UA among best for online master’s degree in educational technology

The University of Akron has one of “The 25 Best Online Master in Educational Technology Degree Programs,” according to the independent academic website TheBestSchools.org.

All courses required for UA’s Master of Arts in Educational Foundations Emphasizing Instructional Technology have been taught online since 2011. About 100 students are currently pursuing the UA degree, from K-12 teachers to business professionals studying instructional design and development.

The UA program teaches real-world skills by promoting teamwork to solve problems, says Cheryl Ward, an associate professor in the College of Education. That prepares students to take on roles in schools, higher education and industry.

Students develop skills for designing technology-enhanced instruction, producing multimedia learning resources and integrating technology into the teaching and learning experience. The program requires 30 credit hours and typically takes five semesters to complete, Ward says. A New Media Technologies Certificate also is offered.

This year, all students in the master’s program who took the state-required Ohio Assessment for Educators passed and received endorsements on their teaching certificates.

TheBestSchools.org ranked programs based on academic excellence, range of available classes, faculty strength, and the institution’s overall rankings and reputation.

UA’s fully online program is available to students in Ohio and 35 other states. For more information about the Master of Arts in Educational Foundations Emphasizing Instructional Technology, visit the UA website.

Media contact: Roger Mezger, 330-972-7429 or 330-730-4215 or rmezger@uakron.edu.