Educational Technology M.S.
Program Rationale:
The educational technology program is an applied curriculum based on a balanced approach of theory (knowledge) and hands-on experience. The goal of this program is to provide leadership in ET for teachers in the public schools. Graduate students will gain knowledge and experience in the following areas:
- instructional design process;
- visual design;
- visual literacy;
- working with a range of software programs;
- working with a range of interactive delivery systems (video, audio, print, Web, multimedia, animation, etc.);
- applying design and production skills to various instructional outcomes;
- applying assessment rubrics (formative and summative evaluation) to completed instructional-based projects; and
- troubleshooting technology problems.
A unique feature of the educational technology program is that all courses build on one another to provide maximum relevance, linkage, and unity. The master's program in educational technology underscores the need for competency and mastery for each course to be based on knowledge and performance. Students are assessed on how well they are able to apply their skills and knowledge to course projects. The performance criteria are as follows:
- Content design: Does the project content reflect sound instructional strategies?
- Visual design: Does the overall look and appearance of the project capture the learners' attention and interest?
- Technical considerations: Are technical decisions such as programming and visual and audio manipulation functional? Does the project work?
- Evaluation: Does the program teach? Is there change in behavior?
Program Learning Outcomes:
Students are expected to:
- apply technology skills in the development of instruction;
- understand and apply instructional design process;
- apply production skills in the development of instruction;
- apply evaluation standards to various instructional programs;
- understand and apply the technology integration process;
- understand and apply inquiry skills in educational technology research; and
- demonstrate leadership skills in applying instructional technology in the work environments.
Course and Capstone Requirements:
Core Courses
| EDT 500 | Instructional Design and Evaluation I | 3 |
| EDT 501 | Message Design and Production | 3 |
| EDT 510 | Design Tools | 3 |
| EDT 512 | Computer-Based Instruction | 3 |
EDT 521
| | |
| EDT 531 | Interactive Multimedia for Instruction II | 3 |
| EDT 532 | Distance Learning and Networking I | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 21 |
Professional Education
One of the following:
| EDF 500 | Contemporary Educational Issues | 3 |
| EDF 516 | School and Society | 3 |
| EDF 524 | Foundations of Contemporary Theories of Curriculum | 3 |
| EDF 525 | History of American Education | 3 |
| EDF 538 | The Politics of Education | 3 |
| EDF 583 | Sociological Foundations of Education | 3 |
| EDT 522 | Instructional Design and Evaluation II | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 3 |
Research and Capstone Requirements
Note: Plan A (Thesis) or Plan E (Special Project) may be selected in consultation with the advisor.
Plan A:
Plan E:
The purpose of the Master’s Final Project (MFP) is to allow graduate students to complete a comprehensive instructional project. The scope of MFP experience is large and is different from a classroom project. It is meant to act as a synthesis of students' total classroom experiences. It is a culminating experience that allows graduate students to perform their skills in an independent manner. The student must bear the responsibility of the decisions and actions taken at every level of the project. The faculty's role is one of a sounding board and not to influence or provide further training.
Students in the program cannot begin the MFP without submitting a comprehensive proposal. In addition, students must have completed 24 credits of work before enrolling in the summer EDT 597 Final Project course.
Computer prerequisite: A valid CCSU BlueNetID (username) and password. Graduate students must also have a personal computer and e-mail account.
Special Service Course (undergraduate and graduate):
Total Credit Hours: 30
Note: Students interested in a School Library Media Specialist cross-endorsement should contact the Connecticut State Department of Education Certification Office.