Online Educational Technology Degree Programs by Program Level

Online degree programs in educational technology prepare students to pursue careers as educational specialists, instructional designers or instructional coordinators. Online programs are offered at both the master's and doctoral degree levels.

Overview of an Online Master's Degree in Educational Technology

An online master's degree program in educational technology focuses on the theory, application and research of technology use in a classroom or other instructional setting. Students gain an in-depth understanding of the many uses of technology and how it can enhance the learning experience. A bachelor's degree in education or related field is required and most programs encourage students to have some related professional experience. Other programs may require that students have an active teaching license.

Program Information

Online master's degree programs in educational technology are usually comprised of about 30 credit hours of focused instruction. Most programs can be completed entirely online. Students can expect to devote about two years of study to complete this degree.
These programs make use of course management software, like Blackboard or WebCT. Students communicate with faculty and students via e-mail, online discussion boards and occasionally through live chat sessions. Some courses may have additional technology requirements. For example, a course in multimedia development may require graphic design software programs.

Common Online Coursework for an Online Master's Degree in Educational Technology

The courses in this degree program focus on the use of instructional technology. The course content helps students to develop the skills and knowledge needed to serve as directors or facilitators of educational technology.

Instructional Design Course

This online course provides a survey of instructional theories and their methods. Topics of study include systematic design, cognitive task analysis and instructional goal development.

Evaluating Trends in Educational Technology Course

In this course, students examine past and current trends in the use of technology in the classroom. They learn how to identify strategies for evaluating technology's effectiveness and analyze the usefulness of current technologies. Students also investigate the philosophical basis of technology-supported learning environments.

Leadership and Educational Technology Course

Students in this course learn the concepts and strategies needed to assume leadership roles in the application and integration of technology and learning. Students study leadership styles, strategic planning techniques and educational technology policy issues.

Career Information

Graduates are prepared for careers as instructional technologists, educational specialists and consultants in educational computing. A common career path includes becoming an instructional coordinator that specializes in monitoring and introducing new technology in order to improve the quality of a school's curriculum.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projected that employment of instructional coordinators would grow by 23% between 2008 and 2018 (www.bls.gov). The BLS reported that as of May 2009 instructional coordinators earned an average yearly salary of $58,780.

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Overview of an Online Doctor of Education in Educational Technology

An online doctoral degree program in educational technology prepares students to work on the forefront of educational and technological innovation. Students are presented with advanced learning theories as they relate to curriculum design, the use of technology in instruction and distance-based learning. Applicants are required to have a master's degree in educational technology or a closely related field.

Program Information

This type of degree is most often available in a hybrid format through a mixture of online courses and face-to-face instruction. Depending on the program, students may be asked to attend on-campus classroom exercises or seminars once or twice a year. Completion of a dissertation based on original research is a major component of the degree program. This type of hybrid program can usually be completed in as little as three years. The majority of course materials are presented through real-time virtual chat sessions, newsgroups and streaming videos.

Common Online Coursework Required for an Online Doctor of Education in Educational Technology

Designing Technology-Rich Curricula Course

This course focuses on curriculum design and how technology is best used to enhance students' learning experience. Students in this class develop a deep understanding of instructional strategies, curriculum design, technology and assessment.

Using the Internet in Teaching Course

Students in this online class examine the educational uses of a variety of online tools, including social media applications, weblogs, wikis, RSS feeds and more. Students will learn how these tools can both enhance and hinder a student's learning experience.

Theoretical Foundations of Educational Technology Course

This course provides an overview of both classic and contemporary theories of education and the applications of technology. Emerging trends and their influences on current practice are discussed.

Career Information

Graduates with a Doctor of Education in Educational Technology degree can find employment opportunities with K-12 school systems, universities, nonprofit agencies, educational consulting firms and corporate training organizations. Instructional coordinators with an advanced degree can find higher paying positions in the upper levels of management or administration. The BLS reported that top 10% of professionals in the field earned an annual average salary of $93,340.