Educational Technology, M.S.Ed.

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Education with a specialization in Educational Technology equips students with the skills and knowledge to integrate technology into teaching and learning, prepare for careers in educational technology, and pursue doctoral studies in the field. The program emphasizes using technology to enhance instruction, develop materials, and create engaging learning experiences for diverse learners. Graduates are prepared for roles such as instructional designers, technology trainers, educational consultants, and curriculum developers.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.) with a specialization in Educational Technology is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in computers and educational technology. The program aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to:

• Specialize in computer applications in education and training: This includes using technology to enhance teaching and learning, develop instructional materials, and create engaging learning experiences.
• Seek educational technology positions in government, industry, or public agencies: Graduates are prepared for roles such as instructional designers, technology trainers, educational consultants, and curriculum developers.
• Pursue doctoral studies in fields related to educational technology: The program provides a solid foundation for advanced research and scholarship in educational technology.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

• Recognize, evaluate, and apply technological tools (software and hardware) to support teaching and learning in diverse environments: This includes understanding the capabilities and limitations of various technologies, selecting appropriate tools for specific learning objectives, and effectively integrating technology into the classroom.
• Build capacity to adapt to and work with diverse media types across multiple platforms to create and support authentic learning relevant to the learners and their learning contexts: This includes understanding the principles of multimedia design, creating engaging and effective learning materials, and adapting instructional strategies to different learning styles and contexts.

Outline:

Core Courses:

• Professional Core:
• ED 633 Educational Research (3 credits):
This course provides an overview of research methods and methodologies used in education.
• Choose One:
• ED 610 Unmasking the Adult Learner: Adult Education from Training to Empowered Possibility (3 credits):
This course explores the theories and practices of adult education, focusing on the unique characteristics and needs of adult learners.
• ED 611 Theories of Teaching and Learning (3 credits): This course examines various theories of teaching and learning, providing a framework for understanding how students learn and how to design effective instruction.
• Instructional Technology Core:
• CSE 626 Instructional Design (3 credits):
This course focuses on the principles and practices of instructional design, covering topics such as needs assessment, learning objectives, instructional strategies, and evaluation.
• CSE 680 Communication Theories (3 credits): This course explores various communication theories and their application to educational technology, including theories of persuasion, information processing, and social interaction.
• CSE 686 Emerging Information Technology (3 credits): This course examines the latest trends and developments in educational technology, including emerging technologies, their potential applications in education, and their impact on teaching and learning.
• Elective Credits (21 credits): Students select 21 credits of Computer Science Education (CSE) courses in consultation with an advisor.
• Exit Evaluation Requirement (6 credits): Students must complete one of the following exit evaluations to receive their degree:
• Professional Project (CSE 603, 3-9 credits):
This option allows students to apply their knowledge and skills to a real-world project in educational technology.
• Portfolio (CSE 604, 3 credits): This option requires students to compile a portfolio of their work, demonstrating their skills and accomplishments in educational technology.
• CSE 619 Big Thinkers in Educational Technology (3 credits): This course examines the contributions of key figures in the field of educational technology, exploring their ideas, theories, and impact on the field.

Careers:

The program prepares students for a variety of career paths in educational technology, including:

• Instructional Designers: Develop and implement instructional materials and learning experiences using technology.
• Educational Consultants: Advise schools and organizations on the effective use of technology for teaching and learning.
• Curriculum Developers: Create and adapt curriculum materials to incorporate technology.
• Educational Technology Specialists: Work in various settings, such as schools, universities, government agencies, and private companies, to support the use of technology in education.

Other:

• Coordinator: Greg Zobel
• Mission: To provide a solid foundation in computers and educational technology for students who desire to specialize in computer applications in education and training, seek educational technology positions in government, industry, or public agencies, or wish to subsequently pursue doctoral studies in fields related to educational technology.