I will start by making a general observation about the ed. tech. program as a whole. It seems that it lacks in three areas: tech tool use, portfolio creation, and basic computer systems knowledge. As an ed. tech. consultant, I have needed to do many things that I was never asked to do in any of my classes. That list includes making screencasts for instruction (and editing them), creating and editing video, using interactive whiteboard features, demonstrating proficiency with tablets, and troubleshooting performance issues.
To address this, it seems that some of the courses' required discussions on these topics could be replaced with performance assessments that students would have to complete. I think it is reasonable for the program committee to identify essential tools and skills that all students should show proficiency in. Then they (The GVSU ed. tech. top dogs) could incorporate those essentials into the curriculum and have students add their evidence to some type of portfolio. If this occurs, graduating students will have something to show prospective employers and be more prepared for the actual tasks they will need to perform.
Also, I think that some type of basic computer course should be required. I have struggled with the technical side of things and would have benefited from an intro course. I looked at ITT Tech, and they offer a course with this description:
NT1110 Computer Structure and Logic | 4.5 credit hours
Organization of a computer is examined in a given popular operating systems environment. Terminology and underlying principles related to the major computer functions will be discussed in the context of hardware and software environments.
That seems like a perfect course for Ed. Tech. students. Perhaps there could be a test out option for those who are already savvy, but I certainly was not.
I'm not saying the program is awful; quite the contrary. I expanded greatly from it. I am saying that it could be enhanced. I also realize that there is a video-related class that I did not have to take. Perhaps that should be mandatory.
OK, I think I'm done. Please let me know your thoughts.
Thanks for the feedback. We actually had a basic computer course in EDT 618 (or EDG 618 as it was before the shift). Unfortunately, too many students tested out of it and we would end up with 6 or 7 students at most enrolling in it. I tried promoting it to other master's programs but the course just never seemed to take hold. It used to be part of our program and always ran, but when we shifted to the newer program and added courses (e.g., EDT 629 and 634, etc.) then we dropped the requirement on 618 and that turned into its death sentence. But I do like the idea of having a standardized portfolio system to have students collect the work they do while enrolled in our program to show off to employers or potential employers. I'll talk that one over the other powers that be. Thanks Craig.
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