Last Updated on April 28, 2023 by Uncle Pat Ugwu
In today’s ever-evolving world, technology has become an integral part of our daily lives. It has impacted almost every industry, including education. As more and more educational institutions are shifting towards digitalization, the demand for professionals with expertise in education technology is on the rise.
Pursuing an education technology degree can provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in this growing field. In this blog post, we’ll explore different offers for education technology degrees and how they can help you advance your career, the benefits of this degree program, and the various career paths available to graduates.
If you’re a teacher looking to incorporate technology into your classroom or a tech-savvy individual interested in education, join us as we explore the exciting possibilities of pursuing an educational technology degree.
What is Education Technology Degree?
An Education Technology degree is a program of study that focuses on the intersection of education and technology. This degree program is designed to prepare students for careers in educational technology, instructional design, and related fields.
Education Technology degrees can be offered at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. The coursework may cover a range of topics, including the use of technology in the classroom, online learning, educational software and applications, multimedia design, curriculum development, and instructional design.
Graduates with an Education Technology degree can pursue a variety of career paths, including instructional technology specialist, e-learning designer, instructional designer, curriculum developer, educational software developer, and online course developer. The degree provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to design, develop, and implement effective and engaging educational technology solutions.
We have a dedicated article on the concept of educational technology, it will help you to better understand this topic. Now, let’s look at some online courses on educational technology.
Educational Technology Courses Online
Let us now begin to list educational technology courses you can take online for free.
1. Instructional Design and Technology: Learning Theories
This course, offered by the University of Maryland Global Campus, focuses on the foundational principles of instructional design and learning theories. It covers topics such as behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism, and connectivism.
The course is ideal for anyone interested in developing a deeper understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of instructional design.
2. Learning to Teach Online
This course, offered by the University of New South Wales, explores the principles of effective online teaching and the use of technology to enhance learning. It covers topics such as online course design, student engagement, and assessment strategies.
The course is ideal for educators who are new to online teaching or who want to improve their online teaching skills.
3. Basics of Educational Technology
The Pat Ugwu Academy free course on educational technology intends to assist educators in conceptualizing what educational technology is and how to use it in their teaching methods. It covers a wide range of issues linked to educational technology, such as the fundamental terminologies, strategies, hardware, software, and tools, as well as the advantages and difficulties that may arise.
Both instructors who are new to using technology in the classroom and those who wish to improve their integration abilities are excellent candidates for this course.
There are many institutions that offer educational technology certification online and they are very recognized for their excellent services. Consider checking other online degrees in education which you may be interested in.
Master’s Degree in Educational Technology
Here are some of the best Master’s Degrees in educational technology.
1. Pennsylvania State University
Penn State World Campus is a top-tier online program that is routinely ranked among the top ten in the United States. A graduate degree in educational technology is highly recommended for educators who want to expand their knowledge of emerging technologies and how to incorporate them into the classroom.
A total of 33 credits are required for the program, which includes 15 foundational course credits, 12 advanced course credits, and six optional courses. Penn State is a good alternative for people wishing to advance their careers in educational technology.
2. Arizona State University
According to U.S. News & World Report, Arizona State University is a top-ranked public university for educators, with one of the greatest education programs in the country. The university’s online education program is also reasonably priced and follows a flexible academic schedule, with three enrollment periods available throughout the year.
The educational technology degree involves 33 courses and includes an emphasis on gifted instruction, preparing educators to integrate technology into their curriculum while also meeting the requirements of advanced and special education students.
3. Colorado State University, Global Campus
CSU-Global is a well-known online institution that places a strong emphasis on giving students from all backgrounds access to high-quality education. Their unique M.Sc. in educational technology program is intended to provide students with the knowledge and abilities they need to update classroom curricula with the use of interactive media, internet resources, and mobile devices.
The program’s core and elective courses, which cover a variety of themes relating to educational reform, are inexpensive for both in-state and out-of-state students. Graduates of this program, which places a heavy focus on educational technology, will be well-equipped to adapt conventional teaching strategies and provide dynamic, engaging learning experiences that match the demands of modern students.
4. Indiana University
The University of Indiana at Bloomington is not only a top public university in Indiana but also offers one of the best online graduate programs in education. Their educational technology program emphasizes instructional design, mobile technology, and ethical technology use in today’s classrooms and school administrative offices. Moreover, Indiana’s online program distinguishes itself from others by requiring core courses in traditional IT, providing educators with a comprehensive understanding of technology.
Indiana University is widely recognized as one of the best public universities in America and consistently ranks among the top national universities. Their online graduate programs in education are ranked in the top 50 nationwide, making Indiana University a highly prestigious choice for educators seeking to advance their careers in education.
5. George Washington University
George Washington University, a top private school in Washington D.C., offers educators access to 100 research centers across various fields. It is highly regarded as a leading research institution and ranks among the top national universities with one of the best online graduate and undergraduate programs in the nation.
Their online educational technology for master’s programs prepares graduates to excel as teachers, instructional designers, and online instructors for “cyber schools.” This 36-credit program offers advanced coursework and an affordable tuition rate, making it an excellent opportunity for educators seeking to advance their careers in education.
6. University of Florida
The University of Florida considered the flagship public university in Florida, holds the distinction of being a land-grant, sea-grant, and space-grant institution. It ranks among the top 50 national universities, top public universities, and best schools for online education in the United States, according to U.S. News and World Report.
UF’s graduate program in educational technology emphasizes distance education, high-tech instruction, and online community building. The school offers both in-state and out-of-state tuition rates, making it an ideal choice for Florida residents seeking to further their education.
7. Michigan State University
Michigan State University, a flagship public institution in the Midwest, offers the 11th-best online graduate education degrees in the United States, according to recent rankings. It is also among the top 100 national and public universities with an affordable graduate tuition rate of $990 per credit. Known for its academic rigor and athletic achievements, the university provides students with excellent academic prestige and networking opportunities.
Michigan State offers a variety of 10 online graduate degrees in education, including a Master of Arts in educational technology that emphasizes the application of technology to math, reading, writing, and science. The program includes courses on applied technology instruction, technology advocacy, and privacy and security in schools. Educators can gain valuable skills and knowledge to advocate for technology use and utilize technologies properly to benefit students.
Final Thoughts
Pursuing a degree in educational technology can be a wise decision for educators who want to incorporate technology into their teaching and advance their careers in education. As the use of technology in classrooms grows, finishing such a degree can offer graduates the experience and abilities needed to plan, implement, and evaluate technology-integrated teaching.
