Principles - Instructional Technology

Vision Statement

The Instructional Technology program was founded to prepare instructional technology professionals:

• with the knowledge and skills in assessment, design, development, utilization, management, maintenance, and evaluation of materials, process, and resources to enhance learning in educational and business settings and
• who are committed to respecting diversity among people, and who ascribe to the highest of ethical standards and practice in the field of instructional technology.

Constructing knowledge, developing practice, and fostering relationships are the conceptual framework of the graduate programs in School of Education, Purdue University Calumet.

Mission Statement

The mission of Purdue University Calumet's School of Education, in collaboration with other professional educators and agencies, is to prepare and support education professionals and related specialists who:

• apply the appropriate knowledge, dispositions, and performances in developing diverse approaches to educational strategies that are constructive, consistent and reflective of sound practice;
•  are prepared to use current research, knowledge, and technology to empower the people they serve;
• are sensitive and responsive to the unique needs of themselves, of  others, and of the diverse society in which they practice;
• are advocates for and models of quality education and lifelong learning.

The School faculty is committed to providing the human and technological resources to enable students and themselves to develop as educational professionals in constructing knowledge, developing practice, and fostering relationships.

Conceptual Framework

"Constructing knowledge" refers to the process by which individuals make meaning of professional information and develop personal theories about teaching, learning and human development. Individuals construct knowledge through structured educational activities and life experiences.

"Developing practice" refers to both the process by which education professionals improve how they do their job as well as to the process of developing and growing as reflective professional practitioners.

"Fostering relationships" refers to the development of those dispositions necessary to create mutually beneficial connections among people and educational institutions and organizations.

General Graduate Studies in Education Standards

Each program has adopted its own set of standards. In addition, the Department of Graduate Studies also implements a set of general standards, whose attainment is required by all candidates.

Instructional Uses of Technology “The graduate understands the central concepts related to educational technology, and can effectively and appropriately implement this technology into classroom preparation and instruction”

Individuals with Special Needs “The graduate understands various learning and physical disabilities, how these may be manifested in learning situations, and how to adapt instruction to ensure success for all individuals.”

Diversity “The graduate understands the nature of diversity in the human community, how cultural and gender differences can affect learning, and how to create a learning environment that protects the individuality and dignity of all learners.”

Communication “The graduate uses knowledge of appropriate verbal, nonverbal, and written communication in preparing instructional materials and can effectively communicate with all stakeholders within the professional community.”

Educational Research “The graduate understands current trends in educational research and can critically examine this research in relationship to his/her profession.”

Community Collaboration “The graduate understands the dynamics of educational, geographic, and/or school communities; can effectively participate within these communities; and fosters an environment that respects all individuals.”

Content Knowledge "The graduate understands that professional decisions must be made based on a thorough knowledge foundation that includes theories, skills, organizational structures  and cultures, societal  needs, legal foundations, learning theory, research techniques, and many others. This solid knowledge base will result in a decision-making process that is reasoned, accurate, and competent."

The ISTE Standards and the Instructional Technology Program

The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Standards for Educational Computing and Technology Programs for Technology Facilitation Initial endorsement apply to the Instructional Technology Program at Purdue Calumet.

"Educational Computing and Technology Facilitation (TF) endorsement programs meeting ISTE standards will prepare candidates to serve as building/campus-level technology facilitators. Candidates completing this program will exhibit knowledge, skills, and dispositions equipping them to teach technology applications; demonstrate effective use of technology to support student learning of content; and provide professional development, mentoring, and basic technical assistance for other teachers who require support in their efforts to apply technology to support student learning.

The International Society for Technology in Education recognizes that educational computing and technology foundations are essential for all teachers. ISTE also acknowledges educational computing and technology specialty areas beyond these foundations and has established program standards for initial and advanced programs. These program standards will assist teacher education units, and professional organizations and agencies in understanding and evaluating the educational preparation needed for specialization within the field." (ISTE)

Click here to download the complete ISTE Standards and Rubrics that apply to this program