MS in Learning Technologies and Design with Emphasis in Technology in Schools

The Technology in Schools emphasis area is your portal to excellence and leadership in designing, developing, and implementing technology in education, training and performance support. In the TiS focus area you will prepare to use innovative and effective technology to improve teaching and learning in a wide variety of settings. In addition to gaining a working knowledge of the underlying theories and strategies involved, you will get practical experience using technology as an effective teaching and learning tool.

Degree Requirements

The MS consists of 30 graduate credit hours, with a minimum of 15 at the 9000 level or above. The Technology in Schools curriculum allows you to customize your course work by focusing on technology design and development or technology implementation.

IS_LT 7361Introduction to Digital Media3
IS_LT 7355Web Design and Development3
IS_LT 7378Electronic Portfolio Development3
IS_LT 9450Research Methods in Information Science and Learning Technologies3
IS_LT 9484Teaching Online Courses3
IS_LT 9458Technology and Assessment3
IS_LT 7366Technology Leadership3
IS_LT 94403
IS_LT 9467Technology to Enhance Learning3
IS_LT 9471Instructional Systems Design3

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Portfolio

Your performance in the Technology in Schools emphasis area will be assessed through a portfolio process. You should start on your portfolio early in your course work. SISLT will not provide a server. You may build your portfolio on a web hosting site such as BlueHost, Neocities, Weebly, Wix, etc. This gives you control of your portfolio and its availability after you graduate.

Portfolio Assessment

You will meet the LT Goals and Objectives throughout your program; however, your portfolio will be based on documenting your mastery of the ISTE standards through narratives and supporting examples of work. You will work with a faculty advisor to ensure that your portfolio meets all requirements.

Each portfolio includes:

  • Professional resume, including a list of technology in schools-related skills and experiences
  • Documentation of ISTE standards mastery using the ISTE template
  • Self-assessment narrative of your mastery of the ISTE standards with special attention given to the terms learning, evaluation and leadership
  • Reflection paper linking program content to classroom practice
  • Learning technologies concept map

Portfolio Details

A portfolio is a website consisting of products and artifacts demonstrating mastery of the Technology in Schools emphasis area competencies and ISTE standards. There might be a few elements that are not actually included in the website (e.g., video clips of needs assessment interviews, a network solution you designed), but there is some representation of these products (e.g., a slide show about the interviews, blueprints or design documents for the network).

Ideally, products and artifacts are added to the portfolio as the work is completed rather than waiting until the last minute to assemble the portfolio. Creating the portfolio is just like creating any other website: Design it, build it, test it and revise it. Periodically, you may add something to the website.

In addition, a one-credit-hour course is offered to assist students in portfolio development (7378: Portfolio Development). The course should be taken during your final semester of coursework.

A SISLT advisor will examine the portfolio before it is presented for formal review and make suggestions for improvement when warranted.

Presenting and Evaluating Your Portfolio

Portfolios are presented completely online. The portfolio must be available for faculty review on the date given. Consideration is given to the entry knowledge and skills of the student and the student’s professional goals. The SISLT review committee examines your portfolio and either passes it or suggests revisions.

The review process asks:

  • Does the student know what the competencies/standards mean?
  • Has the student demonstrated adequate mastery of the competencies/standards?

If a portfolio or presentation is found to be lacking, the student is given the opportunity to make the necessary adjustments (e.g., add elements to the portfolio, enhance the products or innovations). A conference call or email correspondence will be used to get the portfolio back on track. The review committee will offer suggestions for additional work or changes to the portfolio. Once the committee is satisfied the competencies are adequately addressed, the portfolio is accepted.

You must be a registered student the semester in which you plan to graduate. Simply put: You cannot finish all of your course work and present your portfolio the following semester without being enrolled in something. This means you must register for at least one course, or there is an exam-only option available for students who have completed all required course work.

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Admissions

Applicants are required to meet two sets of minimum qualifications for admission: the requirements of the MS in Learning Technologies and Design program and the minimum requirements of the Graduate School.  Because requirements vary, you must refer to a degree program's graduate admission page to learn about specific admission criteria, application deadlines, eligibility and application process.  Your application materials will be reviewed by both the Graduate School and the degree program to which you’ve applied before official admission to the University of Missouri.

Email: sislt@missouri.edu
SISLT Student Services Coordinator
304 Townsend Hall
Columbia, MO 65211
Phone: 573-882-4546 or toll free 877-747-5868
https://education.missouri.edu/information-science-learning-technologies/degrees-programs/learning-technologies/

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