Current and prospective students who browse the course catalog often notice the numbering system associated with our courses. The LDT Online programs utilize courses that are numbered in the 400s, 500s, and 800s. Students sometimes assume that 400-level courses are the easiest, and 800-level courses are the most challenging. That assumption is not totally accurate, and we’d like to offer a little explanation so that our students don’t miss out on great courses.
400-level courses at Penn State University serve two overlapping purposes: They can be advanced undergraduate courses, or introductory graduate courses. These courses usually focus on foundational knowledge and skills within a field or discipline. The LDT Program does not design 400-level courses to be “easier” than other courses, rather we designate certain topics as the strong and sturdy base upon which future courses can build. There is a limit on the number of 400-level courses that can count toward a master’s degree from Penn State. Students enrolled in the 30-credit Master of Education in Learning, Design, and Technology can take up to 4 courses (12 credits) at the 400 level.
500- and 800-level courses are often confused. The table below dissects The Graduate School’s definitions for each level of graduate course. 500-level courses focus on principles and theories derived from current and ongoing research. 800-level courses focus on professional application and practical knowledge and skills. The difference between 500- and 800-level courses is not the level of difficulty, but the type of outcomes that the program expects from its learners.
The LDT Program currently offers one 800-level course: LDT 832 – Design for Course Management Systems. This aim of 832 is to facilitate learners’ exploration and practice of designing learning resources delivered by learning management systems by actually developing lessons within a learning management system. Compare this with a 500-level course, such as LDT 505 – Integrating Mobile Technologies into Learning Environments, where 505 leads students through reading and understanding recent research literature about mobile technologies and then demonstrating that understanding through written discourse.
Additional 800-level courses are under development for future implementation.
500- vs. 800-level Courses at Penn State
500-level Course | 800-level Course |
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A 500-level graduate course builds on advanced undergraduate and/or graduate courses, dealing with the frontiers of knowledge in the field. It is grounded in theories, hypotheses, and methodologies as expounded in current and/or primary literature sources. | An 800-level graduate course pertains to the most recently established knowledge and methodologies in a field of study, as applied to practice. |
Synthesis of knowledge and independent analytical work by the student must be demonstrated. | It emphasizes analytical thinking and application of knowledge by the student in the context of providing pragmatic solutions for professionals. |
Significant and regular instructor-initiated interaction between students and the instructor(s) should occur in all 500-level courses, whether delivered in residence or at a distance, including online. | Significant and regular instructor-initiated interaction between students and the instructor(s) should occur in all 800-level courses, whether delivered in residence or at a distance, including online. |
Visit The Graduate School for detailed information about course numbering.