Student Spotlight: Keith Whitcomb

DSC_3846

Keith Whitcomb is a recent graduate of K-State with a M.S. in Adult and Continuing Education and graduate certificate in Leadership Dynamics. As the focus of a recent “student spotlight” article published in the May 2017 edition of G.I. Jobs magazine, he speaks to the impact of the program for him. “In addition to having a credential in leadership, this program has given me a deeper understanding of current and leading theories in leadership, emotional intelligence and the importance of “soft skills” within an organization, which really end up being the most critical – regardless of organization.” We are proud to have Keith as an alumnus of this program and grateful for his service to our country.

Click the link below to download a pdf of the article.

Whitcomb – GI Jobs Article

Learning While Serving (2017, May) G.I. Jobs, http://www.gijobs.com

Summer 2016 Online Classes

EDACE 824: Teaching Online in Adult Education
Instructor: Dr. Haijun Kang
Dates: 5/09/16 – 6/24/16
KSIS: 11803
Online learning and e-learning have become extremely popular with working adults. In this course, students will learn online adult learning theories, online pedagogy, current research and trends in e-education for the workplace and higher education. In addition, students will apply adult learning principles to the online format, build learning communities, and incorporate online activities including the use of Web 2.0 technologies to enhance adult learning.

*EDACE 780: Introduction to Adult Education
Instructor: Dr. Jeffrey Zacharakis
Dates: 5/09/16 – 6/24/16
KSIS: 11802
This is a foundation course that acquaints the student with the diverse and evolving field of adult education. It provides a systematic base for further studies in adult education.   The broad purpose of this course is to have students explore the scope and significance of the field and its contributions to present-day learning in society. The student should leave this course with the beginning perspective of how adult education emerged, how it is presently changing, and how it interrelates with other fields and disciplines.

EDACE 886: Human Resource Development
Instructor: Dr. W. Frank Spikes
Dates: 5/09/16 – 6/24/16
KSIS: 11815 
This course is designed to provide an opportunity for students to examine various topics and issues related to managing human resource development initiatives in public and private sectors organizations. These include policy development, planning, instructional design and training.

*EDACE 818: Social Foundations
Instructor: Dr. Susan Yelich Biniecki
Dates: 5/09/16 – 6/24/16
KSIS: 11807
This course is designed for adult and continuing education students and college or university personnel in sociology and related fields dealing with adults. It is based on the premise that learning is affected by society, government, and economics. Included is an in-depth examination of the relationship between adult education and culture.

**EDACE 835: Developing Teams and Leaders
Instructor: Dr.Jeffrey Zacharakis
Dates: 6/27/16 – 8/12/16
KSIS: 11811
Adult education theory and adult learning principles are emerging as effective organizational tools to use when developing teams and leaders. This course will examine how teams and leaders can be developed using adult education theory and adult learning principles. Through this course, students will be able to analyze when it is appropriate to use these tools, their strengths, weaknesses and limitations. To compliment the course readings, students will be asked to share their professional experiences with team and leader development.

*EDACE 790: Characteristics of the Adult Learner
Instructor: Dr. Haijun Kang
Dates: 6/27/16 – 8/12/16
KSIS: 11804
The purpose of this course is to help the student gain increased knowledge about the characteristics of adults and how these impact learning. Students will be asked to develop a critical understanding of relevant theories, concepts, and research. Lastly, they will develop a better understanding of themselves as an adult learner.

*EDACE 830: Program Planning
Instructor: Dr. W. Frank Spikes
Dates: 6/27/16 – 8/12/16
KSIS: 11813
This course includes an analysis of major approaches of program planning and development and discussion of assumptions related to successful program planning in several types of organizations. It outlines the importance of program planning and elements of a systematic planning process.

EDACE 785: Designing Classroom Instruction and Curriculum
Instructor: Dr. Royce Ann Collins
Dates: 6/27/16 – 8/12/16
KSIS: 11806
In this 8-week course, you will learn how to design and deliver curriculum for adult learners to enhance transfer of learning. This systematic approach will help you improve your skills in overall instructional design, including writing instructional goals and objectives, determining an appropriate context for instruction, creating formative and summative assessments, and assessing learning outcomes. You will also have an opportunity to develop or redesign a course.
*Required courses for the Master’s degree
**Required courses for the Leadership Dynamics Graduate Certificate

New Graduate Certificate Launching at K-State Olathe

leadership-dynamics-logo-shaded

In a report by the Austin Powers Group (in Kansas City), it was noted:

            “Particularly lacking, even among some individuals who have the necessary technical skills, are soft skills. Many individual today lack analytical skill, critical thinking skills, creativity and presentation skills. They don’t plan well, don’t work well on projects, don’t work well in small teams, and don’t communicate effectively orally or in writing.” (p.33)

Recognizing the needs of adult learners, the Adult and Continuing Education at Kansas State University Olathe Campus is announcing the launch of a 15-credit hour Graduate Certificate in Leadership Dynamics for Adult Learners. This Graduate Certificate emphasizes relationship skills, leadership, and communication based on adult-learning theories and principles and can be used to strengthen both personal and professional skills. This program will assist any working professional seeking to expand their skills in the areas of organizational leadership, interpersonal interactions, and multicultural and global perspectives. Heavy emphasis will be placed on the learner’s practical application to a specific work setting.

Launching at our Olathe Campus, coming soon online.

Certificate Program Courses

The following15-Credit hours are required to complete the Leadership Dynamics for Adult Learners Graduate Certificate.

  • EDACE 832 Interpersonal and Intrapersonal Dynamics (3 credit hours) Beginning March 24, 2015
  • EDACE 835 Developing Teams and Leaders (3 credit hours) Beginning June 23, 2015
  • EDACE 836 Group Dynamics of Adult Learners (3 credit hours)
  • EDACE 837 Quality Programs of Staff Management (3 credit hours)
  • EDACE 839 Experiential Learning and Leadership Dynamics (3 credit hours) or course equivalent approved by program coordinators.

The first four courses may be completed in any order EDACE 839 Experiential Learning and Leadership Dynamics must be the last course in sequence. Courses are offered on a rotation basis.

To kick off our new certificate there will be a Leadership Dynamics Workshop on The Power of Body Language February 18, 2015 from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the K-State Olathe Campus 22201 W. Innovation Drive Olathe, KS 66061. Register Here!

LDFlyer