The Technology for Educators master’s program has been redesigned and renamed Digital Age Learning & Educational Technology to reflect the rapid evolution of educational technology and to align with research-based best practices.
“The program represents a focus on the dynamic field of learning science and the ways in which technology can effectively support it,” said Wendy Drexler, assistant professor of educational technology and program lead.
Drexler said that emerging technologies are providing new opportunities for learning, teaching, assessment and educational leadership, and that the field of educational technology demands the critical evaluation of new applications, pedagogies and learning environments.
Existing course titles will continue to be available to those who have already established a program of study, but fall registrants will be taking the introductory course Technology and the Science of Learning. This course provides a foundation in learning theories and research in the effective use of technology for learning. The core curriculum includes culturally responsive teaching, emerging issues, evaluation and research, advanced applications and an advanced seminar.
Two specializations have been added to the program: Online and Blended Learning Instructional Design, which focuses on the design and development of curriculum in digital learning environments, including online courses, gaming and media design for learning, and Digital Age Learning Leadership, which includes coursework in data-driven decision making, technology leadership for school improvement and integrating media into standards-based curriculum.
The digital-age learner, she said, is empowered to set personal learning goals, manage digital identities and personal data, critically evaluate informational resources, employ strategies for solving problems in new ways through design and computational thinking, and collaborate globally with other learners and experts in multiple learning environments.
“The program is positioned to prepare educators to transform learning to meet these competencies within their classrooms, schools, districts and organizations,” said Drexler.
The reconstituted 36-credit master of science program was recently approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission and aligns with the 2017 ISTE Standards for Educators. For more information, contact Kyuanna Napper at [email protected] or Professor Drexler at [email protected].
