Educational Technology (Minor)

Schools rely heavily on the web and other forms of digital technologies to improve teaching and learning. Mobile technologies and online courses have revolutionized the way information is delivered. A tremendous need still exists in the public schools for new teachers who will become technology "teacher-leaders" and role models for integrating meaningful 21st century technology practices into the curriculum. Future graduates who are able to apply teaching and learning pedagogies to web-based and multimedia technologies will develop a competitive edge in the job market.

Undergraduate Education majors at Commonwealth University are required to take one technology class. Many colleges and universities do not require their Education majors to take ANY technology courses when in reality, one course is not enough to prepare future teachers to deal with the myriad of emerging technologies in a meaningful manner.

The purpose of the “Educational Technology” minor is to provide our preservice teachers with the opportunity to learn about the various educational technologies and how to use them to improve teaching and learning. This program provides our students with the necessary technological skills and practices that will empower them as future teachers and strengthen their career interests and goals.

The program is designed to encompass the following areas:

• Instructional Design
• Web-based technologies
• Mobile technologies
• Online teaching and learning resources
• eLearning Applications
• Coding for the Classroom
• Media production including digital audio/video technologies and graphic production
• Designing and Integrating Technology - based lessons in an actual classroom during student teaching.