What is an Educational Technology Degree?

What is an Educational Technology Degree?

Educational Technology degrees prepare student-participants to leverage technology in the classroom. These programs may focus on technology integration, distance learning, computer assisted-instruction and effective learning experiences. Most of these degrees are specifically tailored to the needs of working teachers, so they offer online learning opportunities and traditional campus-based experiences.

Program Overview

Educational Technology degrees prepare future teachers and educational professionals to serve as technology leaders. Students explore digital tools, develop pedagogical skills, devise classroom strategies and learn how to support education through technology. For example, students learn how to implement blended learning techniques, provide professional development to teachers and create technical assistance procedures for colleagues. Most of the coursework will apply to K-12 classroom and adult education environments.

Specializations are available, such as the digital teaching concentration, which prepares candidates to serve as technology leaders. These degree programs emphasize new ways of acting and thinking about technology integration in the classroom. Students acquire the skills and knowledge needed to support technology-based learning and to provide teacher development assistance to educators. Assignments may explore how to maximize student learning, design learning environments and integrate technology into curriculum.

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Program Outcomes

After graduating with a degree in Educational Technology, students will able to use theories, standards, and frameworks to select technology tools, platforms, systems and equipment. Students will be able to conduct assessments, coursework and workshops that engage learners through research-based instructional strategies. Graduates will have the professional skills and abilities to integrating technology in educational environments, facilitate digital learning and address the diverse needs of all students.

Graduates will be able to demonstrate mastery of evidenced-based concepts and principles by modeling best practices in teaching, learning, and assessment. They will understand advanced techniques for designing, developing, and implementing technology-rich programs. Graduates will demonstrate leadership competency through knowing how to effectively manage resources, promote continuous improvement, establish cultures of learning and conduct and apply research. Students will also understand the principles, theories and models of curriculum design through technology platforms.

Degree Coursework

Educational Technology degrees will include classes in research methods, so students will become informed consumers of educational research. They will know how to carry out scientifically-based research in schools and classrooms. Learner diversity coursework will review evidence-based instructional design models used to assess and instruct all types of students. This will help teachers create effective educational initiatives and serve traditionally underrepresented student populations.

Classes in technological resource evaluation will teach participants how to use existing and emerging technologies to support content delivery, instructional collaboration, student engagement and blended environments. Students will learn how to use identify areas of need and make recommendations based on costs and benefits. Classes in technology assessments will introduce students to a variety of multimedia tools that help with the collection, tracking and analysis of student performance and teacher achievement.

These degree should be approved by either the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) or the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). Educational Technology degrees prepare graduates for educational careers, such as media specialists, course designers and faculty development. They also create business career opportunities as corporate trainers, project managers and educational consultants.

Related Resource: The 25 Best Online Masters in Educational Technology Programs