BestColleges.com has released their rankings of:
- Best Online Master's in Educational Technology Programs
- Best Online Graduate Certificate in Educational Technology Programs
Appalachian State University has been ranked 18th (2018) and 11th (2017), respectively.
Education Media MA
About Appalachian’s MA in educational media – instructional technology specialist program, they said:
Appalachian State University’s MA in educational media – instructional technology specialist program offers a choice of four concentrations: general instructional technology, K-12 instructional technology, online learning and professional development, or new media literacies & global perspectives.
The general concentration in instructional design and technology focuses on computer/information systems and computer science in educational environments. The K-12 concentration is perfect for certified educators and emphasizes the creation and delivery of digital content for primary and secondary students. The online learning and professional development concentration helps students develop technical skills and an aesthetic understanding of quality instructional design. In addition to mastering technological tools for creating online content and professional development, students also learn how to assess great programs by considering ethical and social frameworks. The fourth concentration, new media literacies and global perspectives, prepares students to create and critique traditional and emerging technologies and digital media in a variety of educational settings.
Students develop an understanding of each media’s impact based on language, design, cultural and global contexts, and other factors.
Instructional Technology Facilitation Graduate Certificate
About Appalachian's Instructional Technology Facilitation Graduate Certificate, they said:
The graduate certificate in educational technology is a part-time, 18 credit hour program intended to expand endorsement and licensure for K-12 educators. To foster a dynamic learning process, the program is both synchronous and asynchronous: one night per week, students and their classmates partake in a real-time virtual classroom but otherwise students may complete coursework on their schedule, excluding any online meetings with their instructor. The certificate curriculum challenges students to think critically about their digital work, with courses highlighting the social, legal, and ethical implications of digital technology, as well as accompanying new literacies. Educators enrolled in the program can expect to gain useful skills in topics such as technical analysis.
BestColleges.com Ranking Methodology
The methodology behind our rankings is grounded in statistical data and a few consistently applied guiding principles. Our 2017 rankings reflect the most recent data compiled from IPEDS and the College Navigator, both of which are hosted by the National Center for Education Statistics. Our goal is to objectively assess relative quality based on academic outcomes, affordability, and the breadth and depth of online learning opportunities. The following criteria was used to make these assessments:
- Academic Quality - 50% of total score
- Affordability - 25% of total score
- Online Programming - 25% of total score
All eligible institutions are ranked on a 100 point scale. A perfect score of 100 is earned by ranking #1 for all ranking factors.
About BestColleges.com
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