Ed Tech Questions:
Q: What are the technological requirements for participating?
A: In addition to a confident level of computer literacy, certain technical requirements must be met to enable a successful experience. Technical requirements include but are not limited to a Pentium II processor or the equivalent; a 28.8K or faster modem (56K is recommended); 32 MB system RAM; 200 MB free hard disk space memory or sufficient storage; Internet access with Netscape 3.2 or better or MS Explorer 4.0 or better and CD-ROM capabilities. The individual professors will determine software applications and texts.
Q: What resources and activities will faculty use in the program to provide students with experiences that are comparable to residency programs?
A: Class sizes will be limited and courses are designed to enhance interaction between faculty and students. Chat rooms, audio conferencing, threaded discussions and e-mail will be used to facilitate discussions. Team projects will be used to help students share their experiences with each other as part of the learning process.
Q: Where can I get research materials, books and other tools for this degree?
A: The U.T. System Digital Library (accessible through the TeleCampus Library building) provides students with access to all of the digital library resources for each university. It includes an extensive listing of reference resources, databases, and news sources. Distance education students can purchase required books from several sources listed within the TeleCampus Student Services building. A Campus Enterprise Agreement has been established giving UT System students, faculty, and staff access to Microsoft's popular computer software, including operating systems, desktop productivity tools, and infrastructure server and messaging products. With this contract, every UT System student, faculty member, and staff employee will have access to the latest versions of this important suite of software, for use both on the campuses and in their homes.
Q: Do I have to go through the full admission process each time I take a course from one of the participating UT System institutions?
A: No, students enrolled in the Educational Technology Online program will use the UT System Inter-Institutional Admissions and Registration form. This form gives students a fast and easy way to by-pass the usual admission process.
Q: What types of courses can be used to fulfill the 12 hours of electives in the degree plan?
A: Students can either take Educational Technology Online electives or they can transfer credits from other universities (graduate advisor approval required). Students can use these electives to customize their degrees to meet personal and professional goals. Electives can be in subject areas other than educational technology, such as English, math or science.
Q: What are the time requirements for a course?
A: The online courses in this program will require approximately the same time as a traditionally offered course. Students should plan on committing approximately 10 hours per week. All courses will follow the regular semester schedule.
Q: What kind of certification will I receive?
A: Receiving an MEd in Educational Technology will NOT confer teacher certification to you from the State of Texas. To receive Texas Teacher Certification you must complete other requirements outside the scope of this program. The Texas Education Agency does provide an endorsement in Information Processing Technologies. The information processing technologies endorsement may be added to valid teacher certificates, special education certificates, or vocational education certificates that require a college degree. Some school districts require their teachers to be certified in information or communications technology in order to teach a technology-related course. This degree may satisfy the district's certification requirements. It is recommended that you consult with the school district's certification office to make sure that this degree does satisfy your district's specific requirements.
Q: Can courses from a previous Masters degree apply toward this degree?
A: You are allowed to transfer up to 9 semester hours from an existing Masters degree into the Educational Technology Masters Degree with approval from your advisor. These courses must have been taken within the past seven years in order to be considered and must come from an accredited university.
Q: What if I am not interested in pursuing a Masters Degree, must I still apply for admissions into the program and take the GRE?
A: You must still apply for admission into the graduate program but if you classify yourself as non-degreed, you are allowed to take up to 12 semester hours without being required to take the GRE or submitting the two letters of recommendation.
Questions about the UT TeleCampus
Q: What is the UT TeleCampus?
A: The UT TeleCampus is a support center for distance education and online degrees from the University of Texas System and its fifteen member institutions. TeleCampus-based courses and degree programs can be completed entirely at a distance and meet all of the same criteria as the onsite equivalent. Inside the TeleCampus website, you can access everything you need to participate in academic courses and programs including admission applications, registration information, virtual classrooms and academic resources such as the Digital Library.
Q: When did the UT TeleCampus open the first virtual classrooms?
A: In fall 1999. Learn more about the history of the UT TeleCampus.
Q: Does the UT TeleCampus confer degrees?
A: No. Upon successful completion of your degree/certification program, your diploma/certificate will be conferred by the University of Texas campus to which you were admitted.
Q: Are the UT TeleCampus programs accredited and considered "real degrees?"
A: All credits and degrees are awarded by the UT System universities. All of the UT System universities are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). The online faculty and degree programs meet the same SACS standards as in the traditional environment. Each program has an Academic Affairs Committee made up of faculty and administrators that oversees the quality of the courses and program policies.
Q: Do you have more questions?
A: If your questions have not been answered here, please call toll-free (888) TEXAS-16 between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. (CT), Monday through Friday or email us at telecampus@utsystem.edu.
