Mar 28, 2024  
2005-2006 School of Graduate and Professional Studies Catalog 
    
2005-2006 School of Graduate and Professional Studies Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Instructional Technology - Professional Licensure


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The 36-credit Appropriate Master Degree in Instructional Technology prepares educators who already possess an initial license in the field with a program of study that prepares them to be eligible for the professional licensure in the state of Massachusetts. The Appropriate Master Degree offers advanced level subject matter and pedagogy in areas such as distance learning, knowledge management, E-Books, media literacy, and video, as well as the social and ethical issues of technology, and the ways that parents, teachers, and the community play in instructional technology. In addition, students learn about core areas of the education field through in-depth examination of research methods, policy analysis, leadership, the social history of American education, and the foundations of student aspirations. Preparing practicing teachers to build a deeper understanding of the subject they teach, the Appropriate Master Degree also provides educators with the opportunity to better understand the trends in twenty-first century American education that impact their students, schools, and lives as teachers.

Pre-requisite: Possession of an Initial License in Instructional Technology

General Information Instructional Technology


The graduate programs in Instructional Technology are based on the belief that teachers need to stay current with, and learn to use and integrate effectively, today’s instructional technology into their curriculum and the classroom environment. The programs are designed to lead to Massachusetts State Licensure as an Instructional Technology Specialist. The curricula help the students develop the following competencies for the Instructional Technology Specialist:
  • Proficiency in the use of technology tools for professional and instructional purposes, such as word processing, database, spreadsheet, telecommunication, print/graphic utilities, multi- and hyper-medias, presentation tools, and assessment tools.
  • Selection, evaluation, and the use of appropriate computer/technology based materials the instructional process.
  • Proficiency in the use of communications and research tools such as email, World Wide Web, web browsers, and other online applications that link to state standards and requirements, for professional and instructional use.
  • Integration of the computer technology-based materials (such as video, computers, hypermedia, multimedia, telecommunications, and distance learning) into the curriculum emphasizing problem solving, critical thinking, information management, and communication skills.
  • Integrating effective uses of adaptive/assistive technological devices that address a variety of learning styles.
  • Familiarity with hardware configurations, operating systems, compatibility issues, peripheral technology, use of networks, and information access.
  • Knowledge of computer authoring systems, and/or a programming language.
  • Familiarity with equity/ ethical, legal, and social issues of technology use in education

Specific Admission Requirements


  • application form and fee;
  • statement of professional goals;
  • official transcripts of all academic work (at a minimum a Bachelor degree);
  • two letters of recommendation;
  • copy of all Massachusetts Initial License in Instructional Technology (All grades);
  • official score on either the Miller’s Analogy or GRE.

Comprehensive Examination


Total Degree Requirements - Credits: 36


Completion of the Program


To successfully exit from the appropriate Master Degree program, students must successfully complete all of the required courses and, where relevant, the required field work and the comprehensive examination.

Eligibility for Professional License


According to DOE regulations, a Professional License is granted to individuals who posses an initial license, have completed an appropriate Master degree in an education school, have completed one-year induction program with a mentor, and have completed at least three years of employment in the role of the license. Students completing the master’s degree who have not met the other requirements for the Professional License, including a one-year induction program with a mentor, and at least three years of employment in the role of the license, i.e., as an instructional technology specialist, will be advised to apply for the Professional License when they have met these requirements. Students who have met the induction and employment requirements will be advised to apply for their professional license with the Department of Education after completion of the program.

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