MSET Program Overview

The Masters of Science in Education in Educational Technology (MSET) is an instructional technology program designed to meet the rapidly increasing demand for educators who are trained to integrate computer technologies into the curriculum and instruction. As computers and technology have become a significant part of the teaching and learning process, addressing the information needs of teachers and technology support personnel has become the key to integrating technology into classroom and increasing student learning. The primary emphasis of the master's program is to prepare educators so that they can create learning environments that effectively integrate computers into the teaching and learning process.

Goals and Objectives

Graduates of the program will:

• understand the capabilities of the computer, its impact on education, business, industry and government; and will be able to adapt to, understand, evaluate, and make use of new and emerging innovations in computer and information technology;

• be proficient in the use and application of computer software;

• be proficient with a programming language;

• use systematic problem-solving and research-based human/computer interaction practices in the development of computer-assisted instructional programs;

• develop the skills needed to maintain computer programs, computer systems and networks;

• be aware of professional organizations in the field of computer education and technology and their impact on the field of education;

• be aware of current trends and issues in computer education, distance education, electronic communications, computer hardware and software;

• use telecommunications-based tools to integrate information into the classroom and the curriculum;

• be proficient in finding, evaluating, and using current educational research to support continuous improvement in their profession;

• manage instructional, computer technology systems;

• apply learning theory and the principles of instructional design in curricular and instructional decision-making;

• integrate computer software, authoring tools, programming languages, the Internet, and multimedia into curriculum design and instruction;

• demonstrate proficiency using computers and related technologies in instruction;

• demonstrate proficiency in teaching and assessing others in the use of computers and related technologies in a variety of educational settings.

The MSET degree is an advanced degree designed to equip educators to be:

• leaders in educational technology;

• current in teaching and learning processes and practices;

• current in research technologies and instructional programming skills;

• knowledgeable of emerging technologies; and

• knowledgeable of current, technology-based educational tools and products.

Specifically by the end of the program MSET graduates will understand the capabilities of the computer (in all its forms) and its potential impact upon education. They will be proficient in an instructional programming language and in the use and application of computer software and will be able to demonstrate proficiency in using computers and related technologies to improve their own and their students' learning needs.

The program integrates a highly technological environment with a project-based curriculum. Its focus is supported by an institutionally systemic belief that there is a substantial role for technology in teaching and learning in all educational environments.