Instructional and Learning Technology Program (PSE)

Instructional and Learning Technology (ILT) is housed in the Educational Psychology Program in the College of Education at Temple University. Graduates earn a Masters in Education (M.Ed.) degree.

Individuals may enroll in individual courses, seek Instructional Technology Certificates offered by the program, or seek Certification as an Instructional Technology Specialist through the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The Instructional and Learning Technology curriculum was designed to meet the Pennsylvania Department of Educations standards for Instructional Technology Specialist certification.

The course of study in the Instructional and Learning Technology program is designed to prepare educators and trainers with conceptual and technical aspects of using instructional and learning technology. With the extensive resources of a major research university, the ILT program at Temple University is uniquely positioned to provide students with a solid foundation in instructional technology.

Instructional Technology

The field of instructional technology addresses methods and tools to enhance the teaching-learning process. The Instructional and Learning Technology program at Temple University is concerned with the latest computer-based technologies, as well as with more traditional technologies used to facilitate teaching and learning. The program of study also emphasizes instructional theories and instructional design models that are of central concern to instructional technologists. The ILT curriculum is designed to provide students with a firm grounding in sound instructional design principles used to guide the development and deployment of technology-enhanced instruction.  
  In recent years, the need for instructional technology professionals has grown at a tremendous rate, with the demand far outweighing the supply of qualified applicants. Graduates may find employment as:

• Instructors in professional schools or community colleges
• Instructional technology specialists
• Trainers in corporate, government or medical settings
• Technology specialists in positions requiring skills in management, consultation, and needs assessment
• Technology-expert teachers

Description of Program

The Instructional and Learning Technology program provides two emphases for:

A. Teachers and trainers to develop specialized technology competencies and skills that can be used to increase their effectiveness as communicators and instructional designers in individual classroom or training situations.

B. Technology specialists who organize and manage Instructional Technology programs at the school, district or regional level, in higher education, or in medical, business, governmental, and commercial training situations.

The program of study is structured around three major skill and competency areas:

1. Instructional Design
   
   • Psychology of the learner, cognitive processes, and the teaching-learning process, including contemporary instructional theories
   • Human development and individual differences
   • Psychological and educational characteristics of alternative technology resources
   • Strength and limitations of instructional technology resources
     
2. Application of Technology:
   
   • Clarification about the purposes and objectives of instruction
   • Identification of various resources for facilitating learning, including but not limited to instructional technology resources
   • Operation and application of current and emergent technologies
   • Graphic design, multimedia, and video
   • World Wide Web and print publishing as well as use of distributed learning resources of various kinds.
3. Management, Consultation, and Problem Solving
   
   • Defining needs, monitoring progress, and evaluating outcomes of instruction
   • Consultation with colleagues familiar with instructional needs, and consultation about utilization of instructional technology resources
   • Selection of appropriate technologies
   • Designing technology delivery systems, and preparation of policy statements
   • Budgeting, acquisition and deployment of instructional technology resources
   • Establishing design criteria for facilities
   • Managing skill assessment and training
   • Understanding and taking appropriate action regarding legal and ethical issues
   • Managing and maintaining facilities

Curriculum Requirements

Knowledge and skills are provided through three curricular elements: coursework, practicum and comprehensive examination. For students who seek Pennsylvania Department of Education Certification as an Instructional Technology Specialist, there is an additional Portfolio requirement.

1. Coursework
   The Instructional and Learning Technology specialization consists of 33 semester hours as follows:
   Core Courses (15 s.h.)
   Instructional Technology Electives (9 s.h.)
   Cognate Electives (9 s.h.)
2. Practicum
   The Practicum is one of the core courses in the ILT concentration and is included in the 33 hours of required coursework. It consists of one hundred hours of hands-on experiences at a professional organization in line with the students goals and objectives.
   The Practicum is designed on an apprenticeship model. The goal is to provide students with experiences that promote professional attitudes, behaviors, instructional decision-making, and technological skills. It is a culminating experience that follows completion of course work that has prepared the student to engage in professional activities. The practicum must yield a product deliverable or deliverables.
   The practicum is tailored to meet the unique education and career goals of each student. For example, a K-12 teacher could serve an internship in an educational institution. An individual interested in training would serve an internship in a training department in business, medical field, or government agency as well as in Professional Schools.
3. Comprehensive Examination.
   Upon successful completion of all coursework, students must pass a comprehensive examination that addresses the theoretical and practical aspects of the applied program the how and the why of technology in the service of learning.
4. Portfolio of Competencies for Certification as an Instructional Technology Specialist.
   The ILT curriculum is designed to meet requirements for PDE standards for Instructional Technology Specialist. The program is in the process of applying for approval to grant certification. Successful completion of the program can lead to certification as an Instructional Technology Specialist in the state of Pennsylvania. Students who wish to apply for the Pennsylvania Department of Education Certification as Instructional Technology Specialist will be required to submit a list of courses as well as a portfolio that demonstrates mastery of competencies that meet state standards.

Program Sequence and Timing

It is expected that some students in the program will be working full-time during their course of study. Most courses are offered in the evening.

Admissions Procedures