Program Requirements - Instructional Technology

Instructional technology at Purdue Calumet encompasses four areas of research and interest:

• application of instructional theory to appropriate performance improvement challenges,
• technology of instruction and training,
• educational technology applications and management, and
• promoting learner success through technology enhanced instructional environments.  

Technology Assessment

Before a student enters into the Instructional Technology program, EDCI 560 (Educational Technology for Teaching and Learning) must be completed within five years of application. As an alternative method of assessing readiness for the technology learning environment, the potential student must complete an assessment that includes the MyTarget Assessment, http://mytarget.iassessment.org and an interview to review basic computer concepts, personal/professional productivity, and communication/information skills.  The interview will be conducted by the IT program coordinator and the program technology coordinator.

Application Process

The Instructional Technology Master’s degree requires 33 credit hours (each course three credit hours in length).  The pattern of courses you take will follow the sequence of courses outlined below.

Upon starting into the Instructional Technology Master’s degree program, the student must:

1. Initiate a DRAFT Plan of study working closely with the advisor and following the sequence of courses outlined.  The purpose of the student initiating a DRAFT Plan of study is to start the process of managing their own degree with the advice of the Program Advisor;

2. Acknowledge the requirement for a Graduate Professional Portfolio to be submitted at the beginning of the semester before planned graduation; and

3. Assessed as competent to complete the technology courses contained in the IT curriculum. (See Technology Assessment described above.)

Deadlines for application to the program:

• Fall Semester: April 1
• Spring Semester: Nov.15
• Summer Semester: April 1

Assignment and Student Competency Policies

Assignment Policy

All assignments must be turned in by the due date to be considered for full credit. Late assignments will be accepted up to one week after the due date. Late assignments will be worth 50% of the original grade. Assignments turned in more than a week after the due date will NOT be accepted and a grade of "0" will be assigned. If an assignment is due during the final week of the semester, no late work will be accepted.

Expectations for IT students

It is expected that all students admitted to the instructional technology program will:

• Complete the formal admission process to the program before the 12 hour non-degree work is satisfied. Students must be admitted prior to the registering for the fifth course of the program.
• Meet the admission deadline: Applications and ALL supporting documentation must be received and confirmed in the graduate office on or before the deadlines listed below:
  • Fall Semester: April 1
  • Spring Semester: Nov.15
  • Summer Semester: April 1
• Have access to a computer with a high-speed Internet connection. If there is a question, the program chair will determine whether this condition is met.
• Meet minimum proficiencies: able to word process (using correct spelling, grammar, formatting, and APA style), email and search the Internet, OR complete EDCI 560 or equivalent. If there is a question, the program chair will determine whether this condition is met.
• Communicate regularly with the advisor to confirm progress and choice of courses
• Complete all coursework as required
• Communicate with course instructors on requirements and progress
• Maintain a B average or above (minimum GPA of 3.0)
• No grade below a C will be accepted. A grade in any one course lower than a C will generate an interview with the program chair. After the meeting, the program chair will recommend probation or dismissal. A second grade lower than a C will result in automatic dismissal from the program.
• Initiate and review progress on their portfolio with their advisor after completion of Year One and prior to the start of Year Two
• Complete a Plan of Study with their advisor early after completing 24 credit hours and prior to registering for the 27th hour.
• Initiate and present a completed portfolio the semester before graduation. Since the practicum is not completed until after the successful presentation of the portfolio, practicum documentation is not required at this time. Following the practicum, a portfolio will be presented, including the practicum documentation and all prior requirements. The instructor will assess the quality of the presentation.
• As graduate students, the student is responsible for their own education, keeping abreast of policies and requirements. Constant and consistent communication with the advisor is necessary.

Course Sequence