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From gamified assignments to virtual reality simulations, technology has incredible potential to improve classroom engagement and learning retention. Yet, with all the tools out there, what do you choose — and how do you accurately evaluate its effectiveness?
Rather than spend the school year experimenting with different strategies, get clarity as you enhance your lesson plans with an educational specialist (EdSp) degree in learning technologies and design with an emphasis in technology in schools from the University of Missouri (Mizzou).
For master’s degree-holding teachers interested in upgrading their skills, this fully online program delves into all the ways technology enriches the learning process. At the same time, courses introduce broader learning design theories and their applications in education. You, as a result, get hands-on experience integrating technology into the classroom and understand how to select the appropriate interfaces for your students.
The School of Information Science and Learning Technologies (SISLT) is a proud member of iSchools, an international coalition of leading information schools.
Quick facts
Official name
Educational specialist in learning technologies and design with an emphasis in technology in schoolsCampus
Program type
Educational specialistAcademic home
College of Education & Human Development | School of Information Science and Learning TechnologiesDelivery mode
100% onlineAccreditation
Higher Learning CommissionCredit hours
30Estimated cost
$16,050.00*This cost is for illustrative purposes only. Your hours and costs will differ, depending on your transfer hours, your course choices and your academic progress. See more about tuition and financial aid.
Career prospects
The online educational specialist degree in technology in schools program encourages you to rethink how to teach and reach your students. Many use this information to meet students where they are in the classroom. Or they make the move to leadership, where you can they establish school- or district-wide technology plans.
Outside of education, knowledge of learning design and user experience also equips you to develop workplace training programs. To pivot fields, some embark on careers designing or assessing learning tools for government, health care, industry and corporate environments.
Based on your goals, this degree has potential benefits for:
- Elementary school teachers
- High school teachers
- Instructional coordinators
- Middle school teachers
Note: This program does not lead to initial teacher certification.
About the online EdSp in technology in schools
As an educator, you think about how you can foster interest in a subject area or break down more complex theories. Technology integration might be your answer.
No matter if you work with K–12 or college students, adopting these tools can make difficult concepts more digestible, help students better recall key information and create more accessible learning environments.
Considering these outcomes, the online EdSp in technology in schools program equips you to create your own instructional materials. You further get ready to assess and select interfaces and tools that support classroom or school-wide curricula. Through a customized plan of study, you:
- Explore the role of technology in the classroom and school, including how it assists with achieving specific learning goals
- Understand how to select, manage and incorporate technology into the classroom or school environment
- Prepare to develop strategies that align learning outcomes with technology integration
- Grow your knowledge of learning design, web development and user experience principles to improve your lesson plans, design your own learning tools and develop more equitable interfaces
- Evaluate the educational benefits and applications of virtual reality, multimedia, gaming and simulation tools
Program structure
The online EdSp in technology in schools program requires 30 credit hours. Students complete 13 credit hours of required courses and 17 credit hours of approved electives, designing a program of study around their interests and career goals. For focus, students are advised to concentrate on subjects in technology design and development or technology implementation.
In addition to course work, all candidates compile a portfolio showcasing their mastery of learning design and related technologies and how they support classrooms or achieve specific outcomes.
Delivery of this program is 100% percent online; no campus visits are required. Courses are semester-based. Students typically take one or two classes each semester. Full-time students finish in two years.
Course work covers
To expand your skill set and help you empower all learners, the program covers:
- Building strategies that advance teaching and learning through technology
- Using technology to support teaching and learning
- Planning, managing and integrating technology in an educational setting
- Promoting the effective use of technology throughout the curriculum
Review all requirements for the online EdSp in technology in schools.
Delivery
100% onlineCalendar system
Semester-basedTypical program length
2 years (full-time students)Typical course load
1 or 2 classes each semesterAccreditation
The University of Missouri is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, one of six regional institutional accreditors in the United States.
