Master of Education in Instructional and Learning Technology
Framed within the ILT department’s vision for the future of education, information, and communication technology in the Sultanate and the preparation of the technological leadership cadre, this Master’s program is designed to prepare postgraduate students who can promote the development and implementation of a shared vision for educational technology integration in school organizations and higher education institutions. The program, in general, aims to prepare technological cadres who can be able to work in a variety of fields such as human resources, teaching, training, instructional design, and quality assurance. The program is currently offered in the form of courses of study and thesis, and is expected to be completed within two years of full time and three years of part-time study.
Students enrolled in this program must complete 30 credit hours distributed as follows:
- Core Courses: 18 credit hours
- Thesis: 6 credit hours
- Elective Courses: 6 credit hours
Course Descriptions:
| Instr. & Inf. Tech.: TECH5001 |
| This course covers the concepts of educational technology and their role in the teaching and learning processes. The course anchors concepts in the historical developments of this field to modern day in terms of visuals, communication and connections and their relations to education. The course explains media classification, selection, with reference to systematic approach and instructional design. It covers their design principles, preparation, production, development, technology use in ethical and secure ways, and evaluation. The course also introduces new technologies on the web used in instruction. Hands-on practical applications and field experience are also integral parts of this course. |
| Educ.Comm.Tech: TECH6101 |
| This course aims at introducing the concept of instructional technology in both theory and application. It also explains system approach and instructional design with their educational applications. The course focuses on computer use in instructional process in terms of selecting and using instructional software for various specializations. It shows different learning environment enhanced by computers and/or world wide web. The course also considers the use of some presentation software such as: PPT, AUTHORWARE, ETC. . |
| Evalu. & Quality: TECH6102 |
| This course aims to provide a working understanding of the models of evaluation and quality assurance in alternative learning environments such as e-learning, distance learning, and hybrid alternatives. It specifically aims at how to analyze results with the goal of improving the performance of students, as well as the effectiveness of e-learning programs emanating from vendors and providers. The course also aims to introduce students to current research studies on the evaluation and quality assurance of e-learning systems and alternative learning environments. The emphasis is on providing and disseminating research-based rationales for e-learning systems to be considered as equivalents and alternatives to traditional learning systems. |
| Instructional Design: TECH6103 |
| This course aims to provide an understanding of the features, structures, similarities, and differences of a representative selection of advanced instructional design models. In this regard, it covers their relevance, appropriateness, and application to the improvement of teaching and learning, as well as the design of various kinds of educational materials. In particular, the course focuses on how to apply new instructional design models to the design, development, and evaluation of different learning environments, technologies, software, courses, lessons, and other types of units of instruction such as learning objects. Particular thematic focus is given to providing an understanding of the underlying theoretical frameworks |
| Contemporary Issues: TECH6104 |
| This course aims to provide students with opportunities to explore contemporary educational issues related to educational, information and communication technology. Online learning environments will be further explored and experienced in the blended learning environment of teaching and learning to allow for design and development. The informational architecture of schools will be a special focus with its emphasis on new approaches to teaching and learning. Students will investigate the impact of technology diffusion and the formation of a knowledge society as well as obstacles to the use of technology in educational fields in Sultanate of Oman |
| Technology Centers: TECH6106 |
| This course aims to introduce the role of educational, information and communication technology in the instructional process. Students learn how to organize and/or manage learning resource and technology centers in educational institutions. Topics covered include planning and organize computer operations, multimedia laboratories, and mobile and/or portable technologies for educational and administrative purposes. Students will learn how to implement and lead centers and schools with policies related to recruitment and human resource development, digital safety and security, and administrative restructuring |
| Resource Centers: TECH6107 |
| This course aims to review evaluation strategies and policies of information and communication technology in personnel management, admission and registration processes, the selection of computers and e-systems, and the evaluation of education and institutional performance. In addition, it covers the evaluation and management of educational software and learning resources, and e-project management. Other topics include the methods of quality control, assurance, and improvement in the field of educational and information technology. |
| Instructional and Tr: TECH6108 |
| This course aims to help students and decision-makers understand the rationale and importance of instructional and training needs analysis, and its fit within a work-based context. This course uses a research-based project methodology to help students identify, analyze, and concretely define teaching and training needs at the organizational, group, and individual level and create plans for implementation. A variety of models to plan for technology use and integration will be explored as well as new, innovative models in other fields be investigated. Mapping, charting, and tabling will be stressed using visual supports to process and present various working models. |
| Special Topics: New: TECH6109 |
| This course aims to introduce students to important and contemporary issues and problems in the field of alternative learning environments such as blended learning and e-learning. In this regard, it informs students of the most important directions of research in e-learning. These include recent trends in the design of effective e-learning systems, student and community attitudes towards e-learning, student needs, management of e-learning, and student support in e-learning. In addition, the course will also cover research relating to the effectiveness of e-learning systems in terms of costs and learning outcomes. Finally, issues relating to institutional, individual, technical, and professional readiness for e-learning will be reviewed. |
| E-learning Systems: TECH6111 |
| This course aims to introduce students to e-learning systems and provide opportunities to develop and manage these systems. This course will explore the online environment more prominently using the blended approach to learning and teaching. Topics covered in the course include the development and management of the content, compliance with the international standards, management of delivery systems, and management of Web-based e-learning systems. Students will explore new strategies to promote and sustain dynamic, digital-age learning cultures that provide rigorous and relevant education for Omani students |
| Master Thesis: TECH7502 |
| Each student is asked to prepare a project-based thesis in order to satisfy the graduation requirements for the master degree of education in instructional technology. The thesis should be written according to the academic regulation for post graduate studies (PAR). It will be supervised and judged by an appropriate faculty committee. |
For more about the courses, please click HERE