1. What is the Technology Integration Certificate?
The Certificate in Technology Integration is a FULLY ONLINE 15 credit hour program that will provide students will the skills to be technology integration leaders at the school or district level. Courses will help the student understand how to effectively integrate technology applications, implement technology in a variety of settings, and lead in organizing technology for learning purposes. Students completing the specialty courses will receive a Certificate in Technology Integration and will have completed at least 25 hours of technology field experience.
2. What courses will I take for the Technology Integration Certificate?
The student will further develop technology skills that facilitate student instruction and learning. This course will cover a considerable number of e-learning tools with social networking capabilities as well as abilities to engage students in quality collaborative projects. Additionally, research will be done to determine the latest developments and trends in the use of the Internet in the classroom. Although this course may be taken fully online, instruction will also be available in the technology lab for students who prefer not to take the course online. EG 5613 Effective Technology Use in the Classroom (3) This course will center on effective use of technological resources, both in the classroom and online, and the class includes field experience. While technology is constantly changing, suggested classroom tools include document cameras, slate boards/tablets, interactive white boards, clicker systems and other portable computing devices. Classroom website, electronic rubrics, communication tools and assessment tools will also be used. EG 5603 Leadership in Educational Technologies (3) This course will explore leadership skills and knowledge needed to implement and support educational technology use. Leaders must know how to acquire technology, plan its effective use, prepare teachers and assess effectiveness, including how to assess what is currently in place, what is needed and how best to use it. Funding educational technology, grant writing, and prioritizing and implementation will be discussed. Also included will be the challenge of staying abreast of new technologies, assessing teacher use of technology and utilizing community resources. EG 5633 Technology and Problem-Based Learning (3) This is a project-based class that explores using technology to solve problems more effectively, more efficiently, more innovatively and more collaboratively. A cross-curricular approach to creating and organizing engaging problems for students will be taken. EG 5643 Technology for Special Groups (3) This course is designed to give students the skills that they need to integrate technology effectively to meet the needs of diverse learners in their classrooms. Students will become familiar with technology resources for special groups by focusing on both high-tech and low-tech situations. Specifically, students will be responsible for recommending technology resources, evaluating the effectiveness and appropriateness of various technologies, locating resources for finding and funding technologies and examining any legal or ethical issues regarding technology integration. In this course, students will also create a technology-based lesson plan showing effective integration for diverse learners. Additionally, students will also have the opportunity to observe technology integration for special groups in classroom settings. 3. How long does the program take to complete?
Depending on the course progression, the program usually takes about one year to complete. Candidates can also choose to complete the full Master of Education in Technology Integration.
4. Do any scholarships or discounts apply to the Technology Integration M.Ed. program at Lipscomb?
Candidates who are working full-time in the field of education may apply for a 26% in-service educator scholarship that will apply to the entire certificate program.
5. If the classes are iPad enhanced, will I receive an iPad?
Yes! Every student who enrolls in the Technology Integration Certificate program will receive an iPad with AppleCare. The student is responsible for the iPad and any accessories, repairs, or replacements. The student must purchase all applications and electronic textbooks required by specific courses. If the student loses or damages the iPad, they will need to acquire another iPad and any required electronic texts or applications for successful completion of the course of study.
6. Can I keep the iPad if I decide not to continue with the Technology Integration Certificate program?
If a student drops the first Technology Integration course and is refunded tuition before the first two weeks of the course are completed, the student needs to return the iPad in its new, original packaged condition to the College of Education within one week from the date of drop or the student will be assessed a $650 fee for the iPad. The student will be responsible for all shipping costs, if applicable.
7. Even though the program is online and I can complete my assignments at a time that is convenient for me, will I need to meet online at specific times with the instructor and other classmates?
There may be times where the instructor will require students to meet synchronously during a course. Instructors have discretion for those opportunities and will give you more information during the course.
8. What about textbooks for the Technology Integration Certificate program?
Some of the courses will require a textbook. Most of these textbooks will be electronic; however, not all of the textbooks used have an e-text.
In addition to the textbooks for each course, you will need to purchase The Courage to Teach by Parker Palmer and the APA Manual (6 th edition). These books will be used in each of the courses.
9. Will I be required to purchase LiveText for the Technology Integration Certificate?
Yes. The College of Education uses LiveText to document student work and achievement. LiveText is an online portfolio tool, which will allow you to upload your work as required by instructors. Candidates will submit a Technology Integration Portfolio during their last semester as a final culminating project.
10. Am I required to complete field experience hours for the Technology Integration Certificate?
Candidates are required to complete at least 25 field experience hours related to technology integration throughout the certificate program. These focused hours will give students the hands-on field experiences and knowledge in a variety of technology integration settings. Each course will have specific field experience opportunities related to the course content.
11. What is the process if I want to add the Technology Integration Certificate to the Instructional Practice M.Ed. program or any other program?
The Technology Integration Certificate courses can be used as electives in your program. Depending on your program, you may be able to complete all of the Technology Integration Certificate courses while completing your specific coursework for your program. If you are interested in this option, contact your M.Ed. program adviser for more information. In addition to meeting with your adviser, the coordinator of the Technology Integration Certificate program will want to meet with you as well.