Overview – Instructional Technology Specialist Certificate

Gain an Edge in the Increasingly Technology-Reliant Classroom

Point Park’s Instructional Technology Specialist Certification is a fully online, 15-credit program designed to prepare graduates for K-12 learning environments that require knowledge and competence in instructional technology in accordance with the specified standards of the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Sharpen your skills in:

  • technology infrastructure
  • curricular planning
  • instructional design
  • management and administration within a school district
  • research and problem-solving for technological applications to improve student learning

Upon completion of the program, you will be prepared to design, facilitate, manage and evaluate digital instruction in online and hybrid learning settings, some of the fastest growing segments of education.

There is a projected need for teachers to know how to design and deliver content in alternative digital formats. Specialists need to know how to lead, manage and administer instructional technology for K-12 schools due to the changing landscape of K-12 education, particularly in the post-COVID educational landscape. The Instructional Technology Specialist Certification will prepare you for the future.

Curriculum Overview

The Instructional Technology Specialist Certification program blends theory, research and direct application through practical hands-on learning within a variety of K-12 basic educational settings.

This program can be completed within one academic year. Courses will be offered in fall, spring and summer semesters. Each candidate will take six credits in the fall semester, six credits in the spring semester and three credits in the summer semester.

Courses in this 15-credit program include:

  • Learning Technologies for Educators
  • Instructional Methods for Digital Teaching and Learning
  • Online Teaching: Design and Delivery
  • Instructional Technology Administration and Management
  • Practicum in K-12 schools in learning, design, and technology

Contact an enrollment counselor to learn more.

  • Next Start Date: May 7, 2023

Est. Program Length: 12 to 18 Months
Credit Hours: 15
Course Length: 8 Weeks
Cost Per Credit: $550
Transfer Credits Accepted: Up to 9

  • Est. Program Length: 12 to 18 months

  • Credit Hours: 15

  • Course Length: 8 Weeks

  • Cost Per Credit: $550

  • Transfer Credits Accepted: Up to 9

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Course Offerings

Admission Requirements

Course Description
This course explores current and emerging technology tools and applications that are transforming teaching and training in digital learning environments. After reviewing the terminology, history, and learning theories Of educational technology, students examine technologies that enhance motivation, communication, engagement, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking. Within the frameworks of pedagogy and andragogy, students integrate technology tools such as blogs, wikis, polls, simulations, games, podcasts, digital stories, and smart boards, and whiteboards into lessons for active and constructive learning. Students communicate to peers and stakeholders the purpose, costs, and benefits of incorporating technology into an instruction plan.

Course Description
This course applies principles of pedagogy and andragogy to an instructional design model that can be applied to a variety of digital learning formats. Instruction delivered through online/virtual, hybrid, hyflex, mobile, or flipped formats demand unique methods of presenting content, interacting with students, and assessing performance. Teaching and learning methods are explored and adapted for various types of technology and the needs of diverse learners. Students design a microteaching or microtraining demonstration to facilitate an activity incorporating methods appropriate for the instructional goals and digital delivery format.

Course Description
This course focuses on the design and delivery of online learning, which can be applied to workforce, higher education, K-12, continuing, or adult education. Throughout the course, students will design and develop an online module by studying the learners, applying instructional design skills, and building one learning module within a course management system. Students will also evaluate technology tools for interaction and the quality of online courses using standards of best practice.

Course Description
This course is designed to introduce participants to the issues involved in the administration and management of instructional technology including leadership, planning, management of resources, project management, and the impact of effective technology management on organizations and their stakeholders. The course will introduce students to leadership theory and applications for effective administration and management within organizational settings.

Course Description
This practicum is intended to provide the student with field-based experiences in one or more of the following areas: oversight of instructional technology infrastructure within an organizational setting; integration of technology into curricular planning and instructional design; management and administration of instructional technology programs and projects; research, problem solving, and product development Of instructional technological applications.

The on-site supervisor will assist the student by providing opportunities that coincide with the student’s identified career objectives and goals. Emphasis will be on the development and application of administration, management, and leadership of instructional technology projects that foster best practices in learning, design, and technology. A daily log and an original research project will be completed during the practicum.

Career Outcomes

As a graduate of the online learning, design and technology degree program, you will be prepared for a career in a growing field of opportunity. Graduates find success in jobs positions like:

  • Instructional Technology Administrator
  • Instructional Design Manager
  • Director of E-Learning
  • E-Learning Manager
  • Instructional Designer
  • Instructional Technologist
  • Online Instructional Coach
  • Digital Learning Support Specialist
  • E-Learning Coordinator

Next Steps

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Discover the Point Park University Online degree that will help you further your current career or forge a new career path.

Online Application

Fill out the free online application to get started today.

Official Transcripts

Print and complete the Transcript Request Form and email it to getstarted@pointpark.edu