Technology can be a powerful tool for transforming learning. It can help affirm and advance relationships between educators and students, reinvent learning and collaboration approaches, shrink long-standing equity and accessibility gaps, and adapt learning experiences to meet all learners’ needs. Per the Department of Education, schools, community colleges, and universities should be incubators of exploration and invention. Educators should be collaborators in learning, seeking new knowledge, and constantly acquiring new skills alongside their students. Education leaders should set a vision for creating learning experiences that provide the right tools and supports for all learners to thrive. A master’s in educational technology online or a master’s in instructional technology aligns an educator towards the above vision. This program prepares students to design, develop and evaluate learning technology environments, systems, applications, and instructional materials. Instructional technology is intended both for the students and instructors who would be interacting with those students. The masters in educational technology online programs are sometimes referred to as masters in instructional technology. This guide helps students understand these programs in-depth.
Many universities offer masters in Education Technology online programs or a master’s in instructional technology. But not all of these programs are considered the best. We went through them to create the top Education Technology masters programs list based on cost, placements, starting salary, employment rates, acceptance rates, etc.
<a href="https://www.onlinemasterscolleges.com/masters-in-educational-technology-online/">Masters in Educational Technology Online</a>
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College Name & Address | Tuition | Graduation Rate |
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#1 University of Virginia 1827 University Avenue, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903 | $17,076 | 95% |
#2 University of Georgia Administration Building, Athens, Georgia 30602 | $8,878 | 87% |
#3 University of Florida Tigert Hall, Gainesville, Florida 32611 | $10,770 | 88% |
#4 Florida State University 222 S. Copeland Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32306 | $9,684 | 83% |
#5 North Carolina State University 2101 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695 | $9,095 | 82% |
#6 University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign 601 E John Street, Champaign, Illinois 61820 | $15,016 | 85% |
#7 Michigan State University East Lansing, Michigan 48824 | $18,858 | 81% |
#8 George Washington University 1918 F Street, NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20052 | $31,770 | 82% |
#9 Johns Hopkins University 3400 N Charles St, Baltimore, Maryland 21218 | $57,010 | 93% |
#10 University of South Florida 4202 East Fowler Ave, Tampa, Florida 33620 | $8,350 | 75% |
#11 University of Central Florida 4000 Central Florida Blvd, Orlando, Florida 32816 | $6,916 | 72% |
#12 University of Missouri 105 Jesse Hall, Columbia, Missouri 65211 | $9,478 | 71% |
#13 California State University, Fullerton 800 N State College Blvd, Fullerton, California 92831 | $7,176 | 69% |
#14 University of Arkansas Administration Bldg 425, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701 | $7,752 | 66% |
#15 Boise State University 1910 University Dr, Boise, Idaho 83725 | $7,110 | 51% |
#16 University of Central Missouri 108 W South Street, Warrensburg, Missouri 64093 | $7,608 | 51% |
#17 Fort Hays State University 600 Park St, Hays, Kansas 67601 | $3,726 | 43% |
#18 Full Sail University 3300 University Blvd, Winter Park, Florida 32792 | $16,087 | 43% |
#19 University of Houston, Clear Lake 2700 Bay Area Blvd, Houston, Texas 77058 | $7,920 | NA |
#20 Penn State World Campus 128 Outreach Building, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802 | NA | NA |
Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available
In the year 1978-79, the cost of attending a private college was the modern equivalent of $ 17,680 per year, and for a private college, it was $ 8250. By the year 2008-2009, it grew to $ 38,720 for private colleges and $ 16,460 for public colleges. Fast forward to 2018-19, and those costs have risen to $ 48,510 for private and $ 21,370 for public colleges, respectively. So, education is a very expensive affair. You can check year-wise college tuition fees at this link. But education remains a very sane investment. Per Fred‘s data, in 2020, college graduates’ weekly wages were approximately 84 percent more than those of high school graduates. According to the latest Salliemae study (2019-20), the average families spend approximately $30,000.00 on education, up from $26,266.00 in 2018-19. That is an increase of approximately 15 percentage points in two years. Considering how big a business education is, this trend of the growing cost of education is here to stay. Hence, one can see that the cost of a master’s in educational technology is a big factor influencing which program an individual enrolls in.
We already did the research and prepared a list of the most affordable online masters in educational technology in the link below:
<a href="https://www.onlinemasterscolleges.com/masters-in-educational-technology-online/">Masters in Educational Technology Online</a>
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College Name & Address | Tuition | Graduation Rate |
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#1 University of North Carolina 9201 University City Blvd, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223 | $4,337 | 64% |
#2 East Carolina University East 5th Street, Greenville, North Carolina 27858 | $4,749 | 66% |
#3 Appalachian State University 287 Rivers St, Boone, North Carolina 28608 | $4,839 | 73% |
#4 William Woods University One University Avenue, Fulton, Missouri 65251 | $6,750 | 58% |
#5 Texas A & M University, College Station JKW Administration Building, Suite 200, College Station, Texas 77843 | $6,775 | 82% |
#6 Texas Tech University Broadway and University Avenue, Lubbock, Texas 79409 | $6,788 | 61% |
#7 University of Central Florida 4000 Central Florida Blvd, Orlando, Florida 32816 | $6,916 | 72% |
#8 The University of West Florida 11000 University Parkway, Pensacola, Florida 32514 | $7,088 | 46% |
#9 Western Governors University 4001 South 700 East Suite 700, Salt Lake City, Utah 84107 | $7,500 | 21% |
#10 University of Arkansas Administration Bldg 425, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701 | $7,752 | 66% |
#11 Liberty University 1971 University Blvd, Lynchburg, Virginia 24515 | $7,935 | 47% |
#12 University of Alabama Administration Bldg Suite 1070, Birmingham, Alabama 35294 | $8,100 | 63% |
#13 Western Illinois University 1 University Circle, Macomb, Illinois 61455 | $8,156 | 51% |
#14 Concordia University, Saint Paul 1282 Concordia Ave, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55104 | $8,550 | 51% |
#15 Mississippi State University Lee Boulevard, Mississippi State, Mississippi 39762 | $8,800 | 61% |
#16 University of Northern Iowa 1227 W 27th St, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614 | $9,159 | 67% |
#17 Indiana University-Bloomington 107 South Indiana Ave., Bloomington, Indiana 47405 | $9,786 | 79% |
#18 Missouri Baptist University One College Park Dr, Saint Louis, Missouri 63141 | $10,256 | 45% |
#19 Morehead State University University Blvd, Morehead, Kentucky 40351 | $10,260 | 46% |
#20 Saint Leo University 33701 State Road 52, Saint Leo, Florida 33574 | $14,568 | 49% |
Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available
Education Technology, which is also called instructional technology intermittently, is where educators who are intermittently called instructors set up learning or a vision of learning enabled by technology. Educational technology or Instructional technology can also solve educational problems and concerns, leveraging all possible instruments at disposal, including technology. However, to fully realize the benefits of technology in our education system and provide authentic learning experiences, educators need to use technology effectively in their practice. Furthermore, education stakeholders should commit to working together to use technology to improve education. These stakeholders include leaders; teachers, faculty, and other educators; researchers; policymakers; funders; technology developers; community members and organizations; and learners and their families.
A master’s in educational technology or a master’s in instruction technology would typically prepare and enable an individual to creatively design an education curriculum or a fix to an existing curriculum and implement and impart the same. The target audience is both instructors as well as students.
There are typically three types of programs for a master’s in educational technology. Namely, M.Ed in educational technology/instructional technology, MA in educational technology/ instructional technology, and MS in educational technology/ instructional technology. Below we will discuss in detail how they differ and whom they are meant for.
An M.Ed is a step towards gearing a career more towards education curriculum, policy, counseling, and administration. It is a two-year course with credits ranging between 30-36. The M.Ed in educational technology has a research component to the program as well.
A MA in education technology is typically a 2-year course with around 30 credits. The MA focuses mainly on practical educational experience and skills.
An MS in education technology like a MA is typically a 2-year course with around 30-33 credits. The MS has a strong emphasis on the research part, unlike the MA, where the emphasis is more on the existing practical approaches to education.
As per the specialization chosen by a student for a master’s in educational technology online, their roles post their graduation would vary, so one should be mindful and choose their specialization, per their interest of vocation. Below is a list of typical roles played post a master’s in educational technology online. A master’s in educational technology online is referred to as a master’s in instructional technology online intermittently. Below are a few masters in educational technology courses with specialization and careers post-graduation.
Area of Focus | Description | Careers This Concentration prepares for |
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Master of Science in Education – Digital Age Learning and Educational Technology | The program is aligned with the 2017 release of the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Standards for Educators and learning theories from the National Academy of Sciences initiatives on the new science of learning. The program’s knowledge base comes from both existing and emerging methods for effective technology training and effective leadership, including policy, practice, research, wisdom, theory, culturally responsive education, and legislation. The courses involve project-based learning and collaborative planning. Candidates learn science, instructional design, systems change, Universal Design for Learning, and evaluation of emerging technologies. | This program is designed for pre-K–16 teachers, administrators, student support personnel, organizational leaders, education nonprofit professionals, and policymakers who want to use the best research from technology and the learning sciences to inform and improve professional education practice. |
Master of Arts in Online Instructional Design and technology | This program dives into the analysis, design, development, implementation, evaluation, and management of high-quality instruction. Students will also learn how to stimulate learning and improve education, training, and job performance. Upon graduation, students leverage emerging technologies to design innovative, effective, and engaging learning experiences for all. | Education Specialist, Senior Curriculum Specialist, Senior Consultant, Lead Instructional Designer, etc. |
Master of Education in Learning Design and Technologies | The Learning Design and Technologies program prepares “learning design” and technology professionals to design, develop, and evaluate learning structures in various formal and informal educational settings, including business and industry. The program emphasizes grounded instructional strategies rooted in established learning theories, the design and development of competency-based instructional materials, and application and evaluation in applied settings. Through projects that provide opportunities to take on authentic, real-world challenges, students apply current research and learning theories to the practice of learning and instructional design, together with the use of emerging technologies. | Curriculum designer or developer, Learning/Instructional technologist, Online learning specialist, Instructional designer, Technology integration specialist. |
M.Ed. in Learning, Design & Technology, Instructional Design & Development | UGA’s distinguished Instructional Design & Development faculty demonstrate the art and science of using emerging technologies and media to develop highly effective instruction for face-to-face and online learning environments. Students learn to use media creation tools and technology to create eLearning modules, video presentations, and more while studying how design approaches such as games, simulations, and educational multimedia can help develop meaningful learning experiences. Besides, participating individuals will also study various learning theories and instructional design models to understand which approach and methods may work best for a given learning need. | The program includes an emphasis on Instructional Design & Development (IDD) that prepares education, military, healthcare, business, and industry professionals to become highly skilled instructional designers. |
Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology (MSIDT) | Professionals working in technology in education (kindergarten through higher education), the military, and corporate settings. Many individuals who wish to change careers would find the MSIDT degree beneficial to their current and future career prospects. The MSIDT degree is designed for individuals who wish to further their skills and knowledge in the direct application of technology in teaching, training, education, and curriculum development | Anyone working with curriculum development and training in e-learning and multimedia environments for an educational (K-12, community college, higher education, or extended education), corporate, business, or military settings. Instructional technology trainers in the business, education, industry, military, or corporations and universities |
A master’s in educational technology or a typical master’s in instructional technology courses would generally have different specializations, which would invoke a little change in curriculum per the specialization. A few subjects learned in a typical master’s in educational technology/ masters in instructional technology are mentioned below. Here we discuss the curriculums encountered during a typical master’s in educational technology/typical masters in instructional technology and the skills learned in those courses.
Curriculum | Skills Learned |
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Advanced Issues in Implementation, Management, and Program Evaluation | Applying computer-based instructional design principles to develop new methods and materials for technology-based instruction. Computer-based instruction, project management, planning, assessment, design principles, and development tools. Design multimedia courseware. One or more sections may be offered in any online format. |
Special Problems in Learning Design and Technology | In-depth study of topical problems in Learning Design and Technology selected from current concern areas to education practitioners. |
Technology Program Evaluation | This course evaluates instructional technology programs, which is the systematic process of collecting and analyzing data to determine whether and to what degree program goals have been or are being achieved. |
Research Practices in Instructional Design and Technology | Terms and accepted procedures in qualitative and quantitative inquiry as they apply to instructional design and technology. Conduct controlled portions of IDT research and prepare preliminary proposals for larger projects. One or more sections may be offered in any online format. |
Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences II | Introduction to use of statistical design principles in behavioral science research. Presentation of a statistical model to represent the structure of data collected from a designed experiment or survey study. Opportunities for using a computer to perform analyses of data, evaluate the proposed statistical model, and assist in post-hoc analysis procedures. The “Least squares” principles are used to integrate multiple linear regression analysis topics, the analysis of variance, and covariance analysis. |
Systematic Approaches to Web and Multimedia Design and Development | Design, develop and implement Web pages and sites for instructional purposes—issues surrounding using the World Wide Web for instruction. One or more sections may be offered in any online format. |
Practicum in Instructional Design and Technology | Strategies for effectively implementing and evaluating instructional design and technology to improve learning, including significant fieldwork assignments in work-related settings. One or more sections may be offered in any online format. |
Instructional Design: Issues in ELearning and the Design Process | Systematic design of instructional courseware, including analysis, media selection, design, development, and evaluation. Learning principles, learner characteristics, instructional strategies, screen design, response analysis, feedback, and interactivity. One or more sections may be offered in any online format. |
Accreditation means that an institution has been evaluated by an independent accrediting body and found to meet a rigorous education’s high standards. Below gives a detailed overview of the process of accreditation. What is Accreditation?
It is of utmost importance that a student’s degree is recognized by academicians and the industry universally as being of a certain academic and professional standard. Hence, one must ensure that the institution that the student is enrolling for his/her online masters in education technology has their programs accredited.
Most masters in educational technology online typically take anywhere between 17-24 months, while many accelerated master’s programs require just one year of study after students have completed their bachelor’s. In doing an accelerated program, students can save money on tuition. But there are also part-time programs in masters in educational technology, which one can complete in 60 months.
Typically, for an online master’s in educational technology, students need to take 30 – 36 hours of credits. Students may complete the M.Ed. program in two years if taking two courses per session. Students may also take more than two courses per session; however, students may move more slowly through the program and/or create their custom program schedule using information about course availability.
Generally, every master’s program has its specific admission requirements, but typically a master’s in educational technology online program admission would require a bachelor’s and a minimum of around 3.0 GPA. But a few programs might also require a standardized GRE score, and some might add a teaching experience of around five years as well. There are also some masters in educational technology, where the only requirement is a bachelor’s degree, and there are no minimum requirements on GPA or any GRE or GMAT. To know more about standardized GRE tests, please refer to the link below: Know About GRE Test.
According to the Federal Reserve, the average college debt among student loan borrowers is $32,731. This is an increase of approximately 20% from 2015-2016. Most borrowers have between $25,000 and $50,000 outstanding in student loan debt. One would imagine that the best way to pay for your master’s in educational technology online program would be scholarships. Several schools like the North Central University offer five full-tuition scholarships to new and eligible graduate students. The University of San Francisco offers scholarships to accepted students. It covers three to six credits of tuition* in the first year of their program. All accepted students are automatically considered for these scholarships – there is no additional application. Scholarship recipients will be notified at the time of admission.
Here is a link to the list of educational technology scholarships: Educational Technology Scholarships.
If someone does not qualify for a scholarship, working professionals can check with their employers to reimburse the tuition fee. The other way of funding your master’s is applying for a student loan. Students can also check if they are eligible for federal student aid. Here a link to the application for FAFSA FAFSA Application.
Salaries earned by education technologists are typically higher than those earned by regular teachers or instructors. Educational technology jobs are one of the highest-paid specialty career paths for educators. So, one can say that a masters in education technology are worth every penny.
Post a master’s in educational technology online, students would look at managerial positions typically shaping and creating instruction manuals for teachers, instructors, education firms, education boards, federal or state departments of education, etc. One would look at the typical career positions: Education Specialist, Senior Curriculum Specialist, Senior Consultant, Lead Instructional Designer, etc. These roles typically might have interactions with educators, instructors as well as students. Below is a list of a few positions:
Occupation | Median Annual Salary (US $) | Job Growth (2019-2029) | Job Description |
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Training and Development Managers | 113,350 | 7% | Training and development managers plan, coordinate, and direct skills- and knowledge-enhancement programs for an organization’s staff. Training and development managers oversee training programs, staff, and budgets. They are responsible for creating or selecting course content and materials for training programs. Training may be in the form of a video, self-guided instructional manual, or online application and delivered in person or through a computer or other hand-held electronic device. Training also may be collaborative, with employees informally connecting with experts, mentors, and colleagues, often through social media or other online mediums. Managers must ensure that training methods, content, software, systems, and equipment are appropriate. |
Academic Director | 95,410 | 4% | Post-secondary education administrators oversee student services, academics, and faculty research at colleges and universities. Their job duties vary depending on the department in which they work, such as admissions, student affairs, or the registrar’s office. Education administrators’ duties depend on the size of their college or university. Small schools often have small staffs that take on many different responsibilities, but larger schools may have different offices for each of these functions. |
Instructional Coordinators | 66,290 | 6% | Instructional coordinators oversee school curriculums and teaching standards. They develop educational material, implement it with teachers and principals, and assess its effectiveness. Instructional coordinators, also known as curriculum specialists, evaluate the effectiveness of curriculums and teaching techniques established by school boards, states, or federal regulations. They observe teachers in the classroom, review student test data, and discuss the school staff’s curriculum. Based on their research, they may recommend changes in curriculums to the school board. Instructional coordinators may conduct training for teachers related to teaching or technology. For example, instructional coordinators explain new learning standards to teachers and demonstrate effective teaching methods to achieve them. |
Web Developers and Digital Designers | 73,760 | 8% | Web developers create and maintain websites. They are also responsible for the site’s technical aspects, such as its performance and capacity, which are measures of a website’s speed and how much traffic the site can handle. Besides, web developers may create content for the site. Digital designers develop, create, test website or interface layout, functions, and navigation for usability. They are responsible for the look and functionality of the website or interface. When creating a website, developers and designers must make their client’s vision a reality. They build different websites, such as e-commerce, news, or gaming sites, to fit clients’ needs. Different types of websites require different applications. For example, a gaming site should handle advanced graphics, whereas an e-commerce site would need a payment-processing application. The developer decides which applications and designs will best fit the site, and the designer focuses on the look and usability of these elements across browsers or devices. |
Special Education Teachers | 61,030 | 3% | Special education teachers work with students who have learning, mental, emotional, or physical disabilities. They adapt general education lessons and teach various subjects to students with mild to moderate disabilities. They also teach basic skills to students with severe disabilities. Special education teachers work with students from preschool to high school. They instruct students who have mental, emotional, physical, or learning disabilities. For example, some help students develop study skills, such as highlighting text and using flashcards. Others work with students who have physical disabilities and may use a wheelchair or other adaptive devices. Still, others work with students who have sensory disabilities, such as visual or hearing impairments. They also may work with those who have autism spectrum disorders or emotional disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Special education teachers work with general education teachers, specialists, administrators, and parents to develop IEPs. Students’ IEPs outline their goals, including academic or behavioral milestones and services they receive, such as speech therapy. Educators and parents also meet to discuss updates and changes to IEPs. |
Educators, in general, require a license to practice their craft. The licensing requirements vary by state. Here we will discuss one state example of licensing requirements. Generally, educators are typically given the below types of licenses, and they vary from state to state.
There are also certain certifications that one might take up, post online masters in educational technology. We will discuss them in a tabular form. The below two tables discusses the licenses and certifications for candidates with an online master’s in educational technology.
State | Licenses |
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State of Illinois | To serve as a teacher, school support personnel, or an administrator in the state of Illinois at a public or recognized non-public school, an individual must obtain a PEL. A PEL must be endorsed in one of the following areas.: •Teaching • School Support Personnel • Administrative • Testing Information |
State of Nevada | • Non-Renewable/Provisional – A non-renewable/provisional license is valid for three (3) years and issued to an educator who has certain deficiencies in coursework or testing but is otherwise qualified for licensure in Nevada. The deficiencies will appear as provisions on the license, which must be satisfied before or to the expiration date to upgrade the license to a standard or professional license. • Standard – A standard license may be issued to an educator who has met all licensure requirements in Nevada and does not hold a graduate degree. It is valid for five (5) years. • Professional – A professional license may be issued to an educator who has earned a master’s or more advanced degree or has earned National Board Certification, has at least three years of verifiable full-time teaching experience, and has met all other requirements for licensure. A professional license is valid for six (6) years with a master’s degree, eight years (8) with an Education Specialist degree, or up to ten years (10) with a doctorate. • Licenses for those that hold National Board Certification are good for the validity of the time on the Certificate itself. • Retiree – An educator who has retired with at least 15 years of service in Nevada public, charter, or private schools may be issued a retiree license. A retiree license is valid for ten (10) years. Documentation showing 15 years of service is required at the time of application for this type of licensure. |
State of Tennessee | The department works to issue licenses efficiently to Tennessee educators following legislative codes and state board rules and policies. The office of educator licensure and preparation is responsible for issuing all Tennessee educator licenses and approval of educator preparation programs. |
State of Ohio | The Ohio Department of Education issues one-year and five-year multi-age (PreK-12) substitute teaching licenses under Ohio law1 to applicants who meet qualifications and have been hired to serve in Ohio schools or districts. Schools, districts, and educational service centers may download and print the Substitute License Application Checklist to guide applicants through the substitute licensure process. |
Certification | University | Description |
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Non-degree Graduate Certificate in Educational Technology | Rutgers Graduate School of Education | This nine-credit online Graduate Certificate is available to students enrolled in master’s and doctoral programs in many fields at Rutgers and is open to all with a bachelor’s degree. The online certificate program is designed to prepare educators to integrate current and developing technologies into various educational environments effectively. It will serve a wide audience throughout New Jersey, thereby helping schools and workforce development systems keep pace with technological innovations. |
Educational Technology Specialist Certification | New York State Education Department | Educators that earn a New York State K-12 Teaching Certification as an Educational Technology Specialist will be equipped to integrate technology into the classroom to enhance instruction and improve student achievement. Educational Technology Specialists mentor K-12 teachers to learn to use and integrate technology into the classroom, design technology-infused curriculum and implement classroom projects in which technology is well-integrated. |
Graduate Certificate in Educational Technology | Michigan State University | The Graduate Certificate in Educational Technology is a transcribable credential that prepares educators who work with students in various educational settings to help students become powerful digital-age thinkers, makers, and problem solvers. |
Online Graduate Certificate in Educational Technology | LSU Online | Professionals in educational technology lead learning innovation by understanding the hardware, software, and educational theory used to facilitate learning and improve instruction. Help shape the future of learning and education with the Online Graduate Certificate in Educational Technology through LSU Online. Graduates from this program will learn workplace-relevant skills, such as identifying and implementing technology-enabled improvements in an organization and having the knowledge to understand the trends and best practices in leading education through digital technology. This graduate certificate opens the doors for a wide range of careers, including training and development specialist, instructional designer, chief learning officer, and curriculum development specialists. |
Educational Technology, Graduate Certificate | Northern Arizona University | As an educator, you must be prepared to meet student’s needs in a technologically advancing world. The Educational Technology Graduate Certificate is a good way to acquire or update online and online teaching and design skills. The required coursework is based on the National Education Technology Standards (NETS) set by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). Specifically, the Ed Tech graduate certificate meets the NETS for Technology Coaches (NETS-C). The Certificate in Educational Technology is available completely online. It can be embedded in the M.Ed. in Educational Technology programs become the subject matter for the M.Ed. in the Secondary Education program. |
Post a master’s in educational technology online, and educational technology professionals can further their careers with alliance and accreditation through professional organizations in education technology. International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) is one such professional organization.
These organizations help education professionals in the below ways:
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