Education Technology (MS)

Summary

Educational Technology emphasizes innovative uses of technology to support teaching and learning and addresses the needs of diverse students across face-to-face, hybrid, and distance learning environments in synchronous and asynchronous modalities. This program is for all PK – 16 educators who seek to improve their professional practice and become leaders in their use of technology in education to create equitable and accessible learning experiences and environments. 

Learners in this online asynchronous program have the opportunity to earn graduate certificates in one or more of the following areas as a part of their degree:

  • Computer, Keyboarding and Related Technologies (certificate and license)
  • Technology, Equity, and Accessibility for Learners
  • Instructional Design and Education Technology
  • Educational Technology for Adult and Professional Learners
  • Online and Blended Learning
  • Other certificates available through the TLMS program

 

Catalog Year

2024-2025

Degree

Master of Science

Major Credits

34

Total Credits

34

Locations

Online

Career Cluster

Education and Training

Accreditation

CAEP

Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation

Apply

Program Requirements

Common Core

This course focuses on the examination of the learner¿s role as a teacher leader scholar in our diverse and evolving society. Learners analyze professional teaching, technology and social justice standards, and current educational trends and research to identify a problem of practice in education to target improvements. Learners collect data and information as evidence of the nature and scope of the problem and develop a plan for personal and/or professional growth to address the problem.

Prerequisites: none

With a focus on digital literacy and digital equity, learners will critically analyze and evaluate educational technology frameworks, models, and research to support teaching and learning. Learners will learn how to use technology integration frameworks to guide decision-making about and evaluate use of technology. Learners consider teaching contexts to apply effective uses of technology to support students¿ learning needs with alignment to standards, learning goals, teaching strategies, and assessments.

Prerequisites: none

Research/Methods Course(s)

The research process is one that is complicated, and nonlinear, and very often difficult for students to understand and see its strengths and weaknesses. This course will introduce students to research methodologies as applied to research and evaluation. The course will focus on developing skills and applying different methodologies in a research plan.

Prerequisites: none

Designed to provide a learning experience in utilizing techniques and procedures in scholarly writing.

Prerequisites: none

Note: KSP 609 or its equivalent is a prerequisite for KSP 610

Restricted Electives

Choose 21 Credit(s).

Learners will develop expertise using technology tools to address individual student needs. In this course, learners will explore the assumptions, biases and limitations of integrating technology tools, and the implications of those for teaching and student learning. Through the use of technology integration frameworks, learners will evaluate implications of both access and opportunity of using technology teaching, learning, and assessment. This course will also explore ways in which technology can both be an avenue towards social justice in education and how technology can exacerbate inequities.

Prerequisites: none

This course will provide the learners with reflective and practical experiences for the integration of accessibility, technology and learning. Students will explore student characteristics and needs, learning goals and experiences, accessibility tools, differentiated instruction, and technology to design and evaluate integrated lesson plans.

Prerequisites: none

Learners will examine existing systems for equity of access, use, distribution, and infrastructure and the implications this has for learning communities. Learners will research, design, and create technology plans using data, processes, and procedures to address inequities.

Prerequisites: none

This course will include analysis, synthesis, application, and evaluation of approaches to design in education. Learners will critically review design models and technology use as applied in education and the research that supports them to analyze how design can reduce barriers to learning and can increase equitable access to learning. Learners will analyze and apply design models and technology use to evaluate, adapt, and create student-centered learning experiences and instructional materials. Learners will analyze and apply strategies for teaching a design-based approach to problem solving and inquiry.

Prerequisites: none

This 80+ hour field experience will provide opportunities for practicing teachers with a current MN Teaching license to put theory into practice in a K-12 environment. During field experiences candidates will become familiar with specific school-related issues, technologies, strategies to assist students in learning and apply strategies to help students study and learn within the classroom environment.

Prerequisites: none

Through research and hands-on applications in education, learners will leverage technology to address global issues and adopt global perspectives. Learners will create relevant and authentic experiences that will help their students bridge local and global problems to take action for social justice.

Prerequisites: none

This course will require learners to evaluate, analyze, and use pedagogical frameworks and practices to design online learning environments with a lens of equity and diversity. Learners will establish online environments and create course materials using research-based pedagogy in educational technology.

Prerequisites: none

Blended learning is a mix of online, f2f, and out of the classroom activities supported by technology that allows students more control over the time, place, pace, and path of their learning. In this course, learners will identify, analyze, evaluate, and apply models for blended learning that use technology tools and platforms in ways that address digital equity and support diverse students. Learners will create blended learning activities, including games and simulations, with a focus on eliminating stereotypes and biases in instruction.

Prerequisites: none

Learners will apply theoretical models and processes for the design and development of learning experiences to address an instructional-based problem of practice in a local education setting. Starting by conducting a needs analysis, learners will use a design process to create an innovative solution to address the problem. Learners will analyze and evaluate the application of technology tools to support their solutions. The design process will focus on identifying and addressing issues around diversity, equity, and inclusion to better support student learning.

Prerequisites: none

Learners will design professional learning that leverages technology to create equity-centered, authentic, and engaging experiences to work towards eliminating education disparities. Learners will examine theories and practice for adult learning, engagement, and ongoing support through coaching and mentoring to best serve diverse education communities.

Prerequisites: none

Note: KSP 619 has the prerequisite course KSP 689.
Note: KSP 687 has the prerequisite KSP 643.

Capstone Course

Choose 1 Credit(s).

For students completing a Masters degree with the alternate plan option.

Prerequisites: none

For students completing a Master's degree with the creative projects option.

Prerequisites: none

For students completing a Masters or Specialist degree with the using the thesis option.

Prerequisites: none

Note: Educational Technology has five graduate certificates. Credits from the MS may double count toward a graduate certificate. You may earn both an MS and graduate certificate with careful selection of your Restrictive Electives. Work closely with your graduate advisor on course selections.

Degree Plan

The Degree Plan is a model for completing your degree in a timely manner. Your individual degree plan may change based on a number of variables including transfer courses and the semester/year you start your major. Carefully work with your academic advisors to devise your own unique plan.
* Please meet with your advisor on appropriate course selection to meet your educational and degree goals.

First Year

Fall - 6 Credits

This course will require learners to evaluate, analyze, and use pedagogical frameworks and practices to design online learning environments with a lens of equity and diversity. Learners will establish online environments and create course materials using research-based pedagogy in educational technology.

Prerequisites: none

With a focus on digital literacy and digital equity, learners will critically analyze and evaluate educational technology frameworks, models, and research to support teaching and learning. Learners will learn how to use technology integration frameworks to guide decision-making about and evaluate use of technology. Learners consider teaching contexts to apply effective uses of technology to support students¿ learning needs with alignment to standards, learning goals, teaching strategies, and assessments.

Prerequisites: none

Spring - 6 Credits

Learners will develop expertise using technology tools to address individual student needs. In this course, learners will explore the assumptions, biases and limitations of integrating technology tools, and the implications of those for teaching and student learning. Through the use of technology integration frameworks, learners will evaluate implications of both access and opportunity of using technology teaching, learning, and assessment. This course will also explore ways in which technology can both be an avenue towards social justice in education and how technology can exacerbate inequities.

Prerequisites: none

This course will include analysis, synthesis, application, and evaluation of approaches to design in education. Learners will critically review design models and technology use as applied in education and the research that supports them to analyze how design can reduce barriers to learning and can increase equitable access to learning. Learners will analyze and apply design models and technology use to evaluate, adapt, and create student-centered learning experiences and instructional materials. Learners will analyze and apply strategies for teaching a design-based approach to problem solving and inquiry.

Prerequisites: none

Summer - 6 Credits

This course focuses on the examination of the learner¿s role as a teacher leader scholar in our diverse and evolving society. Learners analyze professional teaching, technology and social justice standards, and current educational trends and research to identify a problem of practice in education to target improvements. Learners collect data and information as evidence of the nature and scope of the problem and develop a plan for personal and/or professional growth to address the problem.

Prerequisites: none

Through research and hands-on applications in education, learners will leverage technology to address global issues and adopt global perspectives. Learners will create relevant and authentic experiences that will help their students bridge local and global problems to take action for social justice.

Prerequisites: none

Second Year

Fall - 6 Credits

The research process is one that is complicated, and nonlinear, and very often difficult for students to understand and see its strengths and weaknesses. This course will introduce students to research methodologies as applied to research and evaluation. The course will focus on developing skills and applying different methodologies in a research plan.

Prerequisites: none

Learners will apply theoretical models and processes for the design and development of learning experiences to address an instructional-based problem of practice in a local education setting. Starting by conducting a needs analysis, learners will use a design process to create an innovative solution to address the problem. Learners will analyze and evaluate the application of technology tools to support their solutions. The design process will focus on identifying and addressing issues around diversity, equity, and inclusion to better support student learning.

Prerequisites: none

Spring - 6 Credits

Designed to provide a learning experience in utilizing techniques and procedures in scholarly writing.

Prerequisites: none

This course will provide the learners with reflective and practical experiences for the integration of accessibility, technology and learning. Students will explore student characteristics and needs, learning goals and experiences, accessibility tools, differentiated instruction, and technology to design and evaluate integrated lesson plans.

Prerequisites: none

Summer - 4 Credits

Learners will examine existing systems for equity of access, use, distribution, and infrastructure and the implications this has for learning communities. Learners will research, design, and create technology plans using data, processes, and procedures to address inequities.

Prerequisites: none

For students completing a Master's degree with the creative projects option.

Prerequisites: none

Policies

Designed for PK-16 educators, our Master's of Science in Educational Technology equips you to become a leader in the use of technology in education. With a focus on creating equitable and accessible learning experiences, our program will help you improve your professional practice and achieve your goals.  

Admissions Standards

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for fall, spring, and summer start. Applications are reviewed as they are completed.  To complete the online application, you will need to submit the following:

  • Letters of recommendation
  • Resume or vita
  • Transcripts for institutions that you’ve attended

Bachelor's degree in education from an accredited university and teaching experience is preferred. Students with an undergraduate cumulative GPA of 2.75 or above will be most competitive for admission to the program. 

Letters of recommendation focusing on your academic potential and your promise to become an educational leader are encouraged.

Progression Standards

Students must make adequate yearly progress toward degree completion and must know the MSU, Mankato, Graduate College Policy and Course Requirements and adhere to time limits for program completion. Students are strongly encouraged to complete in two to three years and inform their advisor if they are unable to enroll in classes during a given academic year. 

Completion/ Graduation Standards

Students must successfully complete KSP 609 Research Methods before enrolling in KSP 610 Scholarly Writing. During these two courses, students will research the literature and complete a capstone project of their choice to show case their expertise. Students are encouraged to enroll in KSP 610 in their final semester to support the graduation paperwork process. If this course needs to be taken before the final semester be sure to maintain regular contact with your advisor to ensure all paperwork is filed in a timely manner.

To complete the program in two years and be classified as full time, students need to complete 6 credits/2 classes each semester fall, spring, and summer. But students do have the flexibility to enroll in a single class each term and complete the program within 4 years.