Instructional Technology






		Mission Statement

		The mission of the Master of Science in Instructional Technology Program is to provide educators and other professionals who have a keen interest in technology with the best possible background in order to effectively use instructional technology in schools (K-12). colleges, universities, or in a businesslindustry setting. Prior knowledge of computers or media is neither assumed nor required.



		Program Organization

		The program is designed to give individuals a broad overview of various aspects of the field of instructional technology. The required core courses focus on important theoretical issues related to learning, instruction, design, and the impact of technology, and include an overview of a variety of technologies, including networking, software applications and Internet tools. Coursework has been specifically designed to address the knowledge needs of professionals in the following three areas: (1) K-12 teachers wishing to enhance their teaching skills through an understanding of how technology can enhance learning; (2) teachers wishing to pursue technology leadership or coordinator positions in K-12 schools and districts; and (3) individuals involved in or seeking careers in instructional design in business, industry and education. An understanding of how technology enhances learning is attained through courses that emphasize design and use of media, learning theories, and optimization of digital technologies for maximum educational achievement. Technology leadership skills are enhanced by courses that stress technology planning, hardware/software installation, network technology, and training issues. Instructional design courses provide a focus on educational and industry training applications that stress on producing trained professional who will, among other things, become innovators in the design and use of new media, facilitating effective extension of digital technologies into educational practice. Elective courses and the required educational technology project give individuals in the program opportunities to further enhance their personal interests in the field.



		Description of the Program

		The Master of Science in Instructional Technology Program is a 33-credit program that offers a comprehensive understanding of the many facets of this rapidly expanding vital educational field. The required core courses focus on theoretical issues related to learning, instruction, and design including a range of current technological components such as networking, software applications, and Internet tools. An understanding of how technology enhances learning is reached through courses that emphasize design and use of media, learning theories, and the impact of digital technologies on educational achievement. Technology leadership skills are enhanced in courses that stress technology planning, hardwarelsoftware installation, network technology, and the examination of training issues. Instructional design courses focus on educational and industry training applications that will help students become innovators in the design and use of new media. Elective courses and the required educational technology project offer students in the program the opportunity to further explore their personal interests in the field. In addition to earning a Master of Science in Instructional Technology degree, students who possess NYS certification in education will be eligible for NYS certification in instructional technology upon successful completion of the program. All other students successfully completing the program will earn a Master of Science in Instructional Technology degree only.



		Upon Completion of the Program

		Candidates with a Bachelor's degree and NYS provisional/initial certification in education who successfully complete this program will be awarded the Master of Science in Instructional Technology degree and become eligible for: a. upgrading from NYS provisional/initial certification to permanent/professional certification. b. NYS initial/professional certification in Instructional Technology. Candidates with a Master's degree and NYS certification in education who successfully complete this program will be awarded the Master of Science in Instructional Technology degree and become eligible for: a. the UFT contractual 30 credits above the Master's salary differential. b. NYS initial/professional certification in Instructional Technology. Candidates with a Bachelor's degree only who successfully complete this program will be awarded the Master of Science in Instructional Technology degree.