Instructional Technology Program Handbook

Introduction

This handbook is intended for candidates in the Instructional Technology master's program (M.S. for Educators). We have complied this handbook to provide you with some guidance for successfully completing the program. It will provide an orientation to the College of Arts and Sciences, an overview of the Instructional Technology program, its mission, goals and anticipated outcomes. Additional specific information may be found in the Graduate Studies Catalog. The handbook is for informational purposes and does not constitute a contract.

Department of Instructional Technology Mission Statement

The mission of the department is to provide effective professional preparation and development programs that are career-oriented, integrate technology, support diversity, and connect with the real world through learner active instructional strategies. In addition to professional education, our purposes include the generation of field relevant research that extends the knowledge base and the provision of services to the community to inform practice.

Conceptual Framework

Three characteristics make the Department of Instructional Technology programs unique:

Diversity

Our commitment to diversity is evident in all we do. Our candidates learn to recognize the individual needs of diverse P–12 student populations and to create and customize educational experiences necessary for success in the 21st century global environment.

Technology

Our commitment to technology integration is woven seamlessly through our beliefs and actions. Technology is an integral part of our curriculum, pedagogy and delivery systems. Our candidates learn to make meaningful connections between technologies and their applications for all learners.

Field Relations

Our commitment to collaboration with schools, agencies, community organizations, businesses, and policymakers enriches our programs, our candidates, our partners, and the educational community.

Accreditation

The Department of Instructional Technology is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). The Instructional Technology program is Nationally Recognized by the Association of Education Communication Technology (AECT).

MSIT Program Overview

The master's program in Instructional Technology is newly revised to be a 33-credit program for developing educators' expertise to serve as a technology coach, defined by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) as a professional who helps educators advance technology use in schools. Technology coaches support classroom practice and instructional change through the use of leading-edge media and technology for teaching and learning. They work closely with teachers and administrators to develop uses of technology for digital age, global learning. As part of NYIT, a global university, the mission of the Master of Science in Instructional Technology is to develop educators' expertise in used of digital age technologies and practices for teaching and learning. Graduates of the program will be prepared to be educational technology leaders in a diverse global society.

Graduates of the program are experts in implementing technology as master teacher in their own P–12 classrooms, and are able to assist other educators to develop a vision for understanding how Instructional Technology can entice, encourage, enable, and empower learners. They may also serve as technology coordinators, content area coordinators, media specialists, literacy coaches, or instructional lead teachers who coach others in achieving the vision for the potential effects of technology on teaching and learning,. Building on theories of learning, motivation, and curriculum design, teachers then learn to apply newly developed technology skills to the Core Curriculum. The program includes a practicum and seminar to meet the NYSED field experience requirements for certification. Candidates will develop an e-portfolio to provide evidence their impact on student learning and demonstrate ISTE standards for Instructional Technology Coaches as described.

Instructional technology is a growing profession that is a vital part of both business and education. Educational technology specialists teach computer and multimedia technologies—including interactive video, the Internet, productivity tools, and curriculum development—to classroom teachers and administrators in public and private schools.

As digital innovations continue to develop at a fast pace, so will the demand for instructional technology professionals continue to grow. Your NYIT degree as an Educational Technology Specialist will prepare you to integrate instructional technology in your own classroom, share your vision for technology with others as a leader and model best practices for using technology in your school or district.

Your degree will provide you with professional New York State certification in your initial specialty area as well as earn you certification as an Educational Technology Specialist.

Candidate Profile

Candidates are innovative educators with a passion for teaching and learning with technology. They are aspiring leaders who want to make a difference in the lives of children by preparing them and other educators to use technology for their future academic and career paths. Candidates entering the program have a basic knowledge of personal uses of technology and are seeking to further their expertise in their professional K–12 teaching practice and to model effective technology integration for others.

Instructional Technology Program Mission Statement

As a part of NYIT, a global university, the mission of the Master of Science in Instructional Technology, is to develop educators' expertise in uses of digital age technologies and practices for teaching and learning. Graduates of the Instructional Technology program will be prepared to be educational technology leaders in a diverse global society.

Program Goals

Our core courses develop and advance candidates' personal and professional proficiency with a wide range of interactive and social media and web applications that positively impact both instruction and learning. All courses are grounded in theories of learning, curriculum design, cognitive and learning sciences and communication theory. Our program develops and supports candidates' pedagogical research-based practices of effective technology integration and leadership across the disciplines and academic levels.

MSIT Program Outcomes

Adopted May 28, 2013

VISION

MSIT 1 – The candidate will participate in the development and implementation of a shared vision for the comprehensive integration of technology, policies, procedures, and programs, to promote excellence and support transformational change throughout the instructional environment. (ISTE-C 1a, 1.b, 1.c, 1.d; ETS 0006)

Teaching, Learning and Assessments

MSIT 2 – The candidate will meet the needs of all learners by aligning learning environments and experiences with standards outlined in the New York State Common Core Learning Standards and the National Educational Technology Standards for Students. (ISTE-C 2.a; ETS 0004)

MSIT 3 – The candidate will use effective data-driven instructional methods and strategies for teaching digital-age concepts and skills that address content and technology standards and that foster K–12 student learning, creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration locally and globally. (ISTE-C 2.a, 2.c, 2.d, 2.g, 2.h; ETS 0005)

MSIT 4 – The candidate will apply knowledge of how to support teachers in integrating technology into the curriculum to enhance the effectiveness of instructional units by applying skills for differentiating learning in a technology-enhanced environment that maximizes learning for all students. (ISTE-C 2.b, 2.e, 2.f, 2.g, 2.h; ETS 0007)

MSIT 5 – The candidate will assist teachers in using technology effectively for assessing student learning, differentiating instruction, and providing rigorous, relevant, and engaging learning experiences for all students. (ISTE-C 2.f, 2.g, 2.h)

DIGITAL AGE LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS

MSIT 6 – The candidate will demonstrate knowledge of existing and emerging technology resources that are used to support student learning, personal learning, and professional development in diverse learning environments and will demonstrate uses of digital tools and resources and apply features of these tools to facilitate communication, collaboration, research, and problem solving in a digital age society. (ISTE-C 3.c, 3.g;, ETS 0002)

MSIT 7 – The candidate will design, create, and maintain effective technology-enhanced learning environments and experiences that maximize content learning in context and communication and collaboration locally and globally with the greater stakeholder community(ISTE-C 3.a, 3.b, 3.g)

MSIT 8 – The candidates will apply knowledge of the characteristics and functions of a broad range of technology resources to identify and troubleshoot common technology-related problems encountered in educational settings. (ISTE-C 3.b, 3.c, 3.d, 3.e; ETS 0001)

MSIT 9 – The candidate will support the change process throughout the instructional environment. by promoting the development and implementation of technology infrastructure, procedures, plans, budgets, and professional development programs that promote excellence. (ISTE-C 4.f)

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRAM EVALUATION

MSIT 10 – The candidate will conduct needs assessments, develop technology-related professional learning programs, and evaluate the impact on instructional practice and student learning. (ISTE-C 4.a, 4.b, 4.c)

DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP

MSIT 11 – The candidate will model and promote digital citizenry; the legal, ethical, responsible, and appropriate use of technology resources and digital information; social and human issues related to technology; and the use of technology to facilitate learning for all students. (ISTE-C 5.a, 5.b, 5.c; ETS 0003)

CONTENT KNOWLEDGE AND PROFESSIONAL GROWTH

MSIT 12 – The candidate will demonstrate professional knowledge, skills, and dispositions in content, pedagogical, and technological areas as well as adult learning and leadership continuously deepening their knowledge and expertise. (ISTE-C 6.a, 6.b, 6.c)

Admission, Matriculation, and Registration Information

A) Graduate Application Checklist

• Completed NYIT Graduate Application
• $50 Application Fee (does not apply to NYIT alum)
• All Official Undergraduate Transcripts with Proof of Bachelor's Degree
• All Official Graduate Transcripts with Proof of Master's Degree, if applicable
• If you are seeking NYS certification, copies of teaching certificates you currently hold
• Completed Student Immunization Form (form MUST be stamped by your physician's office)
• Completed Meningococcal Meningitis Vaccination Response Form

B) Matriculation: Matriculation is granted to students who have satisfied all requirements for admission, and have been accepted by the Instructional Technology Department.

C) Registration: All graduate students are required to register for classes prior to each semester and summer session for which they are enrolled. Students should consult with their advisor or program director before selecting courses. Students who are not up to date in paying tuition and fees, or who have not fulfilled their conditional admission requirements will be unable to register for classes. Students attending classes for which they are unregistered risk forfeiting the credit they may otherwise have earned for that class.

D) Drop/Add and Withdrawals: The drop/add period for fall and spring is the first two weeks of the semester. Students may drop and add courses without financial penalty during this period as long as the drop does not result in a full withdrawal from courses for the term. A student may withdraw from a course without academic penalty through the end of the 8th week of class during a 14- or 15-week semester and through the 8th meeting during an 8-week course cycle. After this, the student must be doing passing work in order to receive a W grade. Students who are not passing after the 8th week or equivalent will be assigned the grade of WF.

It is the student's responsibility to inform the instructor of his/her intention to withdraw from a course. If a student has stopped attending class without completing all assignments and/or examinations, failing grades for the missing work may be factored into the final grade calculation and the instructor for the course may assign the grade of WF. The grade of F is used for students who have completed the course but whose quality of work is below the standard for passing.

Withdrawal forms are available in departmental offices and once completed must be filed with the registrar. Students should be reminded that a W notation could negatively impact their eligibility for financial aid and/or V.A. benefits, as it may change the student's enrollment status (full-time, part-time, or less than part-time). International students may also jeopardize their visa status if they fail to maintain full-time status.

E) Campus Location: Students are admitted to the New York City, Online campus, or Teacher Center campus.

F) Financial Aid: The Financial Aid Office located in Schure Hall (Long Island campus) or 16 West 61st Street (New York City campus) is available to assist graduate students in securing funding for their graduate work.

• Graduate Assistantships: NYIT offers assistantship grants for the academic year and occasionally for the summer session. These grants are distributed among full-time students of the departments having graduate programs at both the Long Island (Old Westbury) and New York City (Manhattan) campuses.
• Loans and Grants: The University participates in all federal and state aid programs. The FAFSA is used to apply for all federal programs, including Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Work Study and Federal Stafford Loan. Detailed information on the application process can be obtained from the office of financial aid. New York State residents who pursue full-time study (12 credits or more) in an approved program may be eligible for the New York State Tuition Assistance program (TAP).

COURSE DOCUMENTATION

• Master of Science in Instructional Technology Degree Map
• Instructional Technology Course Descriptions
• M.S. Curriculum in the Academic Catalog

GUIDES

• Guide to NYIT Account (PeopleSoft Self-Service) for Students
• Blackboard/NYIT-Online Directions

PRACTICUM DOCUMENTS

• Documentation of Practicum Experience
• Summary of Practicum Experiences
• Practicum Experience Journal

Student Policies

BASIS FOR GRADE CHANGES

A final course grade may be changed only if there is unequivocal evidence that one or more of the following applies:

1. It was a direct result of arbitrary and capricious conduct on the part of the instructor;
2. The instructor discriminated against the student on the basis of a protected classification as the term is defined by Federal Law, New York State Law, or the Administrative Code of the City of New York;
3. The grade was incorrectly calculated;
4. A clerical error occurred in recording the grade; or
5. A mitigating circumstance prevented the student from completing a final assignment or attending the final examination. In such cases, a grade may be changed to either a "W" or "I" pursuant to the rules governing these grades.
   • In cases where the grade has been changed to an "I", the student shall have one (1) additional semester and a summer beyond the final decision of the Grade Appeals Committee in which to complete the work. The temporary grade of incomplete (I) shall change to a failing (IF) grade if the student does not complete all work by the end of the allotted time (see schedule in the catalog). Such an IF grade may not be challenged, and the course must be repeated by the student to receive credit.
6. A grade awarded on the basis of academic dishonesty may not be appealed under this procedure, unless the charge has been resolved in favor of the student pursuant to NYIT's Academic Integrity Policy.

GRADE APPEALS

A student may file a formal challenge to a grade on any of the grounds set forth in subsections 1. through 5., above. The student must present positive, detailed and specific evidence in support of his/her claim. If the instructor declines the change of grade, the student may continue through the appeals process as described in the NYIT Student Handbook. The appeals process adheres to the following timeline:

Grade Appeal Timeline

• Student challenges grade from previous semester – By third week of semester
• Instructor notifies student of decision – By fifth week of semester
• Grade change, if any, submitted to registrar – By sixth week of semester
• Chairperson mediates dispute – By seventh week of semester
• Student or instructor submits dispute to academic dean – By ninth week of semester
• Student or instructor submits dispute to Grade Appeals Committee – By 11th week of semester
• Meeting of Grade Appeals Committee – By 13th week of semester

WITHDRAWAL POLICY

A student may withdraw from a course without penalty through the end of the 8th week of class during a 14- or 15- week semester, and through the 8th meeting during an 8-week course cycle. After this, the student must be doing passing work in order to receive a W grade. Students who are not passing after the 8th week or equivalent will be assigned the grade of WF.

It is the student's responsibility to inform the instructor of his/her intention to withdraw from a course. If a student has stopped attending class without completing all assignments and/or examinations, failing grades for the missing work may be factored into the final grade calculation and the instructor for the course may assign the grade of WF. The grade of F is used for students who have completed the course but whose quality of work is below the standard for passing.

Withdrawal forms are available in departmental offices and once completed must be filed with the registrar. Students should be reminded that a W notation could negatively impact their eligibility for financial aid and/or V.A. benefits, as it may change the student's enrollment status (full-time, part-time, less than part-time). International students may also jeopardize their visa status if they fail to maintain full-time status.

SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

NYIT adheres to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504. The Office of Accessibility Services actively supports students in the pursuit of their academic and career goals. Identification of oneself as an individual with disability is voluntary and confidential. Students wishing to receive accommodations, referrals and other services are encouraged to contact the Office of Accessibility Services as early in the semester as possible although requests can be made throughout the academic year.

Reasonable accommodations are available for students who have a documented disability. Please notify your professor during the first week of class regarding accommodations needed for the course, specifically including testing modifications, and contact the Office of Accessibility Services.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY AND PLAGIARISM POLICIES

Each student enrolled in a course at NYIT agrees that, by taking such course, he or she consents to the submission of all required papers for textual similarity review to any commercial service engaged by NYIT to detect plagiarism. Each student also agrees that all papers submitted to any such service may be included as source documents in the service's database, solely for the purpose of detecting plagiarism of such papers.

Plagiarism is the appropriation of all or part of someone else's works (such as but not limited to writing, coding, programs, images, etc.) and offering it as one's own. Cheating is using false pretenses, tricks, devices, artifices or deception to obtain credit on an examination or in a college course. If a faculty member determines that a student has committed academic dishonesty by plagiarism, cheating or in any other manner, the faculty has the academic right to 1) fail the student for the paper, assignment, project and/or exam, and/or 2) fail the student for the course and/or 3) bring the student up on disciplinary charges, pursuant to Article VI, Academic Conduct Proceedings, of the Student Code of Conduct.

Read the full Academic Integrity Policy.

POLICY ON ACADEMIC PROBATION AND DISMISSAL

A graduate student must achieve a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 to graduate.

Probation

The first time a student's cumulative GPA falls below 3.0, the student shall be placed on Probation for his/her next regular semester. The student will receive a letter from the School Counseling Program outlining available academic support services and requiring the student to meet with an academic advisor. A student on Probation status cannot register for more than 6 credits or the minimum until he/she is removed from probation.

Dismissal

When a student's cumulative GPA falls below the minimum 3.0 required for three sequential (not necessarily contiguous) regular semesters, the student will be dismissed from the college.

Dismissal is defined as ineligible to pursue credit-bearing courses at NYIT for a period of two academic years or until a minimum GPA of 3.0 is earned for the most recent 12 credits taken at another accredited United States institution of higher education.

The decision of dismissal shall be automatically appealed to The Committee on Academic Probation and Dismissal. The Committee on Academic Probation and Dismissal may uphold the dismissal decision or may recommend reversal of the dismissal decision and may impose additional conditions for continuing registration. Students are limited to one appeal per semester and the committee's decision is binding and final.

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

If a student has complaints about a course or an instructor, the first step is to speak with the instructor involved. If a satisfactory understanding cannot be reached, the student should make an appointment to see the department chair responsible for the specific course. If the matter remains unsolved after meeting with the department chair, an appeal may be made to the dean of the school offering the course. Providing supporting documentation regarding the matter is recommended.

Policy for Recommending Students for Credentialing and Employment

Faculty members may provide endorsement to candidates and alumni who have successfully completed the required coursework and field experience. Alumni requesting faculty endorsement should contact the school counseling department office to be connected to faculty members. A recommendation reflects a faculty member's familiarity and experience with the candidate's performance and demonstrated dispositions.

Description of the Practicum Experiences

Practicum experience occurs during your EDIT 695 Practicum and Seminar in which all elements of ISTE Coach Standards 1–6 are addressed. The practicum portion of the course includes the NYSED minimum practicum/field experience requirement of 50 hours designed to ensure that you will have the practicum/field experiences required for this certificate title across elementary and secondary developmental levels. The seminar portion of the course includes discussions of your practicum experiences, presentations of your experience highlights and impact of technology on student learning, and activities related to preparation for the NYSED certification exam.

You need to complete a minimum of 50 hours practicum experiences required for this NYS Educational Technology Specialist certification across elementary and secondary developmental levels designed to expand their knowledge, skills and dispositions for educational technology.

Candidates will complete a minimum of 50 hours designed to ensure that candidates have the field experiences required for this certification across elementary and secondary developmental levels to expand their knowledge, skills and dispositions for educational technology.

Activities may include, but are not limited to:

• providing professional development in school
• serving on or leading school-based technology committees
• presenting as local, regional or national professional conferences
• conducting parent/community outreach programs
• leading/participating in research projects or grant proposals
• organizing professional development workshops, webinars
• creating online learning modules for professional development or classroom use planning, implementing, or maintaining school or district website
• developing and implementing educational technology applications for elementary and secondary developmental levels

The instructor must approve the field experience activities in advance of embarking on the project, and must supervise the candidate's field experience. These activities are suggestions and are not meant to be an exhaustive list of possible activities.

Candidate will provide a cumulative field experience report (form to be provided) and log of total number of hours (50 minimum), describing activities at both the elementary and secondary levels; complete with reflections that address K–12 activities and student learning outcomes with high needs students, including those with disabilities, English language learners, and low socio-economic status; and/or parent/community outreach.

Forms will be provided to collect the log hours and templates for reporting the required information. The forms must be signed by the candidate and an authorized person to authenticate the field experience activity. Demographic data for each school site where field experience took place must be provided in the format specified. All forms and summary reports will be submitted to TaskStream.

At the beginning of the term:
1) Candidates file MSIT Documentation of Practicum Experience – Part I form and submit it to the instructor of Practicum and Seminar course within the first three weeks of the term. In the form, candidates identify their 50-hour practicum site and tentative projects and activities. They seek supervision and permission from their schools, educational institution, or a library to conduct their 50 hours. They contact their supervisor in advance to outline their 50-hour practicum plan.

During the Practicum and Seminar course:
2) Candidates write weekly journals on a discussion forum outlining the accomplishments and challenges. They share their experiences with their peers and receive feedback from the instructor on bi-weekly zoom meetings.

At the end of the term:
3) Candidates update the MSIT Documentation of Practicum Experience – Part I, if any changes during the practicum and upload it to Taskstream.

DASA WORKSHOP

New York State's Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) seeks to provide the State's public elementary and secondary school students with a safe and supportive environment free from discrimination, intimidation, taunting, harassment, and bullying on school property, a school bus and/or at a school function. Effective December 31, 2013, all applicants for any NYSED Certification are required to complete six hours of coursework or training in this area. NYIT is an approved provider of this coursework and will be offering a six-hour workshop: either as a 6-hours face-to-face course, or blended three hours online and three hours face-to-face, as approved NYSED format.

Tuition: $80 for six-hour required course

View registration information at New York Tech.

How to Apply for NYSED Educational Technology Specialist Certification

1. Completion of DASA Workshop
2. Apply for NYIT graduation at NYIT Connect
   • Official graduation dates are May 31, August 31, and December 31
3. Apply for Educational Technology Specialist Certification through Institutional Pathway at NYSED TEACH.
   • The program code is 27783
   • Pay the FEE
4. Send an email to the Office of Field Placement and Certification at kschae04@nyit.edu or call 516.686.7492 to request Institution Recommendation.
   • Institutional Recommendation will be verified after your submission of Release Authorization for Teacher Certification Recommendation form.
5. You must apply for the Ed Tech Specialist certification before applying for professional certification in your initial area.
   • Otherwise the application for professional certification in your initial area does not recognize the master's in instructional technology.
   • Even if you have no intentions of obtaining the Ed Tech Specialist certification, you must apply so that you are not required to take 12 additional credits in the area of your initial certification.
   • If you intend to obtain the Ed Tech Specialist certification, you should register for the Content Specialty Test at NYSTCE.
     • The schedule and fees are listed at this site. The code for the Ed Tech Specialist certification exam is 071.
     • List NYIT College of Arts and Sciences for receiving a copy of your scores.
6. If you cannot complete the Master's program before the expiration date of your initial certification, and you are fully matriculated and taking courses in the program, you can request a 1- or 2-year extension letter.
   • Contact the Office of Field Placement and Certification at 516.686.7492 or kschae04@nyit.edu to request the necessary documentation for the extension request.
7. If these steps do not work for your application for the Ed Tech Specialist certification and professional certification in your initial area of certification, call 516.686.7492 or email kschae04@nyit.edu for additional assistance.

Support Systems and Resources

Library Resources: All students can access the NYIT virtual library from both on and off campus. The same login you use to access NYIT email and NYIT Connect will also give you access to the library's resources from off campus. You will find the "Library Catalog" and "Journals" sections, as well as "Research Guides" and "Video Tutorials" on using the library's resources and doing research. Should you have any questions, look under "Get Help" to submit a web-based "Ask-A-Librarian" form.

Writing Center: Provides tutorial assistance for all types of writing assignments and tasks. Long Island campus: 516.686.7557, New York City campus: 212.261.1577.

Health and Wellness: NYIT's Counseling and Wellness Center offers short-term counseling to NYIT students who may be experiencing personal, social, or academic concerns. Long Island campus: 516.686.7976, New York City campus: 212.261.1770

Enrollment Services Center The Enrollment Services Center (ESC) is a one-stop resource where you can get answers to your questions, take care of your registration and financial needs, and learn more about all that NYIT has to offer. Our SSC managers are trained to look at students holistically, anticipating issues before they arise and making sure students always have the right information to keep their college career on track. Long Island campus: Harry Schure Hall, 1st Floor. New York City campus: 16 W. 61st St., 1st Floor. Contact: 516.686.7878 (both campuses) or askesc@nyit.edu.

Program Faculty

Hui-Yin Hsu, Associate Dean

Melda N. Yildiz, Associate Professor, Instructional Technology
Stan Silverman, Professor and Director of Technology Based Learning Systems

Staff

Kristen Schaefer, Director Office of Field Experience and Certification
Elizabeth Pirri, Administrative Assistant 516.686.7777 (Long Island)
Erin Fabian, Staff Associate 212.261.1529 (New York City)