News

June 19, 2008

Wilkes offers online master’s program

Instructional media offering will aid teachers to engage pupils through digital media.

By Andrew M. Seder aseder@timesleader.com
Times Leader Staff Writer
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WILKES-BARRE – A new master’s degree program in instructional media offered by Wilkes University as an online-only format aims to prepare teachers to engage students in learning through digital media. The 30-credit course will be offered beginning this fall, with open registration starting in July.

Since 2005, Discovery Education and Wilkes University have worked together to help teachers integrate educational technology into classroom curriculum. This latest partnership uses a sequence of courses developed by Wilkes instructors in conjunction with Discovery Education experts to provide an online degree option.

Discovery Education provides digital media-based learning, and is a division of Discovery Communications, whose television networks include Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, and Science Channel.

“Schools across the country are making immense investments in digital media and educational technology, increasing the demand for skilled educators who can effectively implement those tools to improve student achievement,” Discovery Education President Bill Goodwyn said in a release.

“Unfortunately, resources to educate teachers on the effective implementation of digital instructional media have not kept pace.”

Courses will focus on topics such as digital storytelling, using digital media in the classroom, using technology to support creativity, and applying brain-based theory of how students process information to technology integration.

Michael Speziale, of West Pittston, dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies at Wilkes, said the new offering will help bring classroom educators into the 21st century.

“The program is designed to help all teachers effectively integrate media-based technologies in helping their students reach new heights of academic success,” he said.

Teachers will gain a distinct advantage over others by taking the course, Speziale said, adding that it’s beneficial for educators of all different subjects and all different grade levels.

He predicted about 200 to 300 enrollees in the program the first year. In five years, he said, projections are that “several thousand” will be enrolled.

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