Learning Technologies : Program Overview
Learning Based on Research
In what ways is technology changing education? In what ways should it change education? Does technology improve learning? Does technology improve teaching? How can we close the digital divide? Faculty and students in the Learning Technologies Program at the University of Michigan School of Education are exploring questions like these, and developing ways to utilize technology in support of innovative curricula—curricula that make teaching and learning more effective.
Examples include:
- Development of curricula that integrate handheld computing technologies with meaningful science instruction and learning.
- Technology-based methods for teaching reading.
- The teacher’s role in introducing new technologies into the classroom, and how to better support teachers learning to use technology.
- Development of tools that help integrate primary sources into history and social studies education.
- The role of professional development and policy making on the use of wireless laptops in social studies and English classrooms.
- The role of district-level administrators in technology-oriented reform
What does it mean when you become a student in Learning Technologies? It means that you will participate in an innovative program with faculty who are blazing the way in this quickly evolving area of education.
If you are a self-motivated learner who learns through engagement with challenging ideas and real-world experiences, then the School of Education Learning Technologies Program may be of interest to you. The program will help prepare you to be an educational leader who understands the role that technology can play in the learning process. Our hands-on programs connect practice and practitioners in every area of inquiry, including the research, design, development, and implementation of powerful technologies that enhance learning.
This degree specialization is housed within the Educational Studies program, which fosters links among students and faculty in a number of specializations sharing a commitment to the integration of theory and research on teaching, learning, and educational access in P-12 settings.
The School of Education offers Learning Technologies degrees at both the Master's and Doctoral levels.
Doctoral degree in Learning Technologies
The Doctoral Program in Learning Technologies prepares scholars and researchers to actively harness the power of educational technology. As a student in the program you will develop and refine your own research questions and agendas in concert with others dedicated to the same goal. The program is an intensive project-oriented one where students immerse themselves in real-world research alongside nationally recognized specialists in their field.
A carefully tailored program will prepare you to use the latest knowledge about learning theory, design principles, research methodologies, and evaluation strategies, in educational settings ranging from classrooms to Web-based and distributed-learning environments. You will be expected to develop expertise in a specific area of concentration, defined in conjunction with your faculty advisor. Current active concentrations include:
- Science Education
- Social Studies and History Education
- Culture and Gender
- Teacher Education
- Design and Human-Computer Interaction
- Policy
You also have the opportunity to create new concentrations through interdisciplinary connections with faculty from across campus.
After completion of your Ph.D. in Learning Technologies, you will be prepared for leadership positions in higher education, public and private research, and public policy.
It is also worth noting that, as a unit within Michigan's Educational Studies Program, the Learning Technologies PhD program is a national partner in the Carnegie Initiative on the Doctorate, sponsored by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of teaching.
What else would you like to learn about the Doctoral program?
LT Faculty and research interests.
I have still have questions about the Doctoral program.
Master’s
degree in Learning Technologies
The Master's Degree in Learning Technologies prepares professionals for leadership roles in the design, development, implementation, evaluation, and research of powerful technologies to enhance learning. Our approach to design links current research about how people learn with powerful technological tools that enable new methods of organizing and evaluating learning environments. Course and project work reflects the latest knowledge and practice in learning, teaching, and technology.
Core courses will familiarize you with the latest research-based knowledge about learning theory, design principles, research methodologies, and evaluation strategies, in educational settings ranging from classrooms to Web-based and distributed learning environments. Faculty will work with you to shape programs that meet your individual interests. Practical experience is offered through internships with area educational institutions.
Upon completion of your M.A., you will be prepared to work in a variety of public and private educational settings, including non-traditional settings such as e-learning and distributed learning environments. Program graduates often seek positions in public or private education, in technology coordination or administrative roles. Others work in private or public sector companies that create educational products or materials.
What else would you like to learn about the Master’s program?
LT faculty and research interests
I have still have questions about the Master's program.
Talk with a LT Master's Student
