Take the Next Step
Finding the right college means finding the right fit. See all that the College of Education and Human Services has to offer by visiting campus.
Master of Education in Educational Technology - Instructional Design for Digital Learning
On this page:
- Why Choose the Educational Technology - Instructional Design for Digital Learning Program?
- Academics and Curriculum
- Admission
- Scholarships and Aid
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why Choose the Educational Technology - Instructional Design for Digital Learning Program?
The Master of Education in Educational Technology - Instructional Design for Digital Learning program prepares students to become highly trained instructional designers, armed with the tools they need to bring innovative teaching and training practices into education, corporate, and governmental settings.
The training and development field is expected to employ 34,500 jobs and is growing at 10% a year, which is faster than the average for most occupations. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics has rated the job prospects for training and development managers as favorable due to the continual need to train the workplace. Students from any undergraduate program can apply to the IDDL program.
Instructional designers either lead a team or are part of a team that develops educational training programs and eLearning classes for corporate, educational (K-12 and Higher Education), government, or not-for-profit environments. Instructional Design is a new, innovative field, and our graduates have been highly successful in gaining employment after completing the program.
This unique program allows students to combine the two IDDL certificate programs (IDDL-1 and IDDL-2) into one dynamic and engaging learning experience. So, this degree program covers the effective design and implementation of online and blended-learning classes, as well as the research, theory, and research methodologies associated with the effective design of online and blended-learning classes.
The entire program is taught in an online environment. All of the classes are designed using the most current research of effective online pedagogies, so participants will not only learn about effective teaching practices but also get to experience them as students. Classes include a synchronous weekly webinar, but sessions are recorded for participants who cannot attend the "live" session.
You should consider this Master’s degree if you:
- Enjoy working on a team to develop educational and/or training materials
- Enjoy learning about how people learn
- Have some experience using digital technologies to create multimedia materials
- Are not afraid of learning new educational technologies
- Like to work in fast-paced, innovative environments
- Consider yourself creative and not afraid of change
- Have strong project management and people skills
- Interested in learning how to develop effective webcasting, simulation, eLearning, or training programs
Some of the technologies woven throughout the program are:
- Web conferencing
- Learning Management Systems
- eText Readers
- Digital video creation
- Posting videos to YouTube
- Accessibility for online learning
- Virtual Worlds
- Web page development
- Effective PowerPoint design
Topics discussed throughout the degree program include:
- Connecting learning theory and teaching practices
- Brain-based learning
- Backward design
- Learning strategies
- Collaboration and teaming
- Evaluation
- Professional development
- Cognitive load theory
- Cognitive theory of multimedia learning
- Use of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research designs
- Scholarship of teaching and learning
- Literature reviews
- Ethics and digital citizenship
There are ten required courses and one optional internship in this graduate program. Refer to the program of study for the full list of courses.
Note to students currently admitted to an IDDL certificate program: To pursue the M.Ed. program, you must apply for and be fully admitted to the master's degree program prior to beginning your sixth course. You must be a degree-seeking student for at least 50% of your program in order to qualify for the degree.
Contact Information
Dr. Sheri Stover, Program Director
937-775-3008
sheri.stover@wright.edu
All Educational Technology Program Options
- Educational Technology M.Ed. – Instructional Design for Digital Learning
- Educational Technology M.Ed. – Health Professions Applications
- Instructional Design for Digital Learning 1 Certificate
- Instructional Design for Digital Learning 2 Certificate
"Best Online Programs—Graduate Education," U.S. News & World Report, 2017
U.S. News & World Report ranked Wright State’s online Master of Education program, offered by the College of Education and Human Services, 43rd among the 275 schools responding to the survey, naming it among “Best Online Programs — Graduate Education.”
Source: Wright State Newsroom
Academics and Curriculum
Educational Technology - Instructional Design for Digital Learning Program of Study (PDF)
Admission
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
- Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.7 or higher
- GPA of 3.0 or higher on any previous graduate work, if applicable
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT) scores in the 50th percentile or better.
- Entrance Essay: Please include a short essay with your application that answers the following questions (see below). Your essay should not exceed 1,000 words or two pages (whichever comes first). You will upload the essay to your application.
- Why do you want to become an Instructional Designer or take these courses about Instructional Design?
- Please provide specific examples describing your experience using educational technologies, multimedia technologies, or other technologies and how these experiences would help you to become an Instructional Designer. Examples of relevant experience could include, but are not limited to, training classes, certificates, minors, or degrees in these areas. Provide links to examples of work samples or a digital portfolio, if applicable.
*NOTE: The entrance essay is waived for those transitioning from the IDDL-1 Certificate to the M.Ed.
Two Options to Waive the GRE Exam or MAT Exam
- Option 1: The requirement to take the GRE or MAT exam is waived if the applicant's cumulative undergraduate GPA (from all schools attended) was 3.0 or higher or if the applicant has a previous master's degree.
- Option 2: The requirement to take the GRE or MAT exam is waived if the applicant was accepted to Wright State University's IDDL-1 certificate program and receives a cumulative grade point of 3.5 or higher for the first three IDDL-1 courses. A cumulative grade point of 3.5 or higher for these three courses must be earned in the first attempt and cannot be earned through course repeats.
**NOTE: The student is responsible for all application fees for the certificate and M.Ed. programs.
***COVID-19 Update and GRE and MAT Waivers: GRE and MAT test requirements will be waived until the COVID-19 crisis has passed, and testing locations have reopened.
Admission Process
1
All of Educational Technology programs are currently rolling admission. Apply at least six weeks prior to the term of enrollment.
2
Submit to the Graduate School:
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended (except Wright State).
- Official GRE or MAT scores if applicable.
- Entrance essay (See guidelines above under Admission Requirements.)
Questions about the graduate school application? Contact:
Graduate School
Location: 344 Student Union
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Phone: 937-775-2976
Fax: 937-775-2453
Email: wsugrad@wright.edu
Scholarships and Aid
Graduate Assistantships (CEHS)
Graduate Assistants work at Wright State for a faculty or staff member and receive a fee waiver for the academic year in which they are awarded and a monthly stipend.
Graduate Tuition Scholarship Program (CEHS):
Graduate scholarships offered by CEHS.
Wright State Graduate Council Scholarship
This scholarship is for newly admitted graduate students and may include a stipend and tuition. Some of the eligibility criteria include a GPA of 3.3 or higher, recently admitted to master’s program, and have not started graduate classes. Nominations or due by mid-February (Round1) and mid-March (Round 2).
Wright State Fellowship Program
This scholarship is aimed at attracting high-quality, underrepresented minority graduate students. Some of the eligibility include recently admitted to the master’s program, has not started graduate classes, US citizen or permanent resident, member of an underrepresented minority in the field. Nominations are due by mid-March.
WPAFB and Ohio National Guard Scholarship
These scholarships are for WPAFB employees or family members and also for students in good standing of the Ohio National Guard.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
How do I register for courses?
Registration takes place online via WINGS Express. For guidance, refer to step-by-step registration directions (PDF).
-
How do I find out what textbooks are required for my courses?
Textbook information is available through the WSU Bookstore. For guidance, refer to step-by-step textbook directions (PDF).
-
Are non-print resources, such as hardware or software, required for the courses in this program?
Because IDDL-1 and IDDL-2 courses meet online using Pilot Live, students need to be able to participate in online discussions. Therefore, students will need to obtain a headset with earphones and a microphone. The preferred brand is the LogiTech USB H530 headset.
In addition, some classes require students to have software applications such as Snagit and Camtasia, which are available at the TechSmith website shop.techsmith.com under "Education Pricing."
When registering for an online or web-only course, students should make a point to read any notes associated with the course. Notes are accessed by clicking on the Course Reference Number (CRN) associated with the course in WINGS Express. Notes often provide further information and instructions that students need to know, including any hardware / software requirements.
-
How do I access my online courses?
Online courses take place in Pilot, WSU's learning management system. For guidance, refer to step-by-step Pilot directions (PDF).
-
What courses should I register for each semester?
EDT 8110 (Learning in a Digital World) is the required first course in the Ed Tech M.Ed. - IDDL program. The attached course guide (PDF) gives a tentative outline of the semesters and terms when Ed Tech M.Ed. - IDDL courses are offered.
-
When do classes start each semester?
You may refer to the Wright State University Academic Calendar to view the start date of each semester (fall, spring, and summer).
Please note that all IDDL courses are seven weeks long. All A-Term IDDL courses begin the same day as the regular semester, as listed on the academic calendar.
During spring semester, the B-Term IDDL courses begin the same day as the B-Term listed on the academic calendar.
During fall semester, the B-Term IDDL courses typically begin one week later than the B-Term listed on the academic calendar.
The course schedule in WINGS Express reflects the official start and end date of all IDDL courses. When you register for courses, your schedule in WINGS Express will list the official date range of your course(s).
-
What IDOL courses have equivalents in the IDDL-1 and Ed Tech M.Ed.-IDDL Programs?
If you previously took courses in the Instructional Design for Online Learning (IDOL) certificate program and now desire to complete either the IDDL-1 or M.Ed. in Educational Technology-Instructional Design for Digital Learning program, the IDOL course(s) you took can substitute for courses in the current programs.
Previous Course
Equivalent New Course
EDL 7200 (Analysis of Teaching)
EDT 8110 (Learning in a Digital World)
EDT 8390 (Instructional Design & Online Learning)
EDT 8120 (Instructional Design for Digital Learning)
EDT 8490 (Making Online Courses Interactive)
EDT 8130 (Making Online Courses Interactive)
EDT 8590 (Learning Management Systems & Evaluation)
EDL 8140 (Learning Management Systems & Evaluation)
Note: Students must complete all requirements for a master's degree within seven years.
