The Best Online Master's in Educational Technology

The Master of Education in Learning, Design and Technology is a 30 credit degree offered through Penn State's College of Education partnered with the World Campus.

A non-credit unit on scholarship and research integrity, as well as a capstone portfolio, are required prior to graduation.

Graduates of this program have skills in instructional design and technology, and skills in enhancing learning with technology in grades K-12.

Courses in this degree include:

• Measuring the Impact of Technology on Learning
• Computers as Learning Tools
• Gaming to Learn
• Integrating Mobile Technologies into Learning Environments

Pennsylvania teachers may count courses toward professional development hours.

The Master of Arts in Educational Technology is a 30 credit degree offered through Michigan State's Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology, and Special Education.

In order to be admitted into this program, students must first complete the following 3 courses in the Educational Technology Certificate Program:

• Teaching for Understanding with Technology
• Adapting Innovative Technologies in Education
• Applying Educational Technology to Issues of Practice

Once completed, students apply to the Master's program and the credits are automatically transferred. Students can complete this degree in two years. Courses include:

• Approaches to Educational Research
• Teaching for Understanding with Technology
• Electronic Assessment for Teaching and Learning

Students in the Master of Arts in Educational Technology Leadership program at George Washington University will discover a variety of hardware and software programs.

They will learn to successfully use these in a classroom.

The focus on leadership will give students skills to effectively lead others in educational, business, and government settings.

Topics include instructional design, assessment, and computer interface design. Examples of courses students may take are:

• Applying Educational Media and Technology
• Computers in Education and Human Development
• Educational Hardware Systems
• Critical Issues in Distance Education

This 36-credit hour degree can be earned within two years.

The Master of Science in Education- Digital Age Learning and Educational Technology prepares students to use technology effectively not only in the classroom, but in all environments.

A total of 36 credit hours are required for graduation. This program meets the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Standards for Educators.

Material covers policy, practice, research, theory, and culturally responsive education. Recently courses were updated to stay current with the constant changes in technology and its use in the classroom.

Courses required in this major include:

• Emerging Issues in Digital Age Learning
• Instructional Design for Online Learning
• Designing and Delivering Online and Blended Learning Environments
• Integrating Media into Standards Based Curriculum

The Master of Education in Learning Design and Technology is a 30 credit degree that prepares students to use technology to improve learning in the classroom. An additional 6 credit hours and thesis can be completed for students wishing to pursue a Master of Science.

Subjects are presented in three strands, digital leadership, design, and inquiry. Students in the program choose one strand as a focus.

Courses that students may take while enrolled include:

• Technology Integration Theory and Practice
• Digital Learning Program and Staff Development
• Teaching and Learning with Digital Video
• Online Collaboration in Education
• Continuous Improvement of School Technology Initiatives

Teachers in this program may be able to add computer education or technology specialist endorsements to their license after graduation.

The online Master of Learning Technologies is a 30 credit program offered through Ohio State's College of Education and Human Ecology. Students will learn to effectively use technology in classroom settings, online, and in a blended environment.

Prior to graduation students will take seven core courses, one research course, one elective, and a practicum.

Core requirements include the following classes:

• Issues and Practices in Educational Technology
• Theories of Learning with Technology
• Applied Instructional Design
• Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning

The practicum includes the creation of an e-Portfolio. Students will be paired with mentors during the practicum to meet the requirements of the program.

Virginia Tech offers a Master of Arts in Education, Curriculum and Instruction with focus on Instructional Technology through the Department of Learning Sciences and Technologies.

This is a 30 credit hour program, with 21 credit hours of required courses and 9 credit hours of electives. A portfolio is made prior to graduation.

Examples of required classes are:

• Foundations of Instructional Design and Technology
• Theoretical Foundations of Technology Enhanced Learning
• Design for Learning
• Program and Product Evaluation
• Applied Instructional Design Theory

Online classes may use web-based tutorials, CDs, or textbooks in addition to presenting material online. Students who take the recommended course load will graduate in three years.

The Master of Education in Learning, Design and Technology, Instructional Design and Development is a 36 credit hour degree that focuses on teaching students to use emerging technologies effectively in education.

Students will have the chance use a variety of media to enhance learning environments. Classes include:

• Design and Development Tools
• Emerging Approaches in Teaching, Learning And Technology
• E-Learning Evaluation and Assessment
• Designing and Teaching Online Courses

Students taking the recommended classes per semester can complete this degree within two years.

There is also an opportunity to attend a professional conference at a low cost. This gives students a chance to see demonstrations and obtain career networking opportunities.

The Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction - Educational Technology and Online Instruction, under Liberty University's School of Education, is accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

A total of 36 credit hours, including field experiences, can be completed within two years. Students will be prepared for both leadership and teaching positions in grades K-12.

Topics covered include administration, gifted education, history, special education, and student services. Students under the Educational Technology and Online Instruction concentration will learn how technology can be effectively used in both a general and special education setting at all grade levels. Classes in this concentration include:

• Technology and Diversity
• Leadership in Educational Technology
• Technology Practices for Instructional Improvement

Students who have graduated with this degree have pursued careers as School Technology Directors, School Technology Specialists, and Technology Instructors.

The Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology is a 36 credit hour degree offered through Georgia State University's College of Education and Human Development. This program and faculty are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

Students learn a wide range of knowledge in instructional design and technology that can be used both in education and other fields. An internship and portfolio completes coursework.

Required courses include:

• The Psychology of Learning and Learners
• Design of Performance and Instructional Systems
• Foundations of Instructional Technology
• Project Management for Instructional Designers

Purdue University offers a 35 credit Master of Science in Education in Learning Design and Technology.

Instruction involves designing, developing, and implementing technology in the classroom. Throughout the program students demonstrate their knowledge by completing competency-based digital badges.

These help students create portfolios that demonstrate what skills have been mastered. Students can also use these competency badges to show potential employers what skills have been mastered prior to graduation.

Badges are divided into four categories:

• Personal Foundations in Learning Design and Technology
• Planning and Analysis
• Design and Development
• Evaluation and Implementation

35 credit hours are required for gradation, with 29 credits of required courses and 6 elective credits. Examples of required courses are:

• Foundations of Learning Design and Technology
• Learning Theory and Instructional design
• Strategic Assessment and Evaluation
• Introduction to E-learning

The Master of Science in Instructional Systems Technology at Indiana University is a 36 credit degree program. Classes work around the student's schedule; there are no set log in times.

Core courses cover material in:

• Instructional technology foundations
• Instructional design and development
• Instructional development and production process
• Evaluation and change in the instructional development process

Students in the Instructional System Technology program will learn the ways information is acquired, processes, and shared. They will use this knowledge to create effective learning tools with technology.

Graduates of this program have a wide variety of skills in various areas of technology. They have obtained careers in educational settings, corporations, government, military and nonprofit organizations.

Kent State University offers an online Master of Education in Instructional Technology. Students have the option to add the following to their degree:

• Students who are certified teachers can add a Computer/Technology Endorsement to their degree, allowing them to become a school technology teacher.
• Those interested in developing or teaching online classes can add an Online Teaching and Learning Certificate
• Students can work towards a doctorate in Educational Psychology with a Concentration in Instructional Technology

This 34 credit hour program consists of both core courses and electives, with a culminating online portfolio. Examples of core courses are:

• Designing Online Courses
• Computer Applications in Education
• Researching Current Issues in Instructional Technology
• Instructional Applications of the Internet

The Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology is a part-time, 30 credit hour online program. There are six requires courses and student must pick four electives.

The following are required courses:

• Principles of Online Instructional Design
• Foundations of Instructional Technology for E-learning
• Digital Ethics and The Legal Landscape of Instructional Design
• Advanced Instructional Design Projects
• Managing Instructional Design Projects
• Instructional Design and Technology Practicum

Graduates with this degree will have the skills necessary to use technology across all subject areas in grades K-12 in a variety of settings. Students may use this degree to become technological leaders or developers in education.

The Master of Science in Instructional Technology at Grand Canyon University is a 32 credit program with six week courses.

Up to 12 transfer credits may be accepted.

This degree is designed for students interested in becoming a technology specialist or coach, or increasing their use of effective technology in the classroom. Topics that are covered include:

• Technology-based instruction
• Digital literacies
• Ethical technology integration
• Using technology for assessment
• Distance learning

Field experiences in grades K-12 will give students real application of what is learned through online courses. Courses include:

• Instructional Theories and Models in Technology Education
• Assessment and Instructional Technology
• Leadership and Technology Coaching

The Master of Arts in Educational Foundations- Instructional Technology is a 30 credit degree offered online through the Department of Educational Foundations and Leadership. Material covers internet use in instruction, emerging technologies, and design principles.

Prior to graduation students must create an e-Portfolio that shows how the can apply their knowledge of instructional technology. Required courses include:

• Philosophies of Education
• Using Research to Inform Practice
• Planning for Technology
• Multimedia/Hypermedia
• Integrating and Implementing Technology

Students enrolled in the online program have the option to attend in person meetings for education support and e-Portfolio review. A K-12 Computer/Technology Facilitation Endorsement is available to Ohio teachers in this degree program.

The Master of Arts in Education Technology: Curriculum and Instruction is designed for teachers interested in enhancing the use of technology across all areas of education. This 30 credit degree may be completed in as few as 12 months.

Students will learn about adaptive technology, how to effectively use social media, and building learning communities. A capstone showing mastery of all content is required for all students prior to graduation. Courses include:

• Emerging Educational Technology Trends
• Integrating Technology across the Curriculum
• Assistive Technology: Principles and Practice
• Technology for Effective Decision Making in Teaching and Learning
• Using Technology to Build Learning Communities