Computing in Education Online MA

Computing in Education - Online (TECD)

The M.A. program in Computing in Education: Online, is a 32-point degree program where all courses needed to complete the degree are offered online. The degree program represents the wide range of goals presented by its parent Program of Communication, Media, and Learning Technologies Design (CMLTD). It provides a broad foundational view of technology as it relates to learning from cognitive, social, cultural, and applied perspectives. It also provides a deeper view of specific issues around different genres of technology, theories, and practice.

Students in this program come from a variety of different backgrounds crossing international and cultural borders. Students represent an array of professions, including educational institutions, industry, and non-traditional histories. Many students in this program work full-time and take 1-2 courses a term (part-time) enjoying the flexibility available to complete the requirements. Students of the program have successfully gone on to a variety of roles upon graduation including (but not limited to) working in and with K-12 institutions as teachers, specialists, and leaders, as well as industry positions such as designing instructional and learning experiences. Whether students enter with formal, informal, or non-traditional education/learning related expertise, this program hones one's understanding of how to approach learning with technology, to solve some of the most pressing issues of today.

The experiences of online coursework in the Computing in Education program are as diverse as the issues explored. Courses are designed by each professor with learning as the driving objective. Students will experience coursework in a variety of formats (e.g., discussion forums, video conferences, real-time chats, blended experiences, etc.). Many courses are project-based, collaborative, with rich and intimate opportunities to interact and engage both with one's peers and professors. Online students participate in the same courses as their face-to-face CMLTD counterparts/peers and are welcome to enroll in traditional on-site, face-to-face classes if opportunities permit.

Master of Arts (32 points required)

To earn the Master of Arts (M.A.) degree, students must satisfactorily complete 32 points of coursework and an integrative project. In CMLTD degree programs, the M.A. degree serves two main functions: a mark of entry-level professional qualifications in the fields covered and a grounding for further, more advanced specialization in the field.

Students must take coursework totaling at least 32 points. The following are required:

Core Requirement: One programming course must be taken. (3 points)

• Programming Course

• MSTU 5003 Theory and Programming of Interactive Media I

Foundational Knowledge: At least three areas must be represented. (9 points, minimum)

• Cognitive Issues and Technology

• MSTU 4133 Cognition and Computers

• MSTU 4088 Introduction to Learning Sciences and Educational Technology

• Social Issues and Technology

• MSTU 4005 Equity, Ethical, and Social Issues in Educational Technology

• MSTU 4020 Social and Communicative Aspects of the Internet

• Cultural Issues and Technology

• MSTU 4028 Technology and Culture

• MSTU 5002 Culture, Media, and Education

• Educational Practice and Design

• MSTU 4001 Technology and School Change

• MSTU 4050 Online Schools and Online Schooling K-12

• MSTU 4083 Instructional Design of Educational Technology

Breadth Requirement: (6-9 points)

All students must complete a minimum of 6 points at Teachers College outside of the Communication, Media and Learning Technologies Design Program (that is, courses with a prefix other than MSTU).

Additional Requirements: for M.A. students in Computing in Education (TECD)

• At least 11-14 points of MSTU courses or other courses with the faculty advisor’s approval. In particular, M.A. students in the Computing in Education M.A. degree program through the completely online option have a slightly more constrained set of courses available to meet program requirements and should work closely with their respective advisor.

Integrative M.A. Project

Candidates for the M.A. degree are expected to culminate their work with an integrative project. Projects vary but share the common following features:

• Empirically based and grounded in the research literature;

• Address a problem or phenomenon of the student's interest and area of study;

• Provide a solution to the problem.

Some examples include:

• A literature review or case study analysis of a trend in the field of learning technology;

• Design of new learning technologies and media-driven experiences;

• Development of new models, curriculum, and/or lessons integrating technology;

• On-site field study and recommendations for teachers.

Specifics of the integrative project are determined through discussions with students' advisors. In addition, because experientially-grounded learning is invaluable preparation for professional practice, students are strongly advised to take fieldwork or internships as an integral part of their master’s degree program.

For students completing only the M.A. degree, this project should be related to their career goals and should provide tangible evidence of their skills and strengths.