Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in Educational Technology

Contents

Courses

EDUC 7001 Foundations: Ed.S. in Educational Technology (2 cr.)This course introduces students to Walden University and to the requirements for successful participation in an online curriculum. It provides a foundation for academic and professional success as a scholar-practitioner and social change agent. Course assignments focus on practical application of writing and critical-thinking skills and promote professional and academic excellence.

EDUC 7100 Evolution of Educational Technology in Society, Education, and the Workplace (4 cr.)The history and evolution of educational technology as a field of study will be explored, both before and following the emergence of computers and cyberspace technology. A focus on the evolution of learning from the agricultural, industrial, and information ages and beyond will provide a framework for the course.

EDUC 7101 Diffusion and Integration of Technology in Education (4 cr.)Social and systemic change resulting from the integration and adoption of technological innovations will be the focus of this course. Learners will explore Rogers’ diffusion of innovations theory, and the research that shows best practices for integrating technology in the workplace/education, to find ways to be a catalyst for change. Strategies for overcoming resistance and barriers to change will be analyzed.

EDUC 7102 Principles of Distance Education (4 cr.)Different theories, paradigms, and the history of distance education will be explored. Learners critique current research and assess online learning programs including hybrid and fully online delivery. Accessibility issues, open source, best practices to facilitate learning, global trends, and the move from elite to mass higher education will be analyzed. Synchronous versus asynchronous platforms will be contrasted.

EDUC 7103 Leading and Managing Educational Technology (4 cr.)Learners explore issues that deal with leadership regarding the integration of technology in business and in education at any level: K–12 schools, community colleges, teacher education, or higher education. Areas such as leadership, strategic planning, systems acquisition, coordination, implementation, the impact of managing technology with its implications for teaching and learning, and administrative functions will be explored. Policies that have an impact on human resource development, staff development, information access, security, management control, and evaluation will also be discussed in this course.

EDUC 7104 Designing Instruction for Distance Education (4 cr.)The focus of this course is the design and delivery of distance education, with an emphasis on the development, field testing, and revision of a web-based unit. Among the topics included are learning styles, learning theory, engaging instructional electronic strategies, social networking and collaborative groups, assessment, global perspectives, and diversity. Learners will analyze effective online educational experiences from education and the workplace.

EDUC 7105 Learning Theory and Educational Technology (4 cr.)Learners extend their knowledge of learning theory to the application of educational technology as they explore ways to translate theory to practice. Instructional interventions and their potential improvement through the application of technology will be explored. How technology facilitates learning will be explored using the theories of multiple intelligences, constructivism, computers as mind tools, brain-based learning, connectivism, and the conceptual age. Learners should bring to this course a basic comprehension of behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructivism from their master’s program.

EDUC 7106 Technology Integration and Curriculum (4 cr.)This course focuses on integrating technology in the K–12 curriculum by exploring effective use of technology to facilitate learning across the content areas. Learners will explore best practices related to the design and implementation of technology-infused projects that meet specific curricular standards. Areas such as technology literacy, technology for assessment purposes, and the use of technology to make interdisciplinary connections will be analyzed.

EDUC 7107 Multimedia Technology to Facilitate Learning (4 cr.)Strategies for facilitating learning through the use of technology will be explored in this course, including electronic and multimedia presentation of materials and curriculum design. Learners will design learning materials based on principles of universal design utilizing electronic materials.

EDUC 7108 Emerging and Future Technologies (4 cr.)The emergence of new technologies in the information age and beyond is dramatically changing the way people teach and learn in K–12 education, higher education, and corporations. Learners will explore new scholarship, collaborative tools, social networking, wireless and mobile technologies, creative commons, fair use, user-created content, and virtual worlds to become leaders in helping to diffuse these innovations. Projections regarding future technological movements will be explored to conceive a world where technology is a seamless aspect of learning and work.

EDUC 7109 Diverse Learners and Technology (4 cr.)This course examines the use of technology in K–12 education to bridge the achievement gap for students from culturally, economically, and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Topics include the use of technology to meet varying ability levels, the use of assistive technologies to foster learning in students with special needs, and the use of technology as a tool to engage and motivate gifted students.

EDUC 7900 Capstone (4 cr.)The capstone concludes the program by providing a practical application of students’ learning. Working in a consultative role as an educational technology professional, the student will engage in a real-world problem-solving project within their work environment. This capstone also provides the opportunity for students to formulate a personal philosophy concerning the role of technology in education.

Accreditation

Walden is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, www.ncahlc.org. The North Central Association is one of the six regional accrediting associations recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).