Overview of the Program

Technological advances in educational media and computing have made possible new approaches to instruction and have improved methods of communication. Schools and businesses are seeking new and improved methods of instruction in and out of "classrooms". The responsibility to utilize new communication tools, teaching techniques, and technology-enhanced learning environments in an effective manner is an on-going requirement of professional educators. Coping with a changing society, the information explosion, and the advancement of technology requires a systematic examination of instructional strategies and content as well as the technologies used to present them. To be successful, new methods of instruction, based on emerging technological support systems, must be developed. The Virginia Tech Instructional Technology Program can prepare you to use new technologies and strategies to create innovative and effective learning environments.

Competencies

Our students develop instructional technology competencies established by the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) in the following general areas: design, development, management, utilization, and evaluation. In addition to these competencies, ITMA students develop an electronic portfolio designed to showcase the technology-related standards identified by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). The ISTE standards represent recommended foundations in technology for all educators, and they constitute the core of the professional education program technology standards set by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).