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Educational Technology

Wist 232
1776 University Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96822
Tel: (808) 956-7671
Fax: (808) 956-3905
E-mail: edtech-dept@hawaii.edu
Web: www.hawaii.edu/edtech

Faculty

* Graduate Faculty

• *G. Z. Kucera, PhD (Chair)--communications and sociology
• *C. Fulford, PhD--instructional development and design
• *C. Ho, PhD--instructional technology and design
• *A. C. Sherry, EdD--educational technology and instructional design
• S. F. Yamashita, PhD--curriculum design and evaluation

Cooperating Graduate Faculty

• L. K. Johnsrud, PhD--higher education
• E. B. Klemm, EdD--curriculum development
• D. Lassner, PhD--computer systems, data communication
• T. W. Speitel, PhD--computer communications, curriculum research and development

Degree Offered: MEd in educational technology

The Academic Program

Educational technology (ETEC) deals with the complex, integrated process of analyzing and devising solutions to problems involved in all aspects of human learning. It is technology because it concerns systematic application of scientific and other knowledge to practical tasks. The field qualifies as educational because the practical tasks are within the context of education at all levels, whether in the public or private sector.

The master's degree in educational technology at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa is especially appropriate for those who want to work in applying technologies to educational endeavors at various levels, such as preparing teachers or trainers of human resources personnel or designing and developing educational programs for such personnel. The course of study merges the development of practical knowledge and skills with a solid understanding of theoretical and research basics.

Advising

After reviewing the departmental brochure (available from the department office) describing the educational technology program, prospective applicants should confer with the department chair to obtain further amplification of admission requirements. In particular, an early but tentative assessment of the applicant's background should be attempted, as departmental specifications may necessitate early (i.e., pre-admission) registration in prerequisite courses.

Preregistration is mandatory each semester for educational technology majors, and the department schedules specific days and times for this purpose. Continuous enrollment in the program is required, but majors who have already advanced to candidacy may request a leave of absence for not more than two consecutive semesters.

The importance of careful planning of courses and program requirements, through consultation with the department chair and the student's major adviser, cannot be overemphasized. Just as the admission to and start of the student's participation in the program is possible only in the fall semester, the culminating seminar with concurrent internship can only take place during the spring semester. 

Efficient scheduling of courses and resources necessitates that either a two- or three-year program plan be developed by each student at the time of admission.

Graduate Study

The graduate program in educational technology involves a broad view of technologies applicable to educational and instructional situations. Thus, the program does not emphasize mechanical or electronic devices, which are often equated with technology, but deals with larger issues of systematic application of knowledge to such practical tasks as planning, designing, implementing, and evaluating different strategies for an effective and efficient teaching/learning process. When such a view is espoused, the "devices" become an integral part of the various strategies.

The graduate program requires a minimum of 39 semester credit hours, with eight required and five elective ETEC courses.

Objectives
The department has set the following objectives for its graduate students:

1. Advanced knowledge of major instructional models and their technological applications and of aspects of educational technology related to learning;
2. Knowledge of the existing body of research in the field and its meaning, influence, and practical applicability to new technological applications in the teaching and learning process; and the capability of planning and executing research and evaluation studies of technology applications;
3. Thorough knowledge of the principles and processes of the systems approach as applied to instructional and learning situations;
4. Ability to plan appropriate applications of technology for specific instructional situations, select or design and develop materials and strategies, and evaluate objectively such applications;
5. Proficiency in the techniques involved in developing instructional materials in various formats;
6. Capability of planning and designing new media or learning facilities and modifying existing ones, and knowledge of the management techniques needed in their operation;
7. Interpersonal and communication skills required to carry out professional activities; and
8. Development of a positive professional attitude through active involvement in appropriate professional organizations and community services.

Admission Requirements
Admission to the educational technology program is only in the fall semester. Applications may be filed with the Graduate Division between November 1 and March 1 for the following fall semester. The general graduate admission requirements of the University of Hawai'i are augmented by the Department of Educational Technology, which will evaluate applications according to the following criteria:

1. Admission to the program is highly competitive, so the mere meeting of the established criteria does NOT guarantee admission.
2. Educational technology is a professional area that needs infusion of individuals who have the commitment and dedication to make the field their career choice.
3. Students from foreign countries must submit the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The minimum score is 600, representing approximately the 77th percentile rank.
4. A personal interview may be scheduled if faculty members need additional information directly from the applicant. All prospective students from other states and foreign countries should submit an approximately 10-minute-long videotape on which the applicant presents personal, academic, and professional background and long-range professional plan information. The videotape must be in the NTSC standard, in VHS format.
5. Three letters of recommendation, to be submitted with the application for admission, should evaluate the applicant's potential in the field of educational technology, not only his or her academic abilities to do graduate work.
6. All applicants are encouraged to submit additional materials, documentation, or samples of work relevant to the evaluation and selection process.

The department has specified certain areas of knowledge and skills as necessary background for entry into the program. Deficiencies are identified during the selection process, will be specified on the admission letter, and should be removed prior to enrolling in ETEC courses or during the first fall semester of registration.

Master's Degree

Major Requirements
A set of required ETEC courses provides each educational technology major with a solid foundation in technology, instructional psychology, and research, including critical assessment of past research and understanding of discernible research trends. Coupled with such knowledge is the preparation for practical application of both the theories and research and evaluation methodologies particularly appropriate to educational technology.

Two required courses, in a defined sequence, must be taken in each of the first two semesters. Upon completion of the four required courses, each student will be given a general departmental examination to determine whether advancement to candidacy should be recommended. The oral examination ascertains whether the student is making satisfactory academic progress and whether he or she is prepared academically and in other ways for the continuation of the studies. Poise, personal characteristics, attitude, and communication skills are significant components in the overall evaluation. At least three faculty members will administer the examination. If advancement to candidacy is recommended, a permanent adviser will be assigned to the candidate.

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