Specialist Program Details

18 months | Credit Hours: 27

The purpose of the Ed.S. program in Instructional Technology is to provide superior student-focused education that is personally relevant and intellectually challenging. The program is committed to the following areas of excellence:

Preparing progressive, innovative, academically grounded instructional technology leaders;
Enabling teachers and school library media specialists to successfully integrate technology into their learning environments to support student learning;
Building and enhancing skills in research and program evaluation to support instructional growth and improvement;
Pioneering innovative delivery options to maximize educational experiences;
Cultivating diversity of ideas, values, and persons responsive to changing needs and technologies; and
Promoting the advancement of learning through scholarship and service.

Overview
Cost
Courses
Faculty
Admissions
Dates
Objectives

Program Description

Students must have a Master's degree for admittance into the program. A teaching certificate is not required for this program. The program consists of 6 hours of required and 12 hours of elective coursework in media and instructional technology, 6 hours of research and program evaluation, and 3 hours of educational psychology. Students entering with T-5 or S-5 certification will exit with T-6 or S-6 certification in their existing certification fields.

Coursework completion is possible in 18 months. Degrees are conferred in May, August and December. Students in this program also have the option to complete additional coursework to be eligible for verification in School Library Media. See Add-On and Inital Certfication in School Library Media tab for more information. Specific coursework determined collaboratively between the student and advisor.

The Department of Educational Technology and Foundations website includes a program handbook, directory of instructors and their credentials, as well as other vital information.

Contacts

Dr. Linda Haynes (Professor) lhaynes@westga.edu 678-839-6150

June Barry(Pre-enrollment contact) jbarry@westga.edu 678-839-5259

Method of Delivery

Coursework is available 100% online; required orientation is also held online.

Accreditation

SACS

Credit & Transfer

Total semester hours required to earn a degree: 27
Maximum Hours Transferable into program: 0

Tuition & Fees

Save money.

Online courses and programs can mean a huge cost-savings in many ways. No more high gas charges. No childcare needed. The flexibility can allow one to maintain a job while attending school. Out-of-state students are not charged non-resident tuition rates.

Earn more.

The completion of an accredited online degree also increases your earning potential.

The bottom line - value.

Our online courses are as affordable as you will find among accredited schools.

For the most up-to-date and accurate cost information, see the Bursar's Office website at http://www.westga.edu/bursar/. (Fully online courses appear as NET charges on the bottom of the Bursar's spreadsheets.)

Financial Help

Graduates:
A variety of financial assistance options for Graduate students, including scholarships and fellowships. See http://www.westga.edu/financialAid/index_2772.php

Veterans:
Many options are available to help qualified veterans and in some cases their families. See
http://www.westga.edu/financialAid/index_2941.php

Coursework

The program consists of 6 hours of required and 12 hours of elective coursework in media and instructional technology, 6 hours of research and program evaluation, and 3 hours of educational psychology. Students entering with T-5 or S-5 certification will exit with T-6 or S-6 certification in their existing certification fields.

All required courses for the Ed.S. in Instructional Technology will be offered during the next year.

Of the 7000 level courses listed below, students only need choose 4 as their electives.

Up-to-date Program Sheets detailing programs of study are here. Always consult with an advisor before selecting courses.

Lifespan Human Development - CEPD-8102
Complete: 8 - 15 Weeks | Credit hours: 3.0

Description: This graduate course is a study of human growth and development from birth through aging and death. The course focuses on areas of physical, cognitive, social, personality, and emotional development as a series of progressive changes resulting from the biological being's interactions with the environment. Special emphasis is placed on the development characteristics of school age youth within a multicultural and diverse society.

Instructional Design - MEDT-7461
Complete: 8 - 15 Weeks | Credit hours: 3.0

Description: The course provides an overview of systematic approaches to instructional planning, development, and evaluation.

Digital Resources for Teaching and Learning - MEDT-7465
Complete: 8 - 15 Weeks | Credit hours: 3.0

Description: An overview of current digital resources (tools, applications, etc.) to support the teaching and learning of children and young adults in diverse classrooms. Non-fiction and digital resources are included. Students will design, develop, and produce digital resources appropriate to their situation.

Digital Photography in Instruction - MEDT-7466
Complete: 8 - 15 Weeks | Credit hours: 3.0

Description: An exploration of the principles of photography including the elements of light, subject, camera, and composition. Instructional applications of digital photography in the workplace and instructional settings, shooting high-quality digital photographs, and how to enhance digital photographs are covered.

Web Design for Instruction - MEDT-7467
Complete: 8 - 15 Weeks | Credit hours: 3.0

Description: Enrollment requires completion of MEDT 6401 or instructor¿s permission. Intermediate level course on design, development and formative evaluation of we-based instructional systems. Web page design strategies based on research on effective practice are emphasized. Students use software development tools to create and evaluate interactive lessons including strategies for assessing learning achievement.

Instructional Multimedia Design and Development - MEDT-7468
Complete: 8 - 15 Weeks | Credit hours: 3.0

Description: This is a survey course focused on basic elements and technical aspects of multimedia design and development to support teaching and learning in diverse classrooms. Included are selection of hardware and software, design principles, hands-on production, classroom applications, and discussion of issues and useful digital and web-based resources.

Digital Media Production and Utilization - MEDT-7470
Complete: 8 - 15 Weeks | Credit hours: 3.0

Description: An advanced course in the design and production of digital media and instructional materials. Classroom utilization of digital media will be included.

Data Networks for Instruction - MEDT-7471
Complete: 8 - 15 Weeks | Credit hours: 3.0

Description: Enrollment requires completion of MEDT 6401 or instructor¿s permission. The design and development of data networks for instructional settings will be covered. In addition to current trends and issues, students will also explore how to use data networks for a variety of instructional contexts and how to perform basic network trouble shooting and repair.

Introduction to Distance Learning - MEDT-7472
Complete: 8 - 15 Weeks | Credit hours: 3.0

Description: This course is a general introduction to conceptual, theoretical, and practical ideas concerning distance education, including the current status of distance learning and its impact on education. Students will become conversant in the terminology of the field of distance education, review its history, conduct research on specific areas of practice, investigate instructional and learning design strategies, explore the technologies commonly used, and understand the unique roles and responsibilities of the distance learner and the distance instructor.

The Distance Education Professional - MEDT-7475
Complete: 8 - 15 Weeks | Credit hours: 3.0

Description: This course focuses on current issues and challenges for the distance education professional. Students will be prepared to assume the role of an e-learning teacher and professional through the study of distance education research as well as the analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation of e-learning environments. Students will examine the management of e-learning initiatives including cultural impact; budget, technological and managerial requirements; quality support; policy issues; development of e-learning materials; facilitating instruction and interaction; and other areas of professional development and training.

Diffusion of Innovations - MEDT-8461
Complete: 8 - 15 Weeks | Credit hours: 3.0

Description: This course will study effective communication skills, group dynamics, time management, and facilities planning with special emphasis on applying these skills to facilitate the integration of newer technologies into school library media centers and classrooms.

Issues in Instructional Technology - MEDT-8463
Complete: 8 - 15 Weeks | Credit hours: 3.0

Description: Advanced topics in the theory, selection, production, and utilization of technology-based instructional materials will be examined, and issues, trends and problems in instruction technology will be emphasized.

Program Evaluation - MEDT-8480
Complete: 8 - 15 Weeks | Credit hours: 3.0

Description: This course is designed to prepare students to effectively and efficiently participate in program evaluation at the school sites Students are expected to evaluate efficacy of existing programs and/or the appropriateness of programs being considered for implementation.

Resrch Media & Instuct Tech - MEDT-8484
Complete: 8 - 15 Weeks | Credit hours: 3.0

Description: This course provides an overview of research on media and instructional technology. Because the course addresses both theoretical and practical dimensions of research on media and instructional technology, students will study exemplary research studies through printed and digital materials.

Faculty

This describes the general information about faculty for this program.

Guidelines for Admittance

All graduate applicants must complete the online Grad Application. A one-time application fee of $40 is required.
Applicants should also review the Graduate Studies Website for individual program specific requirements and tasks that must be completed prior to admission. See Graduate Studies Application Process.
International applicants are subject to additional requirements and application deadlines. See Procedures for International Students.
Official transcripts from a regionally or nationally accredited institution are required and should be sent directly to the UWG Admissions Office.

Program-specific Admittance Guidelines

Students must hold a master's degree from a regionally accredited institution to be admitted to the program.
A teaching certificate is not required for this program.
GPA of 2.7 on most recent degree.

Application Deadlines

General admissions deadlines are typically:

Fall - June 1
Spring - Nov 15
Summer - May 15

* Application, app fee, and document deadline; Dates may vary for Readmit, Transfer, and Transient students.

See The Scoop for more specific deadlines: http://www.westga.edu/registrar/766.php

Specific graduate deadlines are listed here: http://www.westga.edu/gradstudies/important-dates.php

Admission Process Checklist

The Graduate Studies Application Process checklist is available here: http://www.westga.edu/gradstudies/apply-now.php

One exception: If you will not ever be travelling to a UWG campus or site, you may apply for an Immunization Exemption. Contact the Immunization Clerk with your request.

Contact

College of Education Office of Graduate Studies Phone: 678-839-5430 or Fax: 678-839-6174 Email:cberry@westga.edu