Special fee.
OILS 502.
Instructional Multimedia.
(3)
An introduction to computer based learning environments incorporating multiple forms of media. Students study the theories applicable to multimedia learning, gain practical skills for implementing simple systems, and design a large scale multimedia learning environment.
Prerequisite: 541 and 547.
OILS 503.
Digital Video Techniques for Instruction.
(3)
This course provides resources and guidance as students conceive, design, script, shoot and edit digital video footage. Students will learn to create instructional video sequences based on theories of learning and instructional design principles.
Prerequisite: 541 and 543.
OILS 504.
Instructional Use of Computer Simulations and Games.
(3)
Students will review shareware, public domain, and complex interactive commercial simulations; explore theory and survey recent literature. Project activity will focus on design issues and solutions, as students design a simulation and develop its prototype. Lab fee.
OILS 505 / 405.
Management of eLearning Systems.
(3)
This course prepares students to analyze LMS requirements, customizations and integrations for organizations requiring training for compliance, skill-building and knowledge-building. Students will experience LMS implementation and management through typical workflow or calendared events.
OILS 506.
Exploring Virtual Worlds and Virtual Reality in Online Learning Environments.
(3)
This course is an introduction to Virtual Worlds and Virtual Reality, exploring the research and current use. We will explore and practice advanced interactive technologies to build communities of learning for education and training.
OILS 507 / 407.
Management of eLearning Systems I.
(2)
This course focuses on Learning Management Systems (LMS) and the role of the site administrator as students get practical, hands-on experience understanding and learning about LMS's for assessment and evaluation.
Corequisite: 508.
OILS 508 / 408.
Management of eLearning Systems II.
(1)
This course focuses on the technical software skills of the online eLearning site administrator as students get practical, hands-on experience using MoodleCloud (MC) and other LMS's.
Corequisite: 507.
OILS 510.
Designing Knowledge Management Solutions.
(3)
Participants apply general principles and techniques for designing comprehensive knowledge management solutions that combine web-based technologies and organizational interventions. To put a theory into practice, participants utilize an iterative design process in developing a course project.
OILS 513.
Digital Information Management.
(3)
This course is an introduction to the management of digital information resources. Students will survey essential methods for evaluating, organizing, storing and securing data and information in academic and other work environments.
OILS 515.
Introduction to Spatial Data Management.
(3)
(Also offered as GEOG 522)
This course builds upon the foundations of information practice with an emphasis on spatial data. Students will survey essential methods for evaluating, accessing, organizing, storing and securing spatial data and information.
OILS 517.
Applied Aesthetics for Learning Design.
(3)
The class will cover multimedia learning principles and explore how design principles help structure and organize instructional materials. The course features a "rapid prototyping" process through which students will create instructional materials or products.
OILS 532.
eLearning Course Design.
(3)
Explores new paradigms based on constructivist and sociocultural learning theories for designing e-learning. Focuses on online learning design and evaluation, and networked learning communities. Analyzes print, audio, and video for designing hybrid learning environments.
Prerequisite: 541 and 547.
OILS 533.
Leadership of Online Learning Systems [Management of Learning Technology].
(3)
Focuses on management strategies and key elements of modern systems. Discusses program planning and management, funding and budget management, technology selection and implementation, marketing, quality control and evaluation.
OILS 534.
Mobile Learning: Introduction to Mobile Learning and Mobile Learning Design.
(3)
This course provides an overview of mobile learning research, trends in the adoption of m-learning, instructional design principles and strategies for curriculum integration, and applications of mobiles for distance learning.
OILS 535.
Culture and Global eLearning I.
(1)
Students explore the sociocultural dimensions of eLearning and how culture influences eLearning practices and methods. Topics include globalization vs. homogenization in learning design; international information flow and access; identity and online interaction, cross-cultural e-mentoring.
Corequisite: 536.
OILS 536.
Culture and Global eLearning II.
(2)
Continuing the learning in 535, students further explore the sociocultural dimensions of eLearning and how culture influences eLearning practices and methods nationally and globally.
Corequisite: 535.
OILS 537.
eLearning Course Design I [E-learning Course Design I].
(1)
The purpose of this course is to design and develop innovative learning environments for E-learning and analyze instructional design issues as they relate to distance learning.
Corequisite: 538.
OILS 538.
eLearning Course Design II [E-learning Course Design II].
(2)
The purpose of this course is to design and develop an eLearning course for a specific context and a specific discipline. Students will develop the course in an eLearning platform in a learning management system.
Corequisite: 537.
OILS 540.
Foundations of Human Resource Development.
(3)
This course is an introduction to major theories, concepts, skills, and techniques in human resource development.
OILS 541.
The Adult Learner.
(3)
(Also offered as MGMT 731)
Examines the teaching and learning transaction with adults. Specific attention is on adult life stage development, relevant learning theories and approaches, and learning style issues of cross-cultural populations.
OILS 542.
Theory and Practice of Organizational Learning.
(3)
This course focuses on the theories and applications of organizational learning strategies and process. The relationship between individual and team learning to organizational learning will be addressed throughout the course.
OILS 543.
Instructional Design.
(3)
(Also offered as MGMT 732)
This course is designed to develop students understanding in instructional design. Topics will include design thinking, agile design, needs assessment, learner analysis, prototyping, instructional design strategies, formative and summative evaluation methods, and flexibly adaptive approaches.
OILS 544.
Program Evaluation.
(3)
Provides the student with a basic understanding of the evaluation process, the application of evaluations in determining the effectiveness and/or value of a learning experience both in the classroom and in the workplace.
OILS 545.
Cross-Cultural Issues in Adult Learning.
(3)
Students will examine learning styles of culturally diverse populations, conduct research on cross-cultural teaching and learning, experiment with methods and techniques of cross-cultural training and design and develop cross-cultural training programs.
OILS 546.
Framing Designs for Learning.
(2)
This course is designed to develop students understanding and experience in framing learning design problems. Topics will include design thinking, agile design, needs assessment and problem definition skills including task/content, context, and learner analysis.
OILS 547.
Prototyping Designs for Learning.
(1)
This course is designed to develop student's understanding and experience in systematically designing solutions to learning design problems. Topics will include iteration, prototyping, instructional design strategies, formative and summative evaluation methods, and flexibly adaptive approaches.
Prerequisite: 546.
OILS 549.
Building Social Capital in Learning Organizations.
(3)
Social capital is at the heart of successful learning organizations. We will explore the components of social capital in learning organizations and how we can use organizational network analysis (ONA) to assess informal networks.
OILS 551.
Training and Development.
(3)
This course introduces training techniques suitable for instructing adult learners in a variety of settings. Students learn to create a training environment conducive to learning, design an instructional unit, and develop a training program.
Prerequisite: 540 or 547.
OILS 552.
Team Development and Facilitation.
(3)
Provides learners with information and skill development of various methods and techniques for leading teams in virtual and face-to-face settings. Emphasis is placed on team development and facilitation skills necessary to enhance team performance.
OILS 553.
The Role of Wisdom in Adult Learning Across Cultures.
(3)
This course explores the concept of wisdom from various traditions and academic disciplines through weekly lectures, discussions, and experiential activities. It examines the role of wisdom in development and suggests perspectives for fostering wisdom.
OILS 554.
Consulting and Project Management.
(3)
This course is an introduction to major approaches, concepts, skills, and techniques used in the consulting industry.
OILS 555.
Mentoring and Adult Career Development.
(3)
Students examine adult career patterns and organizational perspectives on employee career development. Specific emphasis is on mentoring and coaching adults in career decision making.
OILS 557.
Human Performance Improvement.
(3)
This course serves as an introduction to human performance improvement that applies a systematic process for analyzing human performance gaps and for closing them.
OILS 558.
Leading Change.
(3)
An introduction to planning, implementing, and evaluating change efforts in people, teams, and organizations. Students will gain knowledge of how change models are used to strategically drive individual, team, and organizational outcomes.
OILS 559.
Positive Psychology in Organizations.
(3)
This course is designed to orient students to the use of psychology in organizations in order to promote healthier, productive, and positive workplaces.
OILS 560.
Ethics as Design and Reflective Practice I.
(2)
This course is designed to develop "reflective practice" around technology's impact. We explore how ethics are a process for reflection and interrogation and how design helps us translate that reflection and questioning into action.
Co-requisite: 561
OILS 561.
Ethics as Design and Reflective Practice II.
(1)
This course explores how ethical considerations and reflection-in-action can be woven into design and leadership.
Co-requisite: 560.
OILS 570.
Research Foundation in Social and Learning Sciences.
(3)
This course is designed to help students learning how to read and make sense of research reports by introducing the research process. Key topics include purpose statements, literature review, and quantitative and qualitative methods.
OILS 571.
Assessment for Learning and Performance I.
(2)
This class covers assessment of learning and assessment for learning with topics such as designing effective formative & summative assessments. Furthermore, we explore frameworks for assessment of different learning and performance needs.
Co-requisite: 572
OILS 572.
Assessment for Learning and Performance II.
(1)
This class covers topics including competency-based learning and assessment, assessing workplace learning such as cognitive apprenticeships, mentored learning, and reflective practice, assessing collaborative learning and learning in team-based environments, building learning ecosystems using learning analytics.
Co-requisite: 571.
OILS 583.
Graduate Teaching I.
(1-3 to a maximum of 3 Δ)
Introduces new Teaching and Graduate Assistants to teaching at UNM, reviews various instructional methods, assessment strategies, and pedagogical theories pertinent to teaching in higher education.
OILS 591 / 391.
Problems.
(1-3 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
Individual research into an area proposed by the student and conducted under the direction of a faculty member. Individual Performance Contract required between student and professor.
OILS 592 / 492.
Workshop.
(1-4)
Special offerings given on demand for terms less than a semester.
OILS 593 / 493.
Topics.
(1-3, no limit Δ)
Used to test new courses.
OILS 595.
Field Experiences.
(3-6 to a maximum of 12 Δ)
This independent study is for students to gain experiences in settings other than those in which they are employed or who are making career transitions and would benefit from shadowing a professional in the field.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
OILS 596.
Internship.
(3-6 to a maximum of 12 Δ)
This final independent study is the capstone experience for Master’s students who opt not to do a thesis. The student submits a proposal for a minimum 200-hour project to his/her internship faculty supervisor.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
OILS 597.
Capstone.
(1, may be repeated twice Δ)
This course is designed to support students in the M.A. program to plan, implement, and evaluate an applied internship and portfolio as the culmination of their degree.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
Prerequisite: 15 credit hours of OILS graduate courses.
Pre- or corequisite: OILS 544.
OILS 598.
Directed Readings in Organization, Information, and Learning Sciences.
(3-6 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
Student will develop an Individual Performance Contract with a faculty member to determine the key readings and will produce a product.
OILS 599.
Master's Thesis.
(1-6, no limit Δ)
Faculty-supervised investigative study that results in the development and writing of a master’s thesis.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
OILS 600.
Science, Technology and Society.
(3)
Defines science, technology, human values and examines the impacts and relationships among them. Discusses emerging scientific and technological developments, projects effects on society and the proposition that technology is a primary determinant of social change.
OILS 601.
Advanced Instructional Design.
(3)
A theory-driven and project-based doctoral level seminar on the foundations of learning environments, instructional design theory, and the instructional design process. Students develop design models based on constructivist and socioconstructivist theories for innovative learning environments.
OILS 604.
Current Research Methods for the Study of Learning.
(1 or 3 to a maximum of 15 Δ)
Students learn current research methods for understanding learning as process. The focal method varies by semester. Students gain understanding of the research method, begin their own work, and apply the method.
OILS 608.
Advanced Seminar in Organizational and Program Evaluation.
(3)
This course is for students who wish to gain an in-depth understanding of evaluation theories and philosophies. In seminar format, students will study evaluation as a transdiscipline and its role in contemporary organizations.
Prerequisite: 544.
OILS 635.
Research in Online Education.
(3)
Advanced doctoral seminar on research in online education and educational telecommunications. Students will critically examine current research and develop theoretical frameworks, appropriate methodologies, a research proposal and agenda for future online education research.
Prerequisite: 541 and 547 and 570.
Restriction: permission of instructor.
OILS 639.
Advanced Instructional Technology Seminar.
(3)
This seminar emphasized the process of applying research findings to create innovative computer-based solutions for organizational learning problems. Steps in the process include assessing organizational learning needs, designing and implementing solutions and applying formative evaluation techniques.
Prerequisite: 541 and 544 and 547.
OILS 641.
Advanced Seminar on Organization Development and Consulting.
(3)
This advanced course in OD for doctoral students and advanced master’s is designed to enable students to develop theoretical perspectives, intensive practice, and understanding of the use of OD in improving organizations.
Prerequisite: at least 6 credit hours of Foundations of HRD, Team Development and Facilitation, Leading Change, or similar courses.
Restriction: permission of instructor.
OILS 642.
Advanced Seminar in Organizational Leadership.
(3)
This course provides an overview of leadership including its evolution, approaches and theories, women and leadership, culture and leadership, and leadership ethics. Students will develop an in depth understanding and a personal philosophy of leadership.
OILS 661.
Seminar: Transformational Learning.
(3)
A theory-driven, project-based advanced seminar designed to enable students to develop theoretical perspectives, intensive practice, and understanding of the use of Transformational Learning for applications with individuals, groups and organizations.
OILS 690.
Dissertation Proposal Seminar.
(3-6 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
This seminar is the capstone course for the doctoral program. It assists students in planning and developing a dissertation proposal. Course may be repeated once.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
Prerequisite: students must complete the Comprehensive Examination before enrolling or take it concurrently.
OILS 693.
Topics in Organization, Information, and Learning Sciences.
(1-3, no limit Δ)
Topics in Organization, Information, and Learning Sciences.
Restriction: admitted to OILS doctoral program.
OILS 696.
Research Practicum.
(3-6 to a maximum of 12 Δ)
A faculty-supervised course culminating in a comprehensive paper or research proposal that integrates knowledge attained through coursework, research, and experience.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
OILS 698.
Directed Readings in Organization, Information, and Learning Sciences.
(1-3 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
A faculty-directed exploration of a specific topic through reading, discussion, and critique.
OILS 699.
Dissertation.
(3-12, no limit Δ)
Individual performance contract required between student and professor, following formal approval of dissertation committee.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
