Instructional Design, Development and Evaluation
Instructional Technology - Educational Technology Specialist PreK-12
Program Overview
The MS program in Instructional Technology is offered through Syracuse University, the School of Education and Instructional Design, Development and Evaluation (IDD&E) program. The Masters of Science in Instructional Technology is designed to prepare teachers to understand and implement traditional and emerging information and communication technologies into educational settings. Classroom teachers who aspire to develop technology enhanced classroom environments for students as well as facilitate technology integration at the building and district levels can fill positions with titles such as:
- Educational Technology Specialist
- Elementary and Secondary Technology Instructional Specialists
- Building Technology Facilitator
- Teacher Integration Specialist
- Computer Resource Teacher
Job titles, positions and salaries vary by district.
The program is built on core strengths in instructional science, technology integration/enhancement practices and scholarship. It serves those who want to:
- deepen their understanding and integration of technologies into learning activities
- enhance teaching practices
- advance professional practice as a resource for the use of instructional technologies
Candidates who complete this program will achieve the following objectives:
- Demonstrate enhanced teaching practices using appropriate technologies to support pedagogical approaches.
- Integrate technology effectively and efficiently into student learning activities.
- Use appropriate technologies to plan instruction, manage classroom activities, support student engagement in learning, and assess student achievement.
- Model effective technology leadership skills such that colleagues and school organizations will seek their input into strategies and plans designed to enhance uses of technology for teaching, student learning, assisting special needs learners, instructional product development, and delivery systems for instruction and assessment.
- Provide leadership in transforming educational practice with technology as it relates to the PreK-12 educational environment.
- Be versed in their own emerging practical theories of learning and teaching, professional development, and technology use and integration.
The Instructional Technology program is composed of courses designed to accommodate the working professional and include evening and summer sessions. The IT courses include on-site (mainly on SU campus), blended and pure online offerings. All IT courses are scheduled within a two-year period for the full-time student to complete the program in 18 to 24 months, the part-time student can complete the program within the New York State timeframe for achieving Professional certification.
Quote from IDD&E graduate:
"I chose to pursue a Masters Degree in IDD&E because I wanted to become an Instructional Specialist within the school district. The Digital Media Production, Message Design for Digital Media, and specifically Computers as Critical Thinking Tools courses really made me look at how I was using technology in my own classroom. The program really made me grow as a teacher in the English classroom and it has helped me excel in my current position as a Secondary Instructional Specialist. The professors are outstanding and really care about their students. You really feel as though you are a person who is actually acknowledged versus just another face in the crowd." Melissa Julian, MS '04, Secondary Instructional Specialist, Baldwinsville Central School District, Baldwinsville, NY