The Master of Arts program in Educational Technology is designed for individuals who wish to enhance their knowledge and skills in the use of technology as it relates to education, and it prepares teachers for Educational Technology endorsement. The program focuses on the design of innovative projects within learning environments, while providing opportunities for students to create individualized projects and build a network with other innovative educators.
It is designed for teachers, instructional technologists, educational administrators, and others who seek relevant, practical grounding in tools and concepts related to the use of technology in educational settings. Teaching certification is not required nor do students need to enter the program with an extensive technical background.
The program has two tracks: “Developer,” for those who want to learn how to build pedagogically sound, innovative applications and media for the web, mobile devices, and other platforms with a focus on practical uses in classrooms and other learning environments; and “Curriculum & Instruction,” for those who want to focus on meaningful use of technology but do not wish to spend time designing software or educational media.
All courses in the concentration are offered online, except for 4-5 day intensive “gatherings” held periodically in Michigan and around the world, which are focused on project development and community-building. Attendance at a minimum of two gatherings is required for those in the Developer track; attendance is optional for those in the Curriculum & Instruction track. Developer track students are required to join or form a project team, and may need to attend additional in-person meetings or do fieldwork, depending on the project.
Requirements. Completion of one of two tracks:
A. Developer Track.
Online except for Innovation in Education Gatherings (Michigan and overseas). Appropriate for those wishing to design innovative tools, activities, and
programs for learners of any kind. Some technical work will be required, but extensive technical knowledge is not a prerequisite. The focus is on creating
meaningful learning experiences, with technology playing a supporting role.
1. Core courses (20 credits).
EDE 504 - Learning in the 21st Century. *
EDT 510 - Foundations of Technology in Education. *
EDT 575 - Introduction to Web Development.
or EDT 576 - Introduction to Mobile App Development. (If both are taken, one counts as an elective.)
EDT 660 - Classroom Enactment of Educational Programs. *
EDE 670 - Research Seminar. *
EDT 631 - Online Project Collaboration Methods and Tools. (1 cr.)
EDT 632 - Professional Seminar. (1 credit per semester; taken at least twice)
EDT 630 - Institute for Innovation in Education. (2 cr.)
2. Electives (13 credits). Selected from:
EDT 520 - Mentor Seminar for Educational Programs. *
EDT 525 - Investigations in Open Education. (up to 6 credits)
EDT 535 - Online Course Design. *
EDT 544 - Assistive Technology for Students with Special Needs.
EDT 580 - Independent Study in Educational Technology.
EDT 585 - Special Topics in Educational Technology. (may include “Designing for Engagement,” “Place-based Learning,” “Kids as Game Designers,” “Educational Game Design”)
EDT 630 - Institute for Innovation in Education.
EDT 640 - Digital Media Production. *
EDT 641 - Technology: Focus on Literacy Learning and Instruction.
EDT 650 - Project Design and Fieldwork. (3-9 cr.)
EDT 699 - Leadership of Educational Programs.
Cognate elective (advisor approval required)
3. Thesis (optional).
Courses marked with an (*) will be required for the NP endorsement, pending program resubmission.
B. Curriculum and Instruction Track.
All online. Appropriate for those wishing to use technology in meaningful ways for learning, but with less emphasis on extended team project work and
technical development.
1. Core courses (18 credits).
EDE 504 - Learning in the 21st Century. *
EDT 510 - Foundations of Technology in Education. *
EDT 520 - Mentor Seminar for Educational Programs. *
EDT 640 - Digital Media Production. *
EDT 660 - Classroom Enactment of Educational Programs. *
EDE 670 - Research Seminar. *
2. Electives (15 credits).
EDT 521 - Technology Skills for Educators.
EDT 525 - Investigations in Open Education. (may be taken twice)
EDT 630 - Institute for Innovation in Education. Attendance at Institute Gatherings. (advisor approval required)
EDT 535 - Online Course Design. *
EDT 544 - Assistive Technology for Students with Special Needs.
EDT 580 - Independent Study in Educational Technology.
EDT 585 - Special Topics in Educational Technology. (Special Topics; may include “Designing for Engagement,” “Place-based Learning,” “Kids as Game Designers”)
EDT 641 - Technology: Focus on Literacy Learning and Instruction.
EDT 650 - Project Design and Fieldwork. 3-9 credits
EDT 699 - Leadership of Educational Programs.
Cognate elective (advisor approval required)
3. Thesis (optional).
Courses marked with an (*) will be required for the NP endorsement, pending program resubmission.
