Why Educational Technology?
or,
Is This the Degree for Me?
There are, perhaps, two questions you may want to ask yourself if you're considering whether an M.Ed. in educational technology is appropriate for your future. Those two questions could be:
- "What am I doing now in my profession that would be significantly enhanced by my being able to more effectively utilize instructional (or educational) technology?"
- "What do I plan to be doing in the future that would warrant the investment of my time and finances into obtaining an M.Ed in educational technology?"
In responding to question #1 or question #2, if either your current job performance or future plans don't seem to necessitate a better grasp at using technology in instructional situations, then this may not be the degree you need. If, however, what you're doing now, or planning to do in the future, would most likely be significantly enhanced by your being able to effectively use instructional technologies, then we may be offering a degree that will suit your professional plans and interests.
The instructors, designers, administrators and support staff who are involved in providing this online degree see a huge need for more professionals in both the private and public sectors who can, quite simply, offer better instruction by effectively using technology. We see a need for people who have the skills and conceptual background in technologies in instruction that can meet a variety of instructional needs. We see that need for well-trained instructional designers, technology facilitators, etc. as continuing to grow as technologies dedicated to instruction continue to become ubiquitous in both school campuses and work places.
By example, if you're currently involved in any type of training for your organization, you might ask yourself, "How could the people with whom I'm working be better served? How can I design and build a better "instructional mouse trap"? If you're involved in K--12 education, you may ask yourself, "How can my students receive better instruction? How can I better utilize the increasing amounts of technology being placed on my campus?" If you're working with faculty in K--12 or higher education, you may ask yourself, "How can the professional development of the faculty or staff be significantly increased by effective uses of instructional technologies? How do I get people to actually 'work smarter, not harder'?"
Please feel free to initiate a dialogue through the link provided on "Contact Us" if you have questions if this is the degree for you. We don't claim to have all the answers. We do claim to be offer as much support and guidance as possible. Thank you for your interest.
The following questions will help you decide if Educational Technology is a good choice for you. Read the questions below and make a note of how many questions you answered yes to.
- Do you have experience using a computer for word processing and e-mail?
- Do you currently have an e-mail address, or will be able to get one before?
- Do you know how to locate information sources on the World Wide Web?
- Are you comfortable asking for help when you need it?
- Can you meet deadlines and keep track of assignments?
- Do you have the self-discipline to keep up with assignments without face-to-face interaction with an instructor and other students?
- Are you willing to spend as much time on a distance education class as you would in a traditional class?
- Are you willing to make time for study away from family, friends, work and other distracting factors?
If you answered no to more than three of these questions, you should talk to the instructor or an academic advisor prior to registering for the class.
