Education Technology Certificate Graduate Program

Program Overview

The Technology Certificate program at the University of Indianapolis equips educators with the skills to effectively integrate technology into their teaching practices. The program offers two tracks: Instructional Environment for face-to-face classrooms and Virtual Environment for online and hybrid learning. Graduates are prepared for roles such as classroom teachers, educational technologists, curriculum developers, online instructors, and corporate trainers.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

The Technology Certificate program at the University of Indianapolis aims to equip educators with the skills to effectively incorporate technology into their teaching practices, meeting the evolving needs of 21st-century learners. The program provides a foundation in educational technology, offering specialized training for both face-to-face and virtual classroom environments.

Objectives:

• Enhance teachers' knowledge base and skills in educational technology.
• Foster the use of innovative technology-based teaching methods to engage students.
• Prepare educators to create and implement technology-infused lesson plans that promote deeper understanding and critical thinking.
• Cultivate educators' ability to troubleshoot technological challenges and provide guidance to colleagues on technology integration.

Program Description:

The Technology Certificate program comprises a total of 10-12 credit hours, consisting of one required core course, two elective courses, and a clinical-based capstone experience with variable credit hours.

• Instructional Environment Track: Focuses on technology integration within traditional face-to-face classroom settings.
• Virtual Environment Track: Prepares educators to teach effectively in online and hybrid learning environments.

Outline:

Instructional Environment Track

Core Course:

• EDUC 584 - Advanced Applications/Computers in Education (3 credit hours)
• Explores advanced computer-based teaching methods and assessments, including troubleshooting, curriculum integration, and emerging technology trends.

Elective Courses:

• EDUC 586 - Multimedia Presentations (3 credit hours)
• Covers principles and applications of multimedia development, utilizing tools such as Photoshop, PowerPoint, and video editing software.
Emphasizes effective presentation design and professional resource integration.
• EDUC 597 - Capstone (1-3 credit hours)
• Provides an opportunity for candidates to demonstrate proficiency in integrating technology to enhance student learning.
Credit hours determined in consultation with the instructor.

Virtual Environment Track

Core Course:

• EDUC 584 - Advanced Applications/Computers in Education (3 credit hours)
• Same as in the Instructional Environment Track.

Elective Courses:

• EDUC 501 - Games & Simulations (3 credit hours)
• Examines the role of games and simulations in education, exploring applications, design principles, and potential learning impact.
• EDUC 502 - Designing Online Instruction (3 credit hours)
• Introduces concepts and best practices for effective online teaching and e-learning.
Covers learning management systems, web-based tools, and instructional strategies.
• EDUC 597 - Capstone (1-3 credit hours)
• Same as in the Instructional Environment Track.

Assessment:

The Technology Certificate program employs various assessment methods to evaluate student performance and program effectiveness:

• Course Assignments: Students complete coursework and projects that demonstrate understanding of technology integration concepts, pedagogical principles, and practical applications.
• Capstone Project: The culmination of the program, where candidates develop an action plan and implement technology-enhanced learning strategies in their own classrooms.
• Faculty Feedback: Instructors provide ongoing feedback and guidance on student work, offering support and constructive criticism throughout the program.
• Program Evaluation: The program undergoes periodic review by faculty and stakeholders to ensure it aligns with current best practices and meets the needs of educators and students.

Teaching:

The Technology Certificate program is taught by experienced faculty members with expertise in educational technology and online learning. Instructors employ a blend of teaching modalities:

• Face-to-Face Classes: Some courses may include face-to-face meetings for discussions, hands-on activities, and project presentations.
• Hybrid Classes: Combine both face-to-face and online components, offering flexibility and a range of learning experiences.
• Online Classes: Delivered entirely through an online platform, allowing for asynchronous learning and interaction among students and faculty.

Careers:

Graduates of the Technology Certificate program are prepared for a variety of roles that require proficiency in educational technology:

• Classroom Teacher: Use technology to enhance lesson delivery, engage students, and foster critical thinking skills.
• Educational Technologist: Provide support and training to teachers in implementing and troubleshooting educational technology tools.
• Curriculum Developer: Design and create digital learning materials and online courses.
• Online Instructor: Teach and facilitate learning in virtual classroom environments.
• Corporate Trainer: Utilize technology to develop and deliver training programs within business and industry settings.