The Master's Program in Instructional Technology develops expertise in the use of leading edge media and technology for teaching and learning. Graduates of the program work as master teachers in P-12 classrooms, and as school or district instructional technology leaders, staff developers, and curriculum designers. Initial courses enhance teachers' expertise with a wide range of media and applications and set the stage for understanding how instructional technology can fulfill its potential to Entice, Encourage, Enable and Empower learners. Building on theories of learning, motivation, and curriculum design, teachers next learn to apply newly developed technology skills to language arts, social studies, math, science, and technology curricular content. An innovative action research project caps the experience as participants join the small number of certified educational technology specialists in New York state.

NOTE: This program is now approved to be offered as a fully online program.

What the Instructional Technology program offers you

• A 36-credit Master of Science degree in Instructional Technology
• Eligibility for New York State certification as an Educational Technology Specialist
• Eligibility for permanent or professional certification in your first certificate area
• An option to enroll in a fully online version of the program.
• Opportunity to become proficient in the use of leading edge technology
   
• Professional development for leadership in applying educational technology
• Experience with tools for problem solving and communication in the P-12 setting
• Expertise in integrating technology and standards in the P-12 curriculum
• Exciting learning environments with practitioner instructional technology faculty
• An option for non-certified educators/others interested in technology in teaching and learning.

Objectives

• Create a thoughtful, guiding philosophy that demonstrates an appreciation of the dramatic changes in culture and society brought about by technology including its impact on learning.
• Use an understanding of learners and learning and apply instructional design model in a curriculum development project.
• Use appropriate technology to create effective learning environments with differentiated instruction for learners of various backgrounds and range of abilities.
• Demonstrate proficiency in the selection and use of various technological tools.
• Amass a collection of online and other supporting resources for use in teaching and learning - including primary content resources, web sites, research, databases, assistive devices, and special-purpose software.
• Demonstrate an understanding of ethical and legal issues affecting instructional technology including copyright, licensing agreements, intellectual property, fair use policies, freedom of speech, and access filters.
• Demonstrate knowledge and skills of planning and resource management to further school goals for instructional technology.
• Use data analysis tools to for data-driven decision making.
• Demonstrate professional dispositions and appropriate interpersonal skills in collaboration, consultation, and communication.
• Apply knowledge of research theory and models as a consumer of educational research to design and implement a research project.

Admission Requirements

• Admission to the option leading to certification as an Educational Technology Specialist is open only to certified teachers.
• The non-certification option is open to educators who are not certified in New York State and others who have a bachelor's degree and interest in instructional technology.
• Familiarity with basic word-processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software required.
• Access to computer and high speed internet.

Program of Study

Click here to see course descriptions.