Several different options exist for an online Master's degree in Education Technology. The degree program you choose will be based on what type or program you are interested in and which programs qualify for advanced teacher certification or professional development in your school district. The two most straightforward options are a Master of Arts in Education Technology and a Master of Science in Education Technology. The titles of these degrees may vary slightly, but an M.S. will be focused more on the scientific and technological aspects while an M.A. tends to focus more on academic aspects in the field.
Some schools offer M.Ed and M.A.T. programs for teachers in educational technology. Both of these types of degrees combine courses in educational theory and practice with course in the field.
For teachers, it is important to note which professional organizations have accredited or supported the Master's degree program you are looking at. Check to see whether the program is recognized by the National Education Technology Standards for Teachers (NETS-T) and the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS).
Different states within the United States have different requirements regarding teacher certification. An online degree program that counts as professional development or can bring you to the next level of teacher certification in one state may not be accepted in another state. Before signing up for a graduate degree program, but sure you to look into what requirements are necessary for gaining or maintaining teacher certification in your state.
Many online Master's degree programs are not 100% online. For example, the M.A. in Education Technology offered at Pepperdine University is 85% online but also requires face-to-face interaction for five different five-day periods. Some programs use a cohort model, which means that you will need to start and complete the program along with a group of other students. Other online programs rely heavily on group work or online real-time forums. Before signing up, be sure to look into how much of the program can be completed online and in what format the course will be delivered.
Some students find group work or live online meetings frustrating or difficult due to time constraints. Think about your learning style and how much time you will able to dedicate to obtaining your online Master's degree during any particular semester.
An online Master's degree usually consists of at least 30 credits. On a semester schedule, you could complete 30 credits over four semesters or two years of full-time study. Alternatively, you could study part time and complete your graduate degree at your leisure. Online degree programs that follow a cohort model may start in the summer and end in the summer so you can finish your entire degree in 15 months.
Pepperdine's M.A. program has already been mentioned, and dozens of other universities offer online degrees in Education Technology. Check out the M.S. in Education Media Design & Technology at Full Sail University, the M.A.T.L. in K-12 Technology Integration at Nova Southeastern or the M.S. in Educational Technology at the University of Central Missouri. Visit E-Learners (elearners.com) for a list of different online degree programs in Educational Technology.