Education: Instructional Technology for Educators (Graduate Certificate)

The Program

The purpose of this 15-credit graduate certificate is to prepare in-service teachers to meet the National Technology Standards of the International Society for Technology and Performance Indicators for Teachers. Program courses fulfill the subject-matter requirements of the Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure (MTEL) in Instructional Technology and meet the standards stipulated by the Thoughtful and Responsive Educators Conceptual Framework which serves as a benchmark of success for all programs within the Graduate College of Education. Teachers who complete the program and are awarded the certificate have the knowledge and tools to demonstrate evidence of being thoughtful and responsive educators in the areas of commitments, understanding, and practice.

Students who complete the certificate will develop competence in the following areas:

1. Skillful use of technology tools for word processing, databases, spreadsheets, print/graphic utilities, multi- and hypermedia, presentations, video for the purpose of formal and informal assessment, instruction, administration, and professional and instructional use;
2. Skillful use of communications and research tools such as e-mail, World Wide Web, Web browsers, and other online applications that link to the state standards and requirements for professional and instructional use;
3. Ability to use criteria for selection, evaluation, and use of appropriate computer/technology-based materials to support a variety of instructional methods;
4. Understanding of ethical and social issues surrounding privacy, copyright, and crime relating to educational technology and resources;
5. Ability to use resources for adaptive/assistive devices that provide access for all students; and

Ability to use methods to support classroom teachers and other school personnel in improving student learning through appropriate use of technology in the classroom, including consultation techniques and professional development.

Degree Requirements

This certificate program includes five required courses for a total of 15 credits:

1. EDC G 610 (Computers, Technology and Education): an introduction to technology tools and integration of technology with the standards and curriculum;
2. EDC G 611 (Internet Application for Educators): teaching and learning with Internet resources;
3. EDC G 612 (Applications and Design of Educational Courseware): advanced application of technologies for teaching and learning;
4. SPE G 684 (Computers in Special Education): introduction to using computers in special education; and
5. EDC G 689 (Teacher Research): methodology and methods of teacher research, including the area of instructional technology.

Admission Requirements

Please see the general statement of admission requirements for all graduate programs in the “Admissions” section of this publication and the “Special Instructions for Applicants to Individual Programs” section at the back of this publication.

The program will recommend admission for those applicants who present evidence of their ability to do graduate work with distinction. The requirements and procedures for this application are as follows:

• Complete a Graduate Admissions Application package. Applications are available in the Graduate Studies Bulletin, online, or at the Graduate Admissions Office.
• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, both undergraduate and graduate.
• A distinguished undergraduate transcript, with a minimum overall GPA of 3.00.
• Three letters of recommendation submitted by persons who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s potential success both as a graduate student and as a teacher. One such letter should be from a college instructor under whom the applicant has studied. At least one other letter should be from a person who serves, or has served, in a supervisory capacity to the candidate.

Credit for up to two courses (6 credits) taken as a non-matriculated student may be counted toward the program, upon petition to the program director.

Faculty

Mary E Brady, PhD, Boston College • Curriculum Development • Professional Development in Special Education

Chenfeng Zhang (Certificate Program Director), PhD, University of Toledo

Courses

EDC G 610
Computers, Technology, and Education

This is an introduction to using computers and technology in education in responding to the ISTE National Technology Standards for Teachers and Students. The various uses of computers and K-12 educational applications in different content areas are examined. The Teaching for Understanding Framework is used as a guide for students to integrate technology into the curriculum. Students explore pedagogical and ethical issues that are raised by the use of computers and learn how to assess the appropriateness of the use of technology for different groups of students. Finally, the course looks at varied approaches in which technology may be used as a mindful tool to facilitate changes in the ways teachers teach and students learn. The course has a field component where students observe computers being used in the classroom.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

EDC G 611
Internet Application for Educators

This course will explore the use of online resources and tools in education. Special attention will be given to the integration of web resources with curriculum. Topics will include Internet search strategies, utilization of web resources, and development of instructional web sites, electronic portfolio assessments, and online instruction.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

EDC G 612
Applications and Design of Educational Courseware

This course provides participants with methods and strategies for designing educational courseware and other applications of advanced information technology.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

SPE G 684
Computers in Special Education

Universal Design for Learning is the model used for evaluating software and assessing school-specific and classroom-specific uses of technology to support the learning of students with special needs. The course focuses on curriculum applications of technology that can improve the learning opportunities for all students, especially those with special needs, and enhance their problem-solving capabilities, organization skills, and social competence. Attention is also given to adaptive computing technologies that help students compensate for visual, auditory, motor, and/or cognitive limitations.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

EDC G 689
Teacher Research

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the methodology and methods of teacher research. Teacher research is characterized by a careful documentation and analysis of teaching practice over time. Participants ask critical questions, analyze methods, and develop a teacher-research project.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits