Skip to content Skip to main navigation Report an accessibility issue
Chalkboard and computer tablet with books

TPTE Announces a New Online Advanced Degree Program in Educational Technology

Written by Kristin Rearden, clinical professor of STEM education/science and Anthony Pellegrino, associate professor of social science education.

In just thirty years, classroom-based technology has transitioned from teachers relying on textbooks and using overhead transparencies to students acquiring digital literacy and using personal learning devices for completing self-paced tasks tailored to their daily progress. In response to this dynamic field of educational technology, the Department of Theory and Practice in Teacher Education (TPTE) has designed a new educational specialist degree program for educators who want to take their implementation of technology-based tools to the next level. According to Blanche O’Bannon, professor of educational technology, the program will foster collaboration and enhance classroom practices. “In this program,” stated O’Bannon, “our students will have the opportunity to create a personal learning network with colleagues while exploring emerging technology applications and creating state-of-the-art projects for their classrooms.”

Launching in fall 2019 as a fully online program, the Educational Specialist degree in Teacher Education with concentration in Educational Technology (ETEC) will consist of thirty credit hours of coursework. As a distance education program, all coursework is completed online, and students will pay fewer fees than on-campus students, resulting in savings of both travel time and money. The program is comprised of ten courses, with the final two courses focused on classroom-based challenges that can be addressed through the use of technology. As noted by Josh Rosenberg, TPTE’s new assistant professor in STEM education, “Today’s technologies allow for so much more than just delivering content to students; instead, we’re aiming to support teachers to develop as leaders in discovering how these tools can empower their students to engage in more ambitious and meaningful projects.”

By taking two courses per semester and one course in the summer, students can complete the degree in two years. Applicants should have a master’s degree with at least three years of teaching experience.

For more information, please contact Blanche O’Bannon at bobannon@utk.edu or 865-974-0498.