Courses
MSTU 4000
Required for incoming students in the first semester for 1 credit. Discussion of critical issues; reading of key works; development of project in Communication, Media, and Learning Technologies Design; presentation of work in progress; conversations with leaders in the field.
MSTU 4001 Technology and school change
This course explores how technology is currently used in our schools and how technology can be used more effectively as a catalyst for larger school reform efforts. Participants will examine some of the institutional forces shaping the integration of technology into our schools and some of the institutional change theories that influence these forces to address the question: What can technology contribute to school improvement and how can we facilitate those changes?
MSTU 4005 Equit, Eth, & Soc Iss/Edu Tech
Addresses a wide range of issues concerning equity and access, including differential gender, racial, and ethnic uses of computers. Examines legal and ethical issues in students' use of technology with an emphasis on improving access and use of technology for all students.
MSTU 4010 Theories of communication
A multidisciplinary interrogation and consideration of contemporary perspectives on communication. Throughout the course students cultivate perspectives and approaches to theorizing systems of communication, and learn to build theoretical models. Students will build and present a theoretical model of an area of communication that has high pertinence to their personal, professional or academic interests. Topics include: definitions, models and theories of communication, information theory, cross-cultural communication, interpersonal communication, and the nature and consequences of mass communication within civilization.
MSTU 4012 Video as art: An exploration
This course will take an aesthetic approach to the exploration of emerging forms of video, including anime, music videos, do-it-yourself video, video sharing websites, and more. Students will be engaged in video production throughout the course.
MSTU 4016 The history of communication
A comprehensive survey of the history of communication, tracing the development of the dominant modes of transmitting knowledge from speaking to writing, from printing to the electronic media.
MSTU 4020 Social and communicative aspects of the Internet
Examines social communicative practices as synergistic; how space, time, and social networks evolve and interact; and what this implies for the design and use of technology.
MSTU 4022 Online learning, online communities, and collaborative interchange
Introduction to the use and educational implications of online learning, online communities, and the collaborative interchange and activities that take place using information and communication technologies (ICT).
MSTU 4023 Cinema as cross-cultural communication
Analyzes how films explore culture. Discussion of the film as well as the cultural messages portrayed.
MSTU 4024 Visual media and the development of youth
This course brings a sociocultural lens to issues related to youth (including children and adolescents) and the evolving terrain of visual media. Students will review research and theories and experiment with media production in this course. No prior media production experience is necessary.
MSTU 4028 Technology and Culture
This course examines the relationship between technology, culture and society, with a particular emphasis on new and emerging media. Course readings include sources both popular and academic, theoretical and empirical, contemporary and non-contemporary, optimistic and skeptical, thus representing a wide variety of perspectives regarding the relationship between technology and culture.
MSTU 4029 Managing educational technology resources
For educators involved in the planning, implementation, and maintenance at the building/campus level. Students learn how to apply educational technology to achieve educational objectives and to manage interpersonal relations in the process.
MSTU 4036 Hypermedia and education
Introduction to hypermedia products and programming and their role in education. Four-point registration is for hypermedia programming lab.
MSTU 4037 Computers and the uses of information in education
This course examines how computers can structure and present information, evaluates current educational software that uses information, and considers the design of software for integrating information applications into education. Prerequisite: MSTU 4030 or equivalent computer experience.
MSTU 4039 Video games in education
Provides students with tools they will need to understand, analyze, and build games. Focus is on gaining an understanding of rules, interactivity, play, social interaction, and all other factors that go into making an innovative and fun game. Primary focus is on the basic language of games: game play and game design. Course also addresses games from an educational perspective.
MSTU 4040 Mobile learning
This course considers both theoretical and practical perspectives in using mobile apps and devices for learning. The focus is on three primary goals: (1) explore, analyze and critique mobile apps and related technologies and their affordances for learning; (2) practice user-centered design principles and basic user-experience research techniques to design mobile interfaces for learning; (3) review and discuss relevant research studies and pedagogical and theoretical frameworks for mobile learning.
MSTU 4049
An examination of the relationship between computers and the writing process. The course explores the effect of electronic text on traditional notions of text, literacy, and communication. Assumes no computing experience.
MSTU 4050 Online Schools and Online Schooling for K-12
This course examines the different models of the K-12 virtual school and virtual schooling experience in the United States and internationally.
MSTU 4052 Computers, problem solving, and cooperative learning
What makes a "good problem" and how can computer-based technologies support active learning processes, to get learners to negotiate their understanding through cooperative/collaborative approaches? This course challenges students to think BEYOND: 1) problems as simply prefixes to recalled solutions, 2) computer-based technologies as mere delivery platforms, and 3) collaboration/cooperation as a byproduct of sharing information. Instead, by the end of the course students will understand the nature of different kinds of problems in relation to specific learning contexts and goals. We'll explore an array of computer-based technologies and examine specific features and functions that encourage learners to actively grapple with deep structures of a problem while engaging in desired learning processes. Students will design great problems and supporting activities that leverage the specific strengths of computer-based technologies, inspiring meaningful solutions through a collaborative/cooperative learning experience.
MSTU 4083 Instructional Design of Educational Technology
The nature of instructional technology. Systems approaches to planning, managing, and evaluating instructional processes and materials. Emphasis is on instructional design.
MSTU 4133 Cognition and computers
This course explores ideas about cognition and knowledge representation and how they relate to the use of computers in instruction. Students select a subject area, learn to represent knowledge from it so that it can be implemented in a computer instructional system, and use the knowledge representation to characterize the cognitive prerequisites and consequences of learning to use computers.
MSTU 4134 Cognition and computers lab
Permission required. Corequisite: MSTU 4133.
MSTU 4700 Student teaching practicum in educational technology
The Technology Specialists student practicum supports the school practicum experiences through readings and weekly classes focused on key issues: addressing diversity, classroom project design, technology integration, and professional development. The Practicum provides an opportunity to reflect on classroom experiences, to design technology-integrated projects, and to match the unique skills of each candidate with the unique demands of each placement.
MSTU 4900 Integrative Project Seminar
The seminar will guide the students through the process of developing, reviewing, and completing the integrative masters project completed as partial fulfillment of the CMLTD Master of Arts (M.A.) or Master of Education (Ed.M) degree. Each week students are responsible for completing the assigned reading, completing and submitting different components of the project as assigned, participating in the discussion, and providing constructive peer review throughout the class. Each student is expected to spend 18 hours each week to complete the course requirements. The purpose of this course is to provide a framework, guidance, and supportive context for the CMLTD MA students working on their integrative master’s project. The guidance will be provided through readings, milestones, collaborative discussion, and peer review. Requires an additional 36 hours per week of work outside the classroom.
MSTU 4901 Research and Independent Study
Permission required. For master's students only. Students propose a program of independent research or project development to a faculty member. Students in their first term of study are generally not accepted. Conference hours are arranged.
MSTU 4902 Research and Independent Study
Permission required. For master's students only. Students propose a program of independent research or project development to a faculty member. Students in their first term of study are generally not accepted. Conference hours are arranged.
MSTU 5000 Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Mixed Reality and Games as Learning Tools
Explores possibilities and issues pertaining to virtual reality, augmented reality, XR, games and other related immersive computing technologies for education and social impact. Students participate in design activities, readings and theoretical discussions on identity, empathy, social presence and other relevant topics.
MSTU 5001 Assessing the impact of technology in our schools
This course examines the evidence of technology’s effectiveness in educational settings. Key concepts related to quantitative and qualitative research perspectives are explored in the process of understanding how technology research has evolved. An examination of key concerns reflected in the current research literature provides a foundation for designing an original research project.
MSTU 5002 Culture, media and education
In this course, we consider the cultural implications of media and technologies for education by pairing theoretical frameworks with case studies and other examples of empirical research.
MSTU 5003 Theory and programming of interactive media: Part 1
This course introduces the fundamentals of design and development for interactive front-end web applications. Students are provided with tools and theoretical knowledge for understanding and analyzing specific learning problems in order to their develop ideas into multimodal web-based learning experiences, through hands-on projects. UX theory and methods are integrated to ensure that students emerge as authors of well-designed and documented web artifacts. This course lays the foundation for the computational and design thinking necessary to conceive, plan, and build learning technologies. This course is a prerequisite for Part II.
MSTU 5004 Digital geographies and virtual spaces
Explore newly-developed spaces and consider how the evolving relationship between new technologies and new modes of communication and literacy are making these spaces available.
MSTU 5005 Case-based teaching in electronic environments
Focuses on theory related to designing, developing, and using multimedia case methodology in education. Students are encouraged to examine educational case methodology within their interest area.
MSTU 5006 Database-driven website development
Explores and provides a working knowledge of the technical and theoretical underpinnings of web application development by examining the layers of database construction, web programming, and user interface design.
MSTU 5010 Boundaries and theories of learning with technological artifacts
This course will explore learning partnerships that take place between people and technological artifacts (robots, agent-avatars). The course examines social components of technological artifacts, introduces current research findings on learning in social interactions with such artifacts, and links these to cognitive factors that influence learning, knowledge construction, design, and assessment. Emphasis will be placed on the learning effect on the human partner. Small groups of students will work on a project throughout the semester.
MSTU 5013 Theory and programming of interactive media: Part II
This course is the second-level course in a sequence beginning with MSTU 5003. Students acquire advanced theoretical and technical knowledge needed to design and develop interactive web-based instructional applications grounded firmly in learning theory and design principles. The course is project-based whereby students delve into specific learning research to produce a theoretical model and well-aligned technical solutions. While the introductory course focuses on basic theory and technical implementation of instructional interactive media, Part II dives deeper into all aspects of the topic.
MSTU 5015 Research/Programming in Serious Games
This seminar-based course features an in-depth exploration of a range of research topics related to games and game-like learning technologies, especially tailored for students currently involved in game design or those who are interested in pursuing a design or research project in the area. It provides a forum for students to present, receive feedback, and make progress on new or existing research projects, with a focus on writing and publication.
MSTU 5020 Computer-mediated communication
Analyzes characteristics of such computer-mediated communication systems as networked multimedia, electronic mail, bulletin boards, and computer conferencing and situates these systems in the context of the emerging national information infrastructure. Students will participate in online communication systems.
MSTU 5025 Researching technology in educational environments
This course is designed as an overview of research designs and methodologies for students who are interested in researching the uses of technology in education, including both face-to-face and online/distance learning environments. The course looks at the theoretical bases for, and practical implementation of, different quantitative and qualitative research approaches, methodologies, and instruments. It is structured around a series of hands-on case studies in which students design research studies, revise existing instruments, and analyze previously collected data for technology-related projects in classrooms and online. Students are encouraged, but not required, to come with a research project in mind.
MSTU 5029 Technology leadership and schools
This course identifies appropriate key leadership theories and recent findings from educational technology research to inform the most relevant and timely leadership concerns for technology policy and practice. The class uses case studies to explore leadership challenges related to technology integration and provides an opportunity to develop an original case study based on leadership theories and the research literature on technology challenges for today's schools.
MSTU 5030 Intelligent computer-assisted instruction
Prerequisite: MSTU 4133. Participants study ideas about the representation of knowledge, models of the learner, and teaching strategies that have been developed in artificial intelligence and cognitive psychology, as well as develop and test intelligent computer-assisted instruction materials for topics of interest.
MSTU 5035 Technology and metacognition
This course explores how theories of learning, development, and cognition can shape the design of instruction. Readings cover a range of instructional theories and highlight the underlying influences of those theories. Although the course includes a brief survey of historical trends in the field, the primary course focus is on current and emerging theories of instruction, such as distributed and dynamical views of cognition and learning. Students are encouraged to present and discuss their research interests and projects as they relate to the focus of the course.
MSTU 5191 Educational video production I
Practical studio and field production experience of educational video programs with special concern for realizing educational purposes through directing, scripting, staging, camera operation, lighting, and sound design.
MSTU 5515 New media teaching and learning
Permission required. This course provides students with experience in the development of new media projects and a forum for discussing the implications for new media on education, particularly in higher education. The course involves a fieldwork component.
MSTU 5555 Technology and the emergence of a global curriculum
This course deals with the impact of technology on human society over the ages, how technology in particular is shaped by, and in turn shapes, the vision informing a specific culture and its curriculum, and how the global sharing of technology is inexorably contributing to the emergence of a common global curriculum.
MSTU 5606 Theoretical Approaches to the Study of Communication and Culture
The aim of this course is to introduce students to foundational works and influential ideas in the study of communication and culture, while applying these key theories to a wide range of examples, from popular culture to online phenomena and more. In the second part of the course, in order to make the class as useful and relevant as possible, students have the chance to select theoretical works that are relevant to their interests, and course content will be shaped around the collective interests of the class.
MSTU 5814 Work conference
Occasional brief conferences convened by Communication, Media, and Learning Technologies Design on subjects of special interest.
MSTU 6000 Advanced design of educational games
This course serves as an intensive workshop for designing and producing educational games as well as a scholarly opportunity for students interested in the advanced study of games.
MSTU 6201 Advanced Fieldwork
Permission required. Extended opportunities for students who have completed MSTU 5200.
MSTU 6401 Internship
Permission required. Prerequisite: basic courses in the student's specialization, evidence of competence in the internship area, and prior arrangement with cooperating institution. Internship in schools, colleges, Teachers College facilities such as the Microcomputer Resource Center, community agencies, business organizations, and communication facilities. Students in their first term of study are generally not accepted.
MSTU 6532 Seminar in communication, media, and learning technologies design
This course will focus on a variety of multimodal approaches to conducting qualitative research. Texts will draw from a range of theoretical and conceptual traditions in which multimodal methods have been explored. Students' own data will also serve as central texts for the course, and they will be expected to engage in data analysis with either their own existing data or data that they will collect as part of this course. The course will follow a seminar style that will include ample peer feedback, trying out different forms of multimodal analysis, and a culminating analytical project.
MSTU 6600 Colloquium in Communication, Computing, and Technology in Education
Continuous participation required of certified doctoral students. Discussion of critical issues, reading of key works, formal proposal of dissertation topics, presentation of work in progress, and conversations with leaders in the field.
MSTU 6901 Research and independent study in communication, computing, and technology in education
Permission required. For doctoral students only. The participating student will propose a program of independent research or project development to a faculty member. Students in their first term of study are generally not accepted.
MSTU 7501 Dissertation seminar
Permission required. Presentation of dissertation proposal for approval by a sponsoring committee. Student arranges one two-hour meeting with his or her sponsoring committee.
MSTU 8900 Dissertation advisement
Advisement on doctoral dissertations. Fee to equal 3 points at current tuition rate for each term. See section in this bulletin on Continuous Registration for Ed.D. degree.