The Curriculum for the M.S. in Computing Technology in Education
The core courses for the online format are listed
below. If the thesis optin is elected, two courses may be omitted. (Plans
for the thesis option must be made with the program office.)
Students wishing to take a course as independent
study must first appeal to the program office. If the program office agrees,
it will attempt to obtain the agreement of a faculty member to supervise
the independent study and will then notify the student of its decision.
Students may apply to cross-register for courses
offered in other SCIS master's degree programs. Approval for cross-registration
must be obtained from the student's program office prior to registration.
MCTE 615 The Internet
(3 credits)
The internet and other online information systems associated with the evolving information superhighway will soon have a dominant role in how information is organized and retrieved. This course emphasizes the development of effective online skills so that bibliographic, full-text, graphical, and numerical information can be accessed in an efficient manner. It also addresses skills and approaches required to teach the Internet.
MCTE 625 Survey of Courseware
(3 credits)
State-of-the-art, content-rich courseware, across the grades, subjects, and platforms, will be explored and evaluated for educational value. Methods for integrating these programs into the curriculum will be discussed. Tutorials, drill and practice, instructional games, simulations, tests, and reference programs are included.
MCTE 628 Instructional Systems Design
(3 credits)
This course develops practical instructional systems design competencies appropriate for the development of computer-assisted instruction applications. Students will experience both theory and best practices from the areas of education and training, as they develop and acquire instructional systems design skills and knowledge.
MCTE 630 Database Systems
(3 credits)
This course covers fundamentals of database architecture, database management systems, and database systems. Principles and methodologies of database design, and techniques for database application development.
MCTE 645 Integrated Applications
(3 credits)
This course provides experience with the multiple roles of electronic spreadsheets, databases, and graphs in teaching, learning, and the management of instruction. Using an integrated software package, these tools will be used to develop and reinforce skills in organizing, problem solving, generalizing, predicting, decision-making, and hypothesizing.
MCTE 650 Computer Networks
(3 credits)
This course provides a framework for understanding computer network functionality, characteristics, and configurations. Topics include network topologies, protocols, and architectures; emerging trends in network technologies and services; and the role of ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) and ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) in the educational environment. Strategies for network planning, implementation, management, and security are introduced. Recent advances in standardization, internetworking and deployment of LANs (local area networks), MANs (metropolitan area networks), and WANs (wide area networks) are examined.
MCTE 660 Multimedia and Emerging Technologies
(3 credits)
Recent advances and future trends in learning technology and educational computing are examined. Innovations in teacher and student workstation technology are reviewed. Emphasis is placed on an examination of audio/video and computer-based tools currently in use in schools and training centers. Special attention is given to CD-ROM technology and laser disk technology. Guidelines for selection and implementation of multimedia projects are presented.
MCTE 661 Instructional Delivery Systems
(3 credits)
An investigation of the expansion and applications of instructional delivery systems such as electronic delivery via telecommunications (email, electronic bulletin boards, conferencing systems), electronic classroms or electronic whiteboards, audioconferencing, compressed video, Worl Wide Web (including HTML interfaces), group support systems, computer-aided instruction, broadcast via satellite, and multimedia. Comparative evaluation of instructional delivery systems.
MCTE 670 Learning Theory and Computer Applications
(3 credits)
Students will explore learning theories and how learning is achieved when instruction is presented from a computer-based paradigm. The course will emphasize the computer as a learning device that can be in an effective manner to model learning theories associated with behaviorism, cognitivism, and human information processing.
MCTE 680 Human-Computer Interaction
(3 credits)
Explores the emerging field of human-computer interaction. Emphasis is placed on how software design practices are integrated with human factors principles and methods. Other issues covered include user experience levels, interaction styles, usability engineering, interaction devices and srtategies, user-centered design, human information processing, social aspects of computing, and computer-supported cooperative work.
MCTE 690 Research Methodology
(3 credits)
This course is an introduction to research, statistical analysis and decision-making. Close attention is paid to data types, data contributions, the identification of variables and descriptive data presentation techniques. Students are introduced to both parametric and non-parametric data analysis procedures including independent and dependent sample t-tests, chi-square analysis, and simple analysis of variance. Hypothesis testing and the use of statistical software packages are emphasized.
MCTE 691 Master's Project in Computing Technology
in Education
(3 credits)
This course is the capstone of the program. Each student will develop a comprehensive technology-based project using an environment of choice. Its purpose is to allow students the opportunity to further pursue topics or areas in which they have considerable interest. Each project will be closely mentored by faculty.
MCTE 695 Special Topics in Computing Technology
in Education
(3 credits)
This seminar focuses on the professor's currrent research interests. Requires consent of instructor and program director.