This course deals with the professional learning needs and priorities of the workplace with an emphasis on business and industry settings. It examines the variety of ways in which employees and their managers gain new knowledge and skills as part of their on-going involvement in both their jobs and in formal, informal, and non-formal learning situations. Careful attention is given to understanding and applying effective transfer of learning strategies. The roles of in-house training, corporate university, individualized learning, distance learning, online learning, and external providers are also examined.

This course encompasses a broad spectrum of program development ranging from an individual course to a complete program of major learning activities conducted over a period of time for the education and training of adults. This project- based course serves as the Integrative Capstone and is designed to provide an opportunity to apply and practice theories, skills, and principles to a variety of situations adult educators may encounter in practice. Prior to capstone enrollment, students are expected to complete the majority of their required major courses. Students should consult with their advisor regarding specific major courses that may be completed with their capstone. NOTE: Students who were admitted to the college before Fall 2019 and have remained active in their original catalog year are not required to take IDIS 601.

Effective programs share common themes: they clearly identify why they are needed, who they are targeted to, how they will evaluate activities, and what types of relevant activities and assignments will help participants succeed based on evidence. Weaving these elements together using persuasive and effective communication is an essential skill for anyone involved in program planning and evaluation. This course will provide a primer on essential steps in program planning and evaluation.