There are several ways you can interact with students with today’s technology. Earning your Master’s Degree in Educational Technology online allows you to incorporate the latest technology into your curriculum and techniques. Education technology experts work in various industries and fields. Earning your master’s degree allows you to work for private companies, government agencies, and schools as well.
What is Educational Technology?
The field of educational technology involves more than just the latest software and hardware. You learn about the different methods with which to teach individuals with technology. This ranges from tech tools to even using games to help make the learning process easier. There is an increased need for educators to take advantage of technology and utilize it with their teaching. This degree program allows you to fulfill that need.
Earning Your Master’s Degree in Educational Technology Online
Most people who want to earn their Master’s Degree in Educational Technology are already professional educators seeking to advance their careers. Through an online program, you can earn your degree while still meeting your professional responsibilities. It’s important to keep the following in mind when choosing an online educational technology degree program.
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Accreditation: If you choose to earn your Master’s Degree in Educational Technology, it must come from an accredited program. The highest level of accreditation is regional. If you can’t find the accreditation level of the school of your choosing, make sure to ask before applying to its program.
Concentration: Many graduate-level degree programs have concentrations. These are specialized topics you choose to focus on within your degree program. Some of the concentrations in educational technology include multimedia, K-12, and distance learning. Choose a concentration that aligns with your chosen career path.
Financing: Pursuing a master’s degree allows you to further your career, but these programs take two to three years to complete. Financing these programs alone may be beyond your means, but there are various ways to pay for your degree. Take a look at what sort of financial aid services and programs your school has to offer. Many of them may also allow you to receive some form of tuition discount if you are already working as an educator.
Best Online Schools for Master’s Degrees in Educational Technology
When it comes to earning your Master’s Degree in Educational Technology online, the right school does wonders for your future. The best schools have experienced faculty, a unique curriculum, and various services to help you find success in your degree program.
Below is our list of some of the best online colleges and universities to earn your Master’s Degree in Educational Technology.
Iowa State University
Iowa State University offers an online educational technology master’s degree program for teachers and other educators that want to further their career. This program typically takes three years to complete and is taught by experts on the subject.
Students who complete the program are prepared for leadership careers in education. They have the skills to use new technology and improve the learning of students. Some of the courses involved in the program include principles and practices of distance learning, action research in education, historical perspectives on technology equity, and designing effective learning environments.
Most students work full-time while participating in the program and most coursework is provided in an asynchronous format. Some classes do require one or two in-person sessions each semester. In-person sessions usually include lectures, project presentations, and group work.
University of Arizona
The University of Arizona’s College of Humanities offers an online educational technology master’s degree program where students focus on second language learning. This program is made for both foreign language and English as a second language instructors. It teaches students how to create distance education materials for foreign students. All online students pay the same tuition, no matter their location.
Students in the program take courses in learning theory, assessment in second/foreign language learning, foreign language teaching and learning, and multimedia applications in education. The curriculum explores topics in online learning environment design, materials design, and educational evaluation.
George Mason University
George Mason University offers a fully online master’s degree program in educational technology. Designed for educators, this program helps students develop advanced in creating, designing, and evaluating online classes. Graduates from the program can work as teachers in K-12, virtual course instructors and designers, instructional media directors, and technology coordinators.
Courses within the program include blended and online teachers and learners, K-12 online design, facilitating K-12 blended and online learning, and tools for K-12 blended and online learning. Students also take a 12-credit practicum that must be completed for graduation.
If you’re a Virginia resident and work as a K-12 educator, you may qualify for a discount on tuition. Applicants to the program must submit a K-12 state license, a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, and have a 3.0 GPA from the last 60 credits spent in undergraduate study.
Florida State University
Florida State University offers an online master’s degree program in instructional technology. The program focuses on instructional design, performance improvement, and emerging technologies. Students within the program learn skills in time management, communication, problem-solving, and analytics.
Throughout the program, students gain hands-on experience through fieldwork with local organizations and internships. This results in a degree with a professional portfolio to make graduates more appealing to potential employers.
Upon graduating from the program, students have the skills needed to work as instructional designers in government agencies, K-12 schools, businesses, and universities.
University of Kentucky
The University of Kentucky offers a fully online master’s program in instructional systems design. It features intensive, eight-week sessions. It is designed for professionals and takes two years to complete. It prepares graduates to work as curriculum directors, project managers, and web designers.
The program teaches students to design educational programs, apply user performance data and instructional design evaluations, and use computer programs such as Captivate, Dreamweaver, and Microsoft Office.
Students choose between a 30- and 36-credit program, the latter of which includes a thesis. All students take courses in distance learning research and design, social design of interactive systems, video technology instruction, and how to use and educational media.
University of Georgia
The University of Georgia has a fully online master’s degree program in instructional technology. This program focuses on technology, design, and learning. It encourages students to visit the yearly Instructional Design and Development conference at the campus, which also has an orientation for new students. Graduates from the program work as instructional designers in business organizations, military, healthcare, and education.
Throughout the 36-credit program, students complete courses such as learning environment design, research methods in instructional design, design and development tools, and introduction to instructional technology. Students complete the degree with an online portfolio that shows the skills and knowledge they’ve gained throughout the program.
Michigan State University
Michigan State University offers an online master’s degree program in educational technology to professional educators. The program is designed to help teachers, administrators, and other educators use technology to support teaching and learning in more diverse environments.
Core classes in this master’s degree program include approaches to educational research, capstone in educational technology, and learning in school and other settings. The program allows K-12 educators in Michigan to earn an endorsement in educational technology. In order to graduate, all students must pass a final presentation.
Students in the program have access to various online resources, which includes the Michigan State University library, career development center, and writing center.
George Washington University
George Washington University was one of the first schools in the nation to offer an online master’s degree program in educational technology leadership. The program prepares students to take on leadership roles in educational technology. Students learn how to use software and hardware systems, as well as apply learning theories in an educational technology environment.
Courses in the program include foundations in educational technology, developing multimedia materials, managing computer applications, and introduction to quantitative research. Students may also take electives to explore topics in issues in distance education, advanced instructional design, and education policy.
Upon graduating from the program, students find careers as instructional coordinators, curriculum developers, HR training specialists, and development managers. Students have the option of starting the program in fall, summer, or spring.
University of Virginia – Main Campus
The Unversity of Virginia offers a distance learning program where students can earn their Master’s Degree in Educational Technology entirely online. The program teaches students how to assess curricula and implement changes to improve the quality of a school. Graduates tend to work as curriculum developers, researchers, and teacher trainers.
The program requires students to complete courses in creativity and problem solving, teachers as leaders, assessment of curricula, and principles of curriculum design. In addition to coursework, students must also pass a comprehensive exam to graduate from the program.
Admissions require students to submit a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Applicants must also submit a goal statement, unofficial transcript, updated resume, and two letters of recommendation.
John Hopkins University
John Hopkins University is a prestigious institution that offers a fully online master’s degree program in educational technology. The university provides full-time and part-time options to its students. Made for educators, administrators, and support personnel, the degree program teaches students to use technology to prove their educational practice.
This program has a concentration in educational technology and digital age learning. Students explore various topics, such as the evaluation of emerging technologies, systems design, and universal design for learning.
The 36-credit program involves courses in technology and the new science of learning, instructional design for online learning, integrating media into standards-based curriculum, and culturally responsive teaching.
What Can You Do with a Master’s in Educational Technology?
Professionals with a Master’s Degree in Educational Technology can work in multiple industries. Due to their skills, they can work as managers, consultants, and coordinators in any field. Below is a list of some of the more lucrative occupations for graduates of a master’s degree program in educational technology.
High School Principal: This is a leadership position that deals with all aspects of running a school. Some tasks include creating long-term programs, testing initiatives, and dealing with various daily activities. Principals mostly work with everyone involved in the school to ensure students are instructed properly, complete tests successfully, and graduate.
Post-secondary Education Administrator: Working in this position means facilitating academic, student, and financial services. These individuals may work as part of an admissions team to help promote a university and increase enrollment. Other fields they may work in may involve the registrar’s office, making sure graduations run smoothly, and overseeing student records. You must have a graduate degree and work experience to work in a high-level administrative position.
Technology Integration Specialist: A technology integration specialist works as a K-12 specialist or at the secondary level. Some of the duties for this position include co-teaching, staff development, school planning, and developing curriculum and assessments.
Training and Development Manager: A training and development manager works with teams to oversee the training and continued development of an employee at a company. Training managers help with developing and implementing programs that fit an organization’s goals and philosophy. Other responsibilities of this role involve assessing program effectiveness, manage budgets, and maintaining performance records.
Instructional Designer: An instructional designer is in charge of designing hybrid or online learning experiences. This work may involve using a learning management system or creating instructional resources. Instructional designers typically work with faculty members at a university or community college level.
Is Getting an Online Master’s Degree in Educational Technology Worth it?
If you want to increase your earning potential as an educational professional, earning your Master’s Degree in Educational Technology online is worth the effort. Some of the positions available for graduates of this program pay upwards of $90,000 per year.
Those who’ve earned their Master’s Degree in Educational Technology also work in leadership positions. While many people who have this degree work as teachers, others work as administrators, managers, and other leadership roles.
Overall, the benefits of a Master’s Degree in Educational Technology make it worth it for those who want to further their career in the educational field.
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