Education, Educational Technology Concentration, M.Ed.

The Master of Education degree (M.Ed.) with a concentration in Educational Technology serves students who work in, or who intend to pursue careers in, higher education, business, industry, government and consulting. The program provides candidates with opportunities to explore and research emerging technologies for learning using AECT professional standards as a guide to development in the profession. Candidates in the program will discover effective ways to integrate these technologies in their chosen professional settings. Graduates will possess a broad and deep understanding of the practice of educational design and technology.

Admission Criteria

All criteria are considered when reviewing the candidates for admission to the Educational Technology and Educational Technology for PK-12 M.Ed. degree concentrations. However, no one criterion will be the sole reason for lack of admission to the program. Students should meet the following criteria to be considered for admission:

• GRE scores at the 25th percentile or higher for both verbal and quantitative sections; or approved GRE waiver (available on the graduate program application).
• Undergraduate grade point average of 2.75 or higher. If this is not met students may begin in one of our graduate certificate programs (see http://www.jmu.edu/coe/ltle/edtech.shtml).
• Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university.
• Professional resume.
• Two letters of reference.
• Relevant employment in the field preferred.
• Personal statement: a 2- to 3-page statement of background, reason for applying to the program, specific areas of interest in educational technology and professional goals.
• Work samples showing evidence of ability to design and/or develop learning experiences using technology. Examples in the past have included, but were not limited to, lesson plans, instructional design samples, electronic presentations, Web 2.0 activities, computer code and web materials.
• Applicants may also be required to complete an interview.

Outcomes

Candidates will demonstrate the knowledge, skills and dispositions to:

• Apply foundational knowledge and skills to the collaborative design and use of content, pedagogy and instructional technologies.
• Create conditions for learning by applying theories (e.g. learning theories, curriculum theory and communications theories) to authentic scenarios involving diverse populations.
• Use modern technologies, and techniques (e.g. collaborative teamwork and rapid prototyping) to design and develop learning materials, media and environments that promote near and far transfer of content knowledge.
• Design and develop a strategic vision and plan for the implementation, management and evaluation of educational technologies, programs and systems.
• Use quantitative and qualitative methods of inquiry to make data-driven decisions that inform practice in the discipline.
• Initiate, lead, facilitate and advocate for positive change and innovation in the educational technology workplace as new technologies, techniques, and theories of learning, design and change emerge.
• Engage in and reflect upon one’s own professional development, dispositions and growth in the discipline.
• Analyze, develop and evaluate professional development programs and initiatives that advance the technological, pedagogical and content knowledge of learners.
• Engage in ethical reasoning and decision-making by applying frameworks, policies and standards of ethical practice such as the AECT and ISTE-C professional standards and the JMU Ethical Reasoning in Action eight key questions framework for ethical decision-making.

Degree Requirements

To complete a Master of Education degree with a concentration in educational technology or educational technology for PK-12, the candidate will complete a minimum of 30 to 33 hours of course work to include an educational core, educational technology core and advanced courses. Thirty-three credits are required for all students except those who are able to waive LTLE 675. Applied Research Design  by showing acceptable written evidence of meeting the course competencies. In addition to course work, candidates must successfully complete key assessments during the program of study.