Master of Arts in Education: Concentration in Instructional Technologies
Graduate Advisor: Dr. Zahira Merchant
The Department of Equity, Leadership Studies, and Instructional Technologies (ELSIT) offers the Master of Arts in Education with a Concentration in Instructional Technologies, and an 18-unit Certificate in Training Systems Development. The program prepares professionals in online and e-learning instructional design, design of technology-based instruction for K-20 educators or trainers in a variety of business and industry environments, and design for problem-based learning solutions. The program also offers a California supplementary authorization in computer science for K-12 teachers who complete 12 units of coursework in the four required areas.
The ITEC program offers all courses online and many in blended learning environments with simultaneous in-class and online attendance using a web conference system. The program accommodates distance learners and can be completed in an average of 3-5 semesters. Additional courses are offered in special Winter or Summer Sessions.
The program prepares participants for careers in the prestigious, fast-moving instructional design field. Students gain skills with traditional and emerging learning technologies, choosing courses in mobile applications, Web design, gamification, augmented/virtual reality, social networking and assistive/adaptive technologies. Students are introduced to a variety of pedagogies for learning from established to current learning strategies. Students create instruction for various learners, designing learning for mobile, e-learning, and face-to-face instruction using a number of software, hardware, and physical technologies. Graduates become instructional designers for corporations, industry, public service organizations, and classrooms. Alumni can be found around Bay Area companies and school districts as well as across the state. The program prepares students in traditional Instructional Systems Design methods as well as rapid prototyping, agile and design-based methodologies.
ITEC caters to the working adult with all courses offered in late afternoons or evening. Students develop a career pathway and a portfolio during their studies. For further information, contact Dr. Zahira Merchant (zahiram@sfsu.edu).
Admission to the Program
Admission to the program is a two-step process that should be completed simultaneously:
- Apply to the University: Complete the on-line CSU Mentor application. Follow all other requirements for admission to the University by accessing http://grad.sfsu.edu/.
- Meet Department requirements as noted:
Applicants should schedule an interview with the program coordinator to go over the applicant’s interest and preparation in the field. In addition, two letters of recommendation and a two-page (500-1,000 word) Statement of Purpose are required. Letters of recommendation should come from professionals who can attest to the applicant’s promise as a graduate student and professional educator. The statement of purpose should clearly explain the applicant’s educational and career goals and how the M.A. degree will help achieve those goals. The statement of purpose should represent the quality of an applicant’s English-language writing ability. Applicants must have basic computer literacies.
Written English Proficiency Requirement
Level One
Applicants must submit a writing sample in the form of a two-page (500-1,000 word) statement of purpose that will be evaluated by the department admissions committee. Students who receive an unsatisfactory evaluation of their written application materials may be admitted conditionally and required to earn a B or better in an English skills development course within the first two semesters. The course will be selected in consultation with an advisor.
Level Two
Level Two is satisfied by the successful completion of the culminating experience (ITEC 894 or ITEC 895).
For more information, please contact the ELSIT Department: (415) 338-1653 or visit us at BH 239. Our website is https://elsit.sfsu.edu.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Apply principles of human learning, performance improvement, and cognitive psychology to solve challenges associated with a lack of knowledge in specific education or professional contexts.
- Determine the need for education or training interventions in a given organizational situation involving knowledge and performance gaps.
- Given an education or training solution applied in an organization, assess the quality, depth, and value of the solution at individual and organizational knowledge and performance levels.
- Design and develop effective instructional media using industry-standard technologies and practices for multiple modes of delivery, including in-person and online environments.
Core Requirements
Core requirements consist of 15 units of study. During the first year of study, students are advised to take ITEC 800 and ITEC 801. Students are also encouraged, though not required, to enroll in ITEC 700 for an overview of the instructional design field and career options. Based on their interests, students must also take one of the following courses before completing the program:
- ITEC 830 for their third core requirement, or
- ITEC 850 for their third core requirement, or
- ITEC 816 for their third core requirement.
- Students must receive a grade of B or higher in each of the required core courses to advance to candidacy.
- Completion of core requirements includes taking ISED 797 and ITEC 894 or ITEC 895.
Electives
Students choose 15 units of electives within the department or in related disciplines. Electives cross several lines of specialization that include the following:
- E-Learning,
- Multimedia Design and Development,
- Training Design and Development,
- Technology Integration for Teachers, and
- Instructional Product Design.
Students should select electives in consultation with an advisor.
Education (M.A.): Concentration in Instructional Technologies — 30 Units
Core Requirements (6 Units)
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ITEC 800 | Theoretical Foundations of Instructional Technologies | 3 |
| ITEC 801 | Introduction to Learning Design, Design Thinking, and Innovation | 3 |
Research Requirements (6 Units)
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ISED 797 | Seminar in Educational Research | 3 |
| Select 3 units from the following seminars: | 3 | |
| Designing Digital Learning Spaces of the Future | ||
| Design of Learning Environments with Emerging Technologies | ||
| Design and Management of Training Projects | ||
Electives (15 Units)
See below
Culminating Experience Requirement (3 Units)
(See below for portfolio submission)
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ITEC 894 | Creative Work Project | 3 |
| ITEC 895 | Field Study Project | 3 |
The minimal requirement for graduation is 30 units. Based on individual student needs, background, and interests, the department may require some students to complete more than 30 units to attain the degree.
Electives
Elective Group One: E-Learning and Multimedia Design and Development
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ITEC 715 | Foundations of Instructional Multimedia | 3 |
| ITEC 740 | Computer Design of Instructional Graphics I | 3 |
| ITEC 745 | Instructional Web Authoring I | 3 |
| ITEC 770 | Instructional Videography I (may be repeated twice for credit) | 3 |
| ITEC 823 | Augmented and Virtual Reality Based Multimedia Development | 3 |
| ITEC 830 | Design of Learning Environments with Emerging Technologies | 3 |
| ITEC 835 | Instructional Multimedia Tools: FLASH II | 3 |
| ITEC 840 | Graphics and Web Development | 3 |
| ITEC 845 | Instructional Internet Authoring II | 3 |
| ITEC 860 | Distance Education | 3 |
| ITEC 865 | Fundamentals of Designing Interactive E-Learning Courses | 3 |
Elective Group Two: Training Design and Development
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ITEC 700 | (may be required for some students) | 3 |
| ITEC 720 | Fieldwork in Educational Technology | 3-5 |
| ITEC 805 | Needs Assessment and Program Evaluation (topic) | 3 |
| ITEC 825 | Digital Product Usability Testing | 3 |
| ITEC 850 | Design and Management of Training Projects | 3 |
| ITEC 852 | Instructional Technologies in Organizations | 3 |
Elective Group Three: Technology Integration for Teachers
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ITEC 815 | Integration of Instructional Computing | 3 |
| ITEC 816 | Designing Digital Learning Spaces of the Future | 3 |
| ITEC 842 | Cognition, Mind, and Learning for Educators | 3 |
Culminating Experience
Portfolio Submission
Before undertaking a culminating experience, students must submit, for departmental review and approval, a portfolio of three instructional projects that demonstrate their technical skill and instructional design competencies.
The culminating experience may be completed by one of two options: ITEC 894 or ITEC 895.
Creative Work Project Requirements
To complete a creative work, students must design, develop, and produce an instructional product. The instructional unit may be in any medium—print, video, multimedia, or web-based. The instructional design process must be documented in writing and include a review of the instructional significance of the product, description of the design and production process, and product usability review. Students must provide a CD-ROM that contains the instructional product and the design documents.
Field-Study Requirements
To complete the field study, students must design, develop, and produce an instructional design project, using the instructional systems process, from needs analysis to formative evaluation. The instructional unit may be in any medium—print, video, multimedia, or web-based. The instructional design process must be described in writing and include a review of the instructional need and significance of the project, research review, description of the design process, formative evaluation, and conclusions. Students must provide a CD-ROM that contains the instructional unit and the design documents.