Program Description (Fully Online)

100% Online | 10 Courses | 30 Credit Hours

The Ed.S. in Instructional Technology prepares candidates to effectively integrate technology into their own teaching practice and assist other educators in utilizing technology to improve the teaching and learning process. It also prepares candidates to model best practices in the use of instructional technologies and to provide high-quality professional learning experiences for others. Candidates will be prepared to leverage technology for learning in the classroom AND serve in the role of a Technology Coach for a school or district.

 

At the state level, the Certification Track is aligned to the GaPSC Standards for Instructional Technology. Nationally, the Certification Track is aligned to the ISTE Standards for Educators (ISTE-E) developed by the International Society for Technology in EducaThe School of Instructional Technology & Innovation at KSU has been recognized by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) as an ISTE Certification Provider.  KSU is the first higher education program in Georgia to be awarded this distinction. What does this mean? Students enrolled in our Instructional Technology MED, EDS, and EDD certification programs will develop a portfolio based on the ISTE Standards for Educators (ISTE-E). Upon graduation, students may choose to submit their portfolio for $250 to ISTE for ISTE Certification.  KSU will be the only institution in Georgia offering the opportunity to become certified by both the *GaPSC and ISTE!tion (ISTE).

*Review the GA Certification tab above for information on requirements.

* For our friends outside of Georgia, we offer in-state tuition for all graduate students!

*Accreditation - Kennesaw State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, specialist, and doctorate degrees.

LENGTH of the program - Students will complete the Ed.S. program in 5 semesters - 2 classes per semester.

Candidates must either be working in a classroom or have access to a classroom in order to implement class projects, and complete the field experiences and capstone project. There will be a few ONLINE synchronous sessions per class each semester.

All students must purchase a Chalk & Wire account (~$60/year) online from the KSU Bookstore if they do not already have an active account.

Program of Study

  • Instructional Technology Courses (30 Hours)

    • ITEC 7400 - Teaching, Technology, & Student Engagement
    • ITEC 7485 - Creating with Emerging Technologies
    • ITEC 7430 - Digital Tools for Learning
    • ITEC 7455 - Digital Citizenship in Schools
    • ITEC 7460 - Professional Learning & Instructional Technology Coaching
    • ITEC 7480 - Introduction to Online & Blended Learning
    • ITEC 7600 - Personalized Learning in Technology-Rich Environments
    • ITEC 7305 - Data Analysis & School Improvement
    • ITEC 7500 - Capstone Experience & Portfolio
    • ITEC 8500 - Issues, Trends & Research in Instructional Technology

    Total - 30 hours

Georgia Educators

  • The Certification Track is designed for educators who are not currently certified in Instructional Technology. The Certification Track leads to the new S-6 certification (service field) in Instructional Technology and increases a Georgia T-5 certification to a T-6. To qualify for a certificate upgrade and salary increase (based upon the salary structure of your employing school system), you must pass the GACE assessment in Instructional Technology and add the new field to your certificate.

    *NOTE - This program will NOT lead to initial GaPSC teacher certification.
    *NOTE -  The GaPSC requires you to "pass" the GACE to add the new ITEC certification and upgrade your existing Georgia teaching certificate.
    *NOTE - Please check with the GaPSC to ensure you will receive an upgrade. You should also check with your school/district to determine if you will receive a salary increase.
    *NOTE - You do NOT need to be working in an Instructional Technology position to receive the upgrade! You can remain in the classroom. Please check with your district for any restrictions.

 

Instructional Technology Courses

  • In this course, educators will learn to utilize data to identify school improvement needs and make informed decisions in effectuating change. The ultimate goal of this course is to produce educational leaders who effectively collect, analyze and use data to improve schools through successfully demonstrated change models. In this course, educators will learn to systemically collect and analyze multiple sources of data to identify improvement needs, determine an effective response, monitor and correct progress, and demonstrate success to stakeholders. Additionally, students will learn to drive and sustain change in a collegial environment, culminating in students’ understanding of, and ability to use, a wide range of applicable leadership practices. Finally, students will learn a variety of technology tools to use for data analysis. They will also learn a variety of Web 2.0 tools to facilitate school communication.
  • This course introduces candidates to technologies available in schools and explores technology integration frameworks grounded in research-based pedagogical strategies to maximize student engagement. Candidates will design exemplary technology-supported learning experiences that foster higher-order thinking, collaboration, authentic/meaningful learning tasks, and achievement of student content and technology standards. Candidates will also learn how to coach other educators toward higher levels of technology implementation. Appropriate for classroom teachers and other educational leaders interested in increasing effective technology-supported instructional practices in their schools.
  • In this course, we use the design process to create learning experiences that are relevant, engaging, and support learner agency. We will explore how emerging technologies can be used to nurture creative expression. Topics in this course may include the following: active learning spaces, adaptive learning technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), coding, computational thinking, game-based learning, learning analytics, machine learning, open educational resources (OER), and other emerging trends. In addition, throughout the course, we will engage in digital tinkering in order to develop an innovative digital project with students.
  • This course introduces candidates to methods and strategies for using the Internet effectively in the classroom. Students will experience a variety of Internet technologies and develop strategies for classroom implementation. The course includes guided tours of some of the best educational sites on the World Wide Web and explores ways to integrate use of the Internet into an educational setting. This course introduces students to systematic instructional methods and models for using the Internet effectively in the classroom. Candidates will create lessons that are current, highly motivating, and mentally engaging.
  • To foster digital citizenship in P-12 schools and among their students, this course provides candidates with knowledge of digital citizenship and the skills and procedures to design and implement technology-enhanced learning that inspires students to positively contribute and responsibly participate while online and beyond. Through this course, candidates will explore multiple elements of digital citizenship to design and implement lessons that build relationships in online contexts and foster both digital literacy and media fluency, as well as mentor and model for students to facilitate appropriate online practices and protections.
  • This course prepares educators to join local and global learning networks for professional learning and serve as instructional technology coaches, providing quality instructional coaching to their peers. Learners are prepared to join local and global learning networks, build partnerships with school leadership, conduct individual need assessments of teacher technology use, establish coaching relationships, and design high-quality professional learning experiences that help other educators apply technology to enhance professional practice. Candidates learn to apply change models and diffusion theory in order to implement technology innovations in classrooms.
  • This course explores principles for effective online and blended learning and provides an introduction to key terms, issues, policies, challenges, and emerging trends in the field. Topics include published standards for quality online teaching and course design, accessibility to online courses, online assessment principles, accommodations for students with disabilities, strategies for supporting cultural and linguistic diversity, internet safety, student privacy and copyright. Candidates learn pedagogical strategies for use in an online learning environment and apply them to their certification field.
  • This three-credit hour course represents the culminating experience for the initial-certification programs in Instructional Technology. Through the creation of a portfolio, students document mastery of the Georgia PSC Instructional Technology standards. The portfolio documents the candidate’s ability to provide technology facilitation at the building level as well as their expertise as an Instructional Technology educator. The portfolio serves as a systematic, reflection-in-action approach to problem solving and decision-making, providing a detailed authentic picture of the candidate’s professional practice and reflective analysis of the integration of courses taken supported by theory. Changes in classroom practices and vision will be included.
  • This course introduces classroom teachers to personalized learning in technology-rich environments. Candidates will learn various theories and rationale for personalized learning as well as definitions, state standards, and key components of personalized learning. Candidates will devise a plan for implementing personalized learning. The plan will include personalized learning principles and learning standards to address instructional strategies and components of personalized learning and technologies that support personalized learning environments. This course provides the candidate with a broader initial understanding of how personalized learning came about and foundational knowledge of how to create a personalized learning environment enabled by technologies. 
  • This course will provide candidates an overview of the field of instructional technology including history, research and current trends and issues. Candidates will develop strategies for keeping abreast of instructional technology issues and trends, engage in the professional literature of the field and research a current trend or issue in the field. Additionally, candidates will develop a proposal for their Capstone Project for the program.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Must possess the following beyond the general KSU Graduate College Admission Requirements: 

    • Degree – Master’s degree in professional education or a related field.  
    • Certificate – Uploaded to graduate application. Current clear, renewable Georgia Teaching or Service Certificate, out-of-state equivalent, OR a SITI Department Chair/Program Coordinator approval (for non-Georgia or non-certified individuals). To print a copy of your clear, renewable Georgia teaching certificate, you may log into your MyPSC account.  Must NOT already hold the Instructional Technology field on your PSC certificate.  
    • Employment – Required current full-time employment as a K-12 professional educator or access to a K-12 educational setting is necessary to complete field-based assessments and experiences.
    • Résumé or Professional Vitae – Uploaded to graduate application. Professional resume documents statement of purpose for wanting the degree, education, and teaching experiences. Other information such as volunteer and service accomplishments and record of educational leadership activities are also welcome.  
    • Experience – TWO (2) years of teaching experience is preferred.  To facilitate candidates’ field experiences, current full-time employment as a professional educator is preferred.
    • Mentor Form – If seeking GaPSC certification, upon program completion, this program requires that you have a qualified mentor, who meets the GaPSC Mentor requirements, at each phase in your program. The ITEC Mentor Form provides instructions and requirements.  Completed form must be uploaded to graduate application.  Individuals employed in a private school setting will need to reach out to the Bagwell Certification Officer for further guidance. 
  • The Specialist Degree (Ed.S.) in Instructional Technology satisfies requirements for an S-6 (Service) certification and an upgrade from a T-5 to a T-6. Candidates must pass the GACE for Instructional Technology to be eligible for the new S-6 certification and the upgrade to a T-6. While compensation should be reviewed with your school/district, under current regulations educators are paid on their highest certificate level (4, 5, 6, or 7). If your salary is based on your Georgia certificate level, you should receive a salary increase. According to the GaPSC, you do not have to hold an Instructional Technology position to receive the salary increase. Please check with your school/district on any policies that may be contrary to this information. If you have questions regarding your individual certification status, you should check with the GaPSC at https://www.gapsc.com or email them at mail@gapsc.com.
  • No. You do not have to take the GRE for the Specialist (Ed.S.) Degree in Instructional Technology.
  • The Ed.S. program takes 5 semesters to complete.
  • Beginning Fall 2024, the fully online ITEC EDS Certification program costs $2698 each semester. The e-tuition rate is $393 per credit hour + $340 online learning fee each semester. Students take two classes per semester or six credit hours. The program spans five semesters so the total cost for tuition and fees for the entire program is $13,490. Books and one-time graduation fee ($50) are additional costs. E-tuition and fees are the same for both in-state and out-of-state students.  Please, keep in mind that tuition rates are subject to change without notice. To see the latest cost per credit hour, please select the “E-Tuition and Fees” link on https://fiscalservices.kennesaw.edu/bursar/tuition-fees/tuition-fees.php.  After downloading the PDF, see "Graduate Online Student-E-Tuition Credit Hours.
    • Unfortunately, the legislature has discontinued Hope Scholarship for Teachers, but there may be other financial aid options for you. KSU has a financial aid office to assist you. Please, visit following website describing the financial aid options for graduate students: https://financialaid.kennesaw.edu/
    • If you are seeking financial aid and have questions or need assistance, please contact https://financialaid.kennesaw.edu/contact-counselor.php
    • If you find you are not eligible for financial aid, remember there are tax credits for continuing education, a salary increase following your graduation, and deferred payment on some student loans while still in school.
    • If you are paying your own way, you will find Kennesaw’s public university tuition and fees are quite reasonable compared to private institutions. You also will find that paying over the course of a two-year program is more financially feasible than one-year, accelerated programs.
    • Paying for the rising costs of a college education is a concern for nearly every student and family. To help you meet your educational expenses, Kennesaw State University is pleased to offer Nelnet Business Solutions’ (NBS) convenient budget plan. This is not a loan program. There are no interest or finance charges, and there is no credit check. Enrollment in this plan is easy and available online. To enroll, please visit http://www.mycollegepaymentplan.com/kennesaw
    • Our faculty members and instructors are typically former K-12 teachers, who are still active in partnerships with K-12 schools. Many have also held key leadership positions at the school, district, state, and national levels. We are familiar with schools. We use the tools you have in schools and help you understand district policies and planning processes related to technology.
    • Our faculty have excellent academic credentials and are actively pursuing research in their fields of study.
    • You will become part of a regional and national network of technology leaders.
    • Our curriculum is practical—based on projects you will complete in your own schools.
    • Our program will prepare you for advanced study, should you decide to pursue an Ed.D. or Ph.D. program in the future. 

  • Applications do NOT require GRE scores, but do require the following:

    • Transcripts from each college attended
    • Bachelor's degree in K-12 teacher education or related field - 2.75 GPA
    • Clear Renewable Teaching Certificate or equivalent certificate and/or experience
    • Professional Resume
    • Mentor Form

  • The mentor operates as part of a learning team with the candidate and university faculty, ensuring the candidate has an opportunity to complete his or her field experiences and/or working with university faculty and candidates to identify appropriate alternative experiences. The candidate selects a mentor at the building or district level with instructional technology knowledge and experience and other qualifications listed below:

    • Teaching Certificate or Service Certificate
    • Minimum of 3 years teaching experience
    • Knowledge or experience in instructional technology
    • Previous experience with mentoring
    • Master’s Degree or Technology Certifications
    • Provide access to a wide range of instructional technology experiences required by the candidate’s degree program (such as participating on school data teams, serving on the school technology committee, and conducting a technology inventory).
    • Facilitate, as necessary, the candidate’s access to school and/or district resources necessary to complete his or her field experiences.
    • If the candidate is unable to complete field experiences assigned by university faculty due to district or school constraints, working with the candidate and university faculty to identify appropriate alternative experiences.
    • Provide time for meaningful reflection on field experiences with the candidate.
    • Provide, as necessary, feedback to the candidate and/or university faculty on the mentor’s perceptions of the candidate’s growth as a technology facilitator in the school.
    • Complete university-required assessments of the candidate’s progress by completing the Candidate Performance Instrument (CPI) and Candidate Disposition Assessment (CDA) during the 3rd and 5th semesters.
    • The Ed.S. fully online program enrolls each semester, Spring, Summer, and Fall.
    • Admission deadlines will be posted on the website.
    • Typically, admission deadlines are in November 1 for Spring; April 1 for Summer; and July 1 for Fall.
  • Visit the following web site and begin your online application!

Tuition & Fees

Expenses include in-state tuition, out of state tuition, mandatory student fees and other special fees.

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Deadline

Enrollment for Spring - Deadline November 15

Enrollment for Summer - Deadline May 1

Enrollment for Fall - Deadline July 1

ALL documents must be submitted by deadline date.

 

 

Contact Us

For more information please email the Ed.S. Program Coordinator, Dr. Jo Williamson or call the Department office at (470) 578-3262.

*The Ed.S. in Instructional Technology is a highly competitive program. There is a limited number of applicants that we can accept per semester.  Once we meet our capacity for the enrolling semester, you may be asked to update your application to a future semester at no charge.