Executive Summary
Ed.S. in Instructional Technology
There are two tracks for the Ed.S. in Instructional Technology — Certification and Advanced – permitting the program to
serve the needs of different audiences. The “Certification Track” leads to initial certification in Instructional Technology
from the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC), resulting in a new S- (Service) certificate and an increase
in the candidate’s certification level (5 to 6). To qualify for the new S-certification, candidates must pass the GACE in
Instructional Technology and add the new field to their existing teaching certificate. The Certification Track increases a
Georgia T-5 to a T-6 and an S-5 to an S-6.
The Certification Track is based on the GaPSC Standards for Instructional Technology and the ISTE Technology Coach
(ISTE-C) Program Standards. The Certification Track prepares educators who wish to effectively integrate technology
into their own teaching practice and assist other educators in utilizing technology to improve the teaching and learning
process. It prepares educators to model best practices in the use of instructional technologies and to provide high-quality
professional learning experiences for others. The Certification Track can also be completed by individuals whose careers
do not require Georgia certification (e.g., educators in independent, charter, or IE2 school districts; and educators outside
of Georgia), but they wish to earn an advanced degree in Instructional Technology based on the ISTE Technology Coach
Program Standards (ISTE-C).
The “Advanced Track” is based on the ISTE Standards for Technology Directors and the CoSN Framework of Essential
Skills. The Advanced Track is designed for educators who already possess initial Georgia certification in Instructional
Technology and only need to improve their certificate level (5 to 6). The Advanced track increases a Georgia T-5 to a T-6
and an S-5 to an S-6. The Advanced Track is also designed for candidates whose careers do not require Georgia
certification (e.g., educators in independent, charter, or IE2 school districts; and educators outside of Georgia), but they
wish to earn an advanced degree in Instructional Technology based on the ISTE Technology Director Standards and the
CoSN Framework of Essential Skills. The Advanced Track prepares technology leaders to lead the use of technology at
the local, state, regional or national levels.
Core (9 hrs)
 EDUC 8100 Advanced Study of Learning
 EDRS 8000 Applied Qualitative and Quantitative Research
 EDRS 8900 Applied Field Research
3
3
3
Certification Track (Technology Coach) (21 hrs)
Candidates seeking initial certification in Instructional Technology:
Certification Track:
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
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ITEC 7400 21st Century Teaching and Learning
ITEC 7410 Instructional Technology Leadership
ITEC 7430 Internet Tools in the Classroom
ITEC 7445 Multimedia and Web Design in Education
ITEC 7460 Professional Learning & Technology Innovation
ITEC 7305 Data Analysis & School Improvement
ITEC 7500 Capstone Experience & Portfolio
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
Advanced Track (Technology Leadership) (21 hrs)
Candidates already certified in Instructional Technology:
Advanced Track:
 ITEC 8510 Teaching, Learning & Technology
 ITEC 8520 Supporting Technology Infrastructure in Schools & Districts
 ITEC 8530 Technology Leadership & Strategic Planning
 ITEC 8540 Business Management & Staffing for Technology Programs
 ITEC 8550 Designing & Evaluating Professional Learning
 ITEC 8560 Digital Citizenship in Education
 ITEC 8570 Managing Data Systems in Schools & Districts
Total
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
30
Changes:
1. Upgrade Track name is changed to Advanced Track. (to avoid confusion with PSC upgrade term)
2. 7 new courses for the Advanced Track (due to refreshed ISTE standards)
3. Program description gives more details about the GaPSC certification, transfer credit, and embedded
EDS.