M.A. of Curriculum and Instruction: Instructional Technology

Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction Emphasizing Instructional Technology

Concentration: Instructional Technology / Computer/Technology Endorsement / Educatonal Technology Certificate

Students in the 30 credit-hour M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction degree program have a 15 credit-hour area of concentration. One option for fulfilling the area of concentration is in Instructional Technology (IT). The courses develop skills in the design of effective technology-enhanced instruction, the production of multimedia learning resources, and the planning for successful integration and implementation of technology into the teaching and learning experience. The courses are offered in a fully online format using our Learning Management System, Brightspace.

Concentration Details:

The program attracts a diverse range of students, including working teachers seeking to enhance their expertise in integrating technology into teaching and learning, as well as trainers and individuals with a keen interest in designing and implementing technologies to support education. The acquired knowledge and skills empower graduates for various roles, such as technology facilitators in school districts, technology resource personnel in K-16 educational institutions, training specialists and instructional designers in education, business, and government, as well as multimedia developers and specialists. This comprehensive program is tailored to meet the needs of educators, trainers, and technology enthusiasts alike, providing a solid foundation for successful careers in the evolving landscape of educational technology. Specifically, the program has been designed to:

develop competent, employable professionals, capable of making a significant contribution to the dynamic field of Instructional Technology
provide students with exposure to a diverse array of emerging technologies, ensuring proficiency in both foundational competencies and cutting-edge tools. This encompasses a broad spectrum, including but not limited to virtual reality, augmented reality, game design, interactive multimedia products (i.e. online tutorials, mobile learning apps, etc.), 3D printing/modeling, and development, robotic programming, and application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies.
prepare students to skillfully design and integrate an array of technologies, such as digital media tools, AI technologies, online learning technologies, virtual reality, augmented reality, game design, interactive multimedia products (i.e. online tutorials, mobile learning apps, etc.) , 3D printing/modeling, robotic programming, etc., to effectively support teaching and learning.
directly address the rapidly accelerating changes in the field of interactive and virtual learning technologies. The program acknowledges its roots in instructional design, media, and computer-mediated education, ensuring that students are well-versed in the historical foundations while remaining at the forefront of advancements in emerging technologies.

Curriculum is presented in innovative and interactive ways with much instructor presence. Students are supported online in asynchronous as well as synchronous settings. Students have opportunities for optional face-to-face meetings in open labs, adviser meetings, and new student orientations. Please contact Dr. Tsai for more information about the full online program.

Course Requirements & Descriptions:

Total credit hours: 30

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Educational Foundations Courses(3)

Course Number	Course Title & Brief Description	Credits
DEFN:624	Seminar in Educational Psychology	3
	Total Credits	3

Curriculum and Instructional Studies Courses (6)


EDCI:600	Concepts of Curriculum & Instruction	3
EDCI:605 OR EDIT:614 OR EDIT:639, OR EDIT:635, OR EDCI/EDIT/EDxx,	Seminar in Trends & Issues in Curriculum & Instruction OR Technology Leadership and Planning (co-requisite 5150:610) OR Strategies for Online Teaching and Learning (co-requisite 5150:610 OR Emerging Technology for Instruction (co-requisite 5150:610) OR (Selected in consultation with advisor)	3
	Total Credits	6

Area of Concentration: Instructional Technology (15)

Course Number	Course Title & Brief Description	Credits
EDIT:610	Introduction to Instructional Technology (co-requisite for all other Concentration Coursework) Introduction of the Instructional Technology program including overview modules focused on the ISTE NETS-T standards for teachers. Guidance and planning for the field experiences providing an opportunity to integrate student coursework, theory, and experience into workplace settings. The goal for each student is to expand their understanding of the practical aspects of being regarded as a technology leader within their organization.	3
EDIT:631	Instructional Design (co-requisite 5150:610) The theory and practice of Instructional Design (ID) involves a systematic approach to the analysis, design, development, evaluation, and implementation of effective instruction.	3
EDIT:633	Interactive Web Design and Development (co-requisite 5150:610) The purpose of this course is to introduce students to a variety of hypermedia and multimedia tools.	3
EDIT:632	Designing Online Learning (co-requisite 5150:610) The purpose of this course is to help students become proficient in the design and development of web-based learning systems and Web 2.0 technologies for training and education.	3
EDIT:638	Integrating and Implementing Technology(co-requisite 5150:610) This course is designed to equip teachers with tools, resources, and strategies to support the integration and implementation of effective use of technology in the classroom to support student learning and achievement.	3
	Total Credits	15

Master's Project (6)

Course Number	Course Title & Brief Description	Credits
EDCI:690	Educational Inquiry I	3
EDCI:691	Educational Inquiry II
	Total Credits	6

Admission Requirements:

No supplemental materials in addition to submission of the graduate application and official transcripts are required for admission to the M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Tuition:

The tuition may be varied depending on your residency. Please check more details of the tuition in the Graduate Tuition and contact the cashiers' office listed on the webpage if you have any further questions.

Computer/Technology Endorsement:

The University of Akron’s Computer/Technology Endorsement prepares licensed educators to add a K-12 Computer/Technology endorsement to any standard teaching license such as Early Childhood, Middle Childhood, Intervention Specialist, Adolescence to Young Adult (AYA), or Multi-Age licenses. The Graduate K-12 Computer/Technology Endorsement is intended for teachers who wish to serve as a technology integration mentor/facilitator for colleagues in their schools and districts. Once the applicants are admitted into the M.A. of Curriculum and Instruction or as a non-degree seeking student, students required to complete the 18 credits and are then eligible to take the Ohio Assessment for Educators (OAE) tests 046/047 and to apply for the Computer/Technology Endorsement. The 18 credits (6 courses) taught fully online can be completed in one year

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Computer/Technology Endorsement: Course Map
Course Number	Course Title & Description	Credits
EDIT:610	Introduction to Instructional Technology	3
EDIT:614	Technology Leadership and Planning	3
EDIT:631	Instructional Design	3
EDIT:633	Interactive Web Design and Development	3
EDIT:632	Designing Online Learning	3
EDIT:638	Integrating and Implementing Technology	3
Total Credits 18

Educational Technology Graduate Certificate

This certificate program in Educational Technology requires a minimum of 18 credit hours (6 courses) and is a fully accredited online program. The 18 credits taught fully online can be completed in one year. The certificate in Educational Technology has been designed to assist students in becoming competent, employable professionals capable of of making a significant contribution in the field of education and training.The graduate curriculum provide students with exposure to a wide range of emerging and interactive learning technologies, while still ensuring the basic competencies required of all practitioners. The program directly addresses the rapidly accelerating changes in the field of educational technology. It prepares students to support learning through technology and effectively design, development, implement, and evaluate technologies for learning and teaching. Courses are delivered in online format to model e-Learning delivery mode. Applicants wishing to pursue only the certificate program must apply to the graduate school for admission as a non-degree student.

Educational Technology Graduate Certificate: Course Map
Course Number	Course Title & Description	Credits
EDIT:610	Introduction to Instructional Technology	3
EDIT:614	Technology Leadership and Planning	3
EDIT:631	Instructional Design	3
EDIT:633	Interactive Web Design and Development	3
EDIT:632	Designing Online Learning	3
EDIT:638	Integrating and Implementing Technology	3
Total Credits 18

Read all of our Points of Pride!

Instructional Technology program ranked among the best!

The University of Akron's online Master in Curriculum and Instruction emphasizing Instructional Technology degree had been ranked among the best in an article entitled "The 25 Best Online Master in Educational Technology Degree Programs" by TheBestSchools.org.

Why is our program distinctive in Ohio?

It is very focused on real-world problem solving directly related to the job market.
Our students are exceptionally successful in securing jobs in their fields or advancing in their current positions.
It is based on national standards and is standards/competency based.
Students’ work is problem-based and teamwork is essential to success, just as it is in the real world.
In previous years, almost 100% of the students who took the Ohio Assessment for Teachers (a new required assessment at the state level) passed and obtained an endorsement on their teaching certificate.
The program courses are fully online and students use a variety of web 2.0 tools for collaborative learning, including our university LMS.

Job Focus: The Instructional Technology Program is grounded in real-world, authentic projects and work leading to enhanced opportunities for candidates in their current jobs as well as new job potential. Recent graduates have found jobs in higher education at The Ohio State University and Kent State University as well as K-12 opportunities as technology coaches, technology consultants, or technology leaders.

Quality Programming: Our professors are Quality Matters certified to design and deliver online learning. Our program contains Quality Matters Certified coursework. Instructors of our online coursework are invested in making sure students are successful in the online learning environment including a high level of social presence, moderated discussion and personalized feedback and support. You will not be online alone.

Embedded Endorsement: The Instructional Technology Program at The University of Akron includes an embedded endorsement for K-12 teachers and opportunities for a Certificate in eLearning for higher education or business focused students.

Student Testimonials

Stephanie Swiderski, Technology Coordinator, Hudson City Schools, Ohio

The IT Master's Program compelled me to become a technology teacher-leader in my district. As a result of the numerous technology projects I engaged in throughout the program, I developed a passion for instructional technology. This has inspired me to present at many technology conferences as well as provide technology professional development courses to my colleagues. My role as a technology teacher-leader is reflective of the encouragement I received from my professors and the success I experienced as a student in the IT Master's program.

Tom Hammond, Lab Support Specialist, The University of Akron, Wayne College

The pursuit of a Masters in Instructional Technology is an experience that will enrich your life. I have grown in so many ways that I now have confidence in becoming an effective, professional teacher. The degree begins with a strong understanding in educational theory, then builds upon that foundation with integrating technology to truly change how we think, teach, and learn. The adherence of this degree to the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) standards ensures that what you learn is based upon proven research and up-to-date practices that drive today’s classrooms.
What I valued the most from this degree is the constant application of learning to real-world scenarios. Many of the assignments and projects positively affected my personal and professional life. For example, I learned to create effective training videos for my colleagues at work, learned to write a grant for technology that we will actually use, and build a complete web based learned system (WBLS) website to aid a large organization that I am personally involved with. No matter what your background, form of employment, or current situation, this degree will help you revolutionize how you do things. By the time you are finished with the degree, you will have a comprehensive ePortfolio that showcases everything you learned, excellent for showing your potential to future employers.
Another excellent element of this program is the level of expertise and support from the instructors and advisors. I opted to complete the degree totally online, never needing to step into a real classroom. But a sense of community was ever-present with team based projects, virtual classroom sessions with audio and video, and immediate feedback from my instructors. The program builds skills needing for establishing a learning community, networking with peers in the classroom and in the field that could professionally last a lifetime.
I have nothing but good things to say about this Master’s degree in Instructional Technology. It is a lot of work, but it’s one of the most rewarding experiences you will have in life. I now have all of the skills needed to integrate technology into teaching and learning, grounded in a firm teaching philosophy, and the confidence to become an teacher who teaches in revolutionary ways with technology, thanks to this program.

Jessica Boylan, Technology Integration Specialist, Sandy Valley School District

My journey began in the summer of 2010 as I took my first two classes in pursuit of my Masters degree in Instructional Technology at The University of Akron. When I signed up to take the classes, I didn’t have a clear career goal in mind. Honestly, I signed up because I could complete my degree completely online and this fit into my busy lifestyle with a full time job and family. I also wanted to learn more about using technology in my everyday teaching because I knew this was something I could improve upon.

I quickly found out that this degree could change my career path. In my first technology class, Introduction to Instructional Technology, I learned what the job description for a technology integration specialist actually was. In one of the first papers I had to write for Dr. Ward, I had to write about the goals I had for myself at the end the graduate program. After assessing what I wanted to do with the rest of my teaching career, I decided from that point forward that one day I wanted to step outside of the classroom as a teacher to become a technology integration specialist so I could help enhance the teaching and learning process through the integration of technology.

I graduated from The University of Akron in the summer of 2011 and during the next school year; I focused on gaining as much experience as I could in the field of technology integration. I integrated technology into my daily classroom practices, chaired a technology committee at my school, aided in rewriting our technology plan, planned and delivered several professional development sessions, etc. I gained a lot of essential knowledge I was able to use to advance myself in my career. I recently accepted a position in a local school district as a technology integration specialist. I have the staff at The University of Akron to thank for this opportunity. I learned so much valuable information through my classes that I will be able to apply as I begin this new and exciting chapter of my life

Jacob Bane, Instructional Designer, The Ohio State University

I entered the Instructional Technology Master’s Program at The University of Akron with two loves, education and technology. My background coming into the program was as a seventh grade English teacher. I enjoyed the K-12 environment, but had a goal to blend my two loves into a position that could inspire my creativity.

The courses were well designed. The instructors and courses all use Quality Matters (QM) in their course design. QM is the national standard for course design and the standards show throughout every course and make the learning experience cohesive for the student. The faculty involved with the program work hard to make every course consistent for the students so that common elements are seen throughout the program and build upon one another. The program at UA exceeded my expectations in every way.

The content itself is well designed and designed for today’s students. The program at The University of Akron puts its students in real world situations and expects results. This is crucial in today’s job market. From what I have seen, employers are looking more and more for experience and skills rather than degrees.

The knowledge and skills that I gained as a part of Instructional Technology Master’s Program at The University of Akron have allowed me to be in a position where I can blend my two loves. I am now an Instructional Designer in the higher education environment and I am often working on projects that inspire me to create and design. The Master’s in Instructional Technology and Certificate in eLearning that I gained from this program prepared me for an ever-changing educational environment.