Educational Technology, MS Ed

Mission

The 1881 Dakota Territorial Legislature established Dakota State University to prepare teachers to help meet the needs of an emerging society - that of the western frontier. Today, South Dakota again faces a new frontier - the Information Age - and Dakota State University now prepares educators to meet the new challenges and to lead the process of change in schools. Our graduates have the will, the expertise, and the vision to lead the technological revolution that will be required of schools in the 21st century.

The mission of the College of Education is to guide undergraduate and graduate students through the process of acquiring and applying professional knowledge, skills and attitudes with emphasis on integrating technology in the teaching and learning process.

Program Description

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.

Teacher Certification

It is not necessary to have either an undergraduate degree in education or teacher certification to enter the MSET program. However, students without teaching degrees and/or certification should be aware that the MSET program does not lead to teacher certification in South Dakota in educational technology unless the individual holds or is eligible for a basic elementary, secondary, or K-12 teaching certification. The degree does prepare individuals for technology support positions in K-12 schools that do not require teacher certification.

MSET graduates may also be eligible for certification/endorsement in other states, but because teacher certification/licensure requirements vary among states, Dakota State University cannot guarantee the graduate will be immediately certified/endorsed in a particular state. To obtain specific requirements, contact the Certification Officer in the College of Education.

The MSET degree does have special benefits for individuals who hold or are eligible for teaching certification. These students may earn the K-12 Educational Technology Endorsement by completing specified courses within the MSET program.

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.

Program Delivery

Courses are offered using a variety of wide area network and web-enhanced instructional delivery methods. Delivery methods include Internet and/or Interactive Audio/Video (V-Tel) using the Dakota Digital Network (DDN).

Certain technology intensive courses require an on-campus residency. At this time, only two classes (one required and one elective) require campus time:

1. CET 751 - Computing Hardware and Networking Essentials  (a DSU required course)
2. CET 753 - Network Management in Educational Instruction  (an elective that is part of the technology systems specialization)

Two other courses (LT 731 ), Introduction to Multimedia, and Multimedia II (CET 750 ) have a recommended on-campus laboratory component. These courses can also be completed via distance.

These courses require hands-on learning experiences with specialized hardware and/ or software. They are available during the summer and are intensive campus sessions. They may also include a distance delivered component. Students who anticipate difficulty with the residency requirement may be able to take the courses locally and transfer the credit. Such arrangements should be discussed with their academic advisor prior to taking the alternative course to make sure the course(s) will transfer.

Program Completion

The program can be taken on a full or part-time basis, with classes offered in three academic terms, fall, spring, and summer. The time it takes students to complete their degree depends upon the number of credit hours they have taken per semester. Full-time students (9 credit hours per semester) will probably complete the program in 3-4 semesters.

Students must complete the program within 5 years of the semester of their admission.

Admission Requirements Specific to the MSET

The Dakota State University Masters of Science in Education in Educational Technology program seeks highly motivated individuals with educational and professional credentials that will enable them to be successful graduate students. Admission to the program is based upon a combination of the following requirements:

1. Baccalaureate degree from an institution of higher education with full regional accreditation for that degree.
2. Academic achievement and potential based upon a satisfactory undergraduate grade point average (2.7/4.0) and satisfactory verbal and quantitative scores on the Graduate Record Examination. The test must have been taken within the last five years. The test can be waived if the student meets one of the following conditions:
   • a cumulative grade point average of 3.25 or higher on a 4.0 scale for a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university in the U.S.;
   • official admission into and demonstrated success in a regionally accredited graduate program in the U.S. Demonstrated success is defined as grades of A or B in at least 9 hours of graduate work;
                                                              OR
   • graduation from a regionally accredited college/university in the U.S. at least 15 years ago or more.
3. Demonstrated basic knowledge of computers and their applications for educational purposes. Basic knowledge can be demonstrated in one of the following ways:
   • Technology endorsement from an accredited university;
   • In-service position as full or part-time technology coordinator in a public school; or
   • Personal or professional development experiences that indicate computer experiences.
4. Personal/Professional Statement of Educational Goals: Please attach a personal/professional statement describing your educational and personal goals in applying to the MSET program. This can include what you hope to achieve in the program, your educational objectives, skills and experiences using educational/instructional technology in the classroom, and your long-range career objectives as they relate to technology application for learning, training and instruction. The essay should be 250 to 400 words and should not exceed two pages.

Specific Application Information:

1. Entry Semesters: Students may enter the MSET program in the summer, fall, and spring semesters.
2. Application Deadlines: Applications must be received by June 15th for the fall semester; November 15th for the spring semester; and April 15th for the summer semester. Assistantship forms should also be sent with the application packet when applying for an assistantship.

Applications will be reviewed on a regular scheduled basis as they arrive. Due to the restrictions on the size of some classes, particularly distance classes, and potential space limitations, applications should be sent as early as possible.

Program Faculty:

Judy Dittman, Mark Geary, Lynette Molstad, Mark Hawkes, Vicki Sterling, Haomin Wang, Don Wiken

Program Requirements

A Collaborative Program

Dakota State University and the University of South Dakota have collaborated in the development of their respective master’s degree programs. The two programs share a common core of five courses (15 credit hours). DSU and USD each teach two of the courses and share in the delivery of the fifth course. These five required core courses have the same course prefix (LT=Learning Technology), number, title, course description, objectives, and syllabus for each institution. Faculties from both campuses have collaborated to design and develop these common courses and continue to collaborate to ensure continued improvement in these courses. Students receive similar instruction allowing them to start the program at either campus or to enroll in core courses from anywhere in the state and nation via distance education technologies.

Coursework

The program coursework is divided into the following segments:

• common core courses (prefix LT) shared between DSU and USD required of all students;
• DSU required courses (prefix CET) required of all DSU students; and
• electives, including designated courses that are designed to permit specialization options in Distance Education and Technology Systems;
• thesis option, students may choose to complete a thesis as part of their elective choices.