Importance of the Competencies

Specific competencies, listed below, must be demonstrated by all graduate students in the Educational Technology program. The faculty of the Educational Technology program uses a portfolio as the primary vehicle for demonstration of student attainment of the graduate competencies. The aim of the graduate competencies is to help each student to develop his/her ability to create and synthesize knowledge, think critically and reflectively, master written and oral communication skills, engage in professional development, participate actively in our professional field, apply instructional design principles, and apply the use of computers and media appropriately. By meeting these competencies, students also demonstrate the competencies embodied in the five core propositions of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS).

C&I General Graduate Competencies

1. Synthesize Knowledge
   The graduate will read and synthesize educational literature related to his/her discipline; describe fundamental theories of human learning; and apply knowledge of human learning, diversity, and effective pedagogy to the solution of practical problems in his/her discipline.
   
2. Create Knowledge
   The graduate will describe common research methods in his/her discipline, read and evaluate educational research, and apply research findings to the solution of practical problems in his/her discipline.
   
3. Communicate Knowledge
   The graduate will communicate effectively in oral and written formats including the ability to communicate content from his/her discipline through the design and delivery of effective teaching/learning activities that integrate content and pedagogy, adapt instruction and support services to the needs of diverse learners, and assess appropriately learning outcomes.
   
4. Think Critically and Reflectively
   The graduate will develop a personal vision of inclusive educational practice, identify the relationship of his/her discipline to the broader field of education, and critically evaluate theory and practice.
   
5. Engage in Professional Development
   The graduate will demonstrate the disposition for life-long learning and continuous professional development.
   
6. Participate Actively in Their Profession
   The graduate will identify communities of practice within his/her discipline and participate within these communities.
   

Educational Technology Specific Competencies

1. Apply Instructional Design Principles
   The graduate will analyze learning problems and, when appropriate, design, develop, implement, and evaluate appropriate instructional solutions to those problems.
   • Identify and analyze learning and performance problems
   • Design plans and develop instructional interventions using appropriate strategies and techniques
   • Implement and evaluate instructional interventions
2. Apply Computer-Based Technologies and Media to the Solution of Instructional Problems
   The graduate will demonstrate sound understanding of technology operations and concepts and apply technology to the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of teaching and learning interventions.
   • Plan and design effective learning environments and experiences supported by technology
   • Apply technology to facilitate a variety of effective assessment and evaluation strategies
   • Understand the social, ethical, legal, and human issues surrounding the use of technology and apply that understanding in practice