Frequently Asked Questions About the Technology in Education Program

1. How much do I have to know about computers to join this program?
2. Do I have to own a home computer?
3. Do I need a modem, cable, or satellite to do the assignments?
4. Do I have to purchase hundreds of dollars worth of software and books?
5. If I purchase a computer for this program should I get a MAC or a PC? Desktop or laptop?
6. Do I have to know how to touch type?
7. Will I be able to contact my instructors if I need help with a project or assignment?
8. Is this a technical program that involves pulling wires or installing servers, LAN lines and satellite systems?
9. Will this program help me to integrate technology into my classroom more effectively?
10. What benefits are there to earning a Technology in Education degree?
11. Can someone who takes care of children at home, works full time as a teacher, and has a spouse, succeed in this program?
12. How long does it take to complete the 33 credit Master of Education Technology in Education program?
13. Is financial aid available?
14. What kinds of jobs are available to graduates of the program?
15. I have specific questions about the program and how to enroll. Whom should I contact?
16. What happens if I an emergency situation occurs or a milestone event happens during class time (what is the program's attendance policy)?
17. Why would I want to earn a Technology in Education degree online?
18. How do I participate in the Technology in Education courses that are offered online?
19. How do I apply to earn a Technology in Education Master's Degree in the online format or take individual courses online?
20. Where can I find out more information about the online Technology in Education program?

For general questions relating to off campus programs, go to:

http://www.lesley.edu/offcampus/faq.html

1. How much do I have to know about computers to join this program?
   Students who enroll range from novices who have no experience with computers to people who have a great deal of expertise. Faculty adjust assignments and class work to match students' knowledge level. This program is designed to help students gain additional knowledge about the field of educational technology.
   
   
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2. Do I have to own a home computer?
   No, you do not need to have a home computer. However, you need easy and continuous access to computers in order to complete assignments, do research, and familiarize yourself with the capacity of the computer for your own learning and your classroom teaching.
   
   
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3. Do I need a modem, cable, or satellite to do the assignments?
   You need web access. However, it can take whatever form is most convenient for you.
   
   
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4. Do I have to purchase hundreds of dollars worth of software and books?
   Lesley University provides software in the labs for each course in our program. Most software that you will need outside of class is commonly available in your school or is software you will want to own yourself, but this additional software will not cost hundreds of dollars.
   
   The field of technology changes so quickly that most of your reading will be in periodicals and on the web. Lesley University provides students with access to a huge number of periodicals online. For a few of the courses you will need to purchase books.
   
   
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5. If I purchase a computer for this program should I get a MAC or a PC? Desktop or laptop?
   Either a Macintosh or a PC-compatible machine running Windows is acceptable. For information to help you make your decision go to http://www.lesley.edu/ut/faqs/purch_stu.html
   
   Deciding between a desktop and a laptop is a personal choice. Either one is acceptable. We suggest you think about where you want or need to use your computer and let that inform your decision.
   
   
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6. Do I have to know how to touch type?
   No, you do not. Many people who do not practice touch typing use the computer keyboard with ease.
   
   
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7. Will I be able to contact my instructors if I need help with a project or assignment?
   Yes. All faculty give students their email addresses and phone numbers so that you can contact them for assistance outside of class time.
   
   
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8. Is this a technical program that involves pulling wires or installing servers, LAN lines and satellite systems?
   The main focus of the program is the integration of technology into instruction for both teaching and learning. One course addresses specific topics that help you to troubleshoot common technology problems and to make you feel more confident using technology.
   
   
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9. Will this program help me to integrate technology into my classroom more effectively?
   Yes, this is what this program is all about. Lesley courses combine theoretical and practical aspects of applying computer technology in an educational setting. Students have ample opportunity to apply course content in a hands-on fashion, interact with instructors, and get individual feedback.
   
   
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10. What benefits are there to earning a Technology in Education degree?
    The program has enhanced skills of classroom teachers, administrators, community college faculty, trainers, curriculum specialists and others. The course sequence assists program participants in learning about technology, and how curriculum practices and theory may be implemented from a technology-using perspective. Graduates of Lesley's nationwide Technology in Education program are technology leaders in their communities.
    
    
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11. Can someone who takes care of children at home, works full time as a teacher, and has a spouse, succeed in this program?
    Thousands of teachers with the same or similar responsibilities have successfully completed this program. Lesley graduates go on to be leaders in technology in education in their schools, school districts and beyond. Most of our students report that the program has helped them enormously both personally and professionally.
    
    
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12. How long does it take to complete the 33 credit Master of Education Technology in Education program?
    Students enrolled in the program generally require 22 to 24 months to complete it.
    
    
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13. Is financial aid available?
    Financial aid may be available depending upon the student's general eligibility and other factors. For students interested in exploring financial aid, applying for admission to Lesley and for financial aid concurrently is recommended. For an application and information, students should contact:

    Student Financial Services

    Lesley University

    29 Everett Street

    Cambridge, MA 02138-2790

    (800) 999-1959 ext. 8710

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14. What kinds of jobs are available to graduates of the program?
    Graduates of the Technology in Education program serve as instructional technology specialists, curriculum integration specialists, directors of educational technology, classroom teachers who use technology, and computer lab directors. Lesley graduates have also designed software, consulted with software companies and published books and articles on technology and education. TIE graduates sometimes leverage their learning to industry positions.
    
    
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15. I have specific questions about the program and how to enroll. Whom should I contact?
    The following individuals may be contacted :

    For Oregon, Washington and Alaska contact Carla Borovicka, (866) 600-9957, cborovic@lesley.edu

    For California, Colorado, Missouri, Nevada and Wisconsin contact Debbie Andenucio, (866) 600-7030, dandenuc@lesley.edu

    For Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming contact Sue Brooks, (866) 600-9208, sbrooks@lesley.edu

    For Alabama and South Caroline contact Christina Jaracz, (866) 600-9957, jaracz@lesley.edu

    For New Mexico contact Lea Ann Huffman, (866) 600-7440, lhuffman@lesley.edu

    For Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine contact Carol Kiely, (617) 899-6164, ckiely@lesley.edu

    For Georgia and Florida contact Christina Jaracz, (866) 600-9957, jaracz@lesley.edu

    For the online program contact Maureen Yoder, (800) 999-1959 x8421, myoder@lesley.edu
    To find out about the next information meeting near you go to the following web page:
    
    http://www.lesley.edu/offcampus/info_meetings.html

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16. What happens if I an emergency situation occurs or a milestone event happens during class time (what is the program's attendance policy)?
    Please see the Graduate Schools Attendance Policy statement. (Note: Document opens in separate window.)
    
    
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17. Why would I want to earn a Technology in Education degree online?
    Online learning is:
    • Convenient -- Students have flexibility over when and where work is done, learn technology by using technology, pursue ideas in an independent way.
    • Collaborative -- Classes have an average of 15 students in them, resulting in personal attention from the instructor and a comfortable size to develop an online learning community. Thought-provoking online discussions are held in small and large group formats. Since there are no location constraints students work with colleagues from many locations.
    • Self-Paced -- The program offers a student-centered structure with a faculty member acting as a facilitator, allowing students to guide their own learning. Students have assignments to complete with due dates; however, collaborative work may be completed based on the student's own schedule.
    • Interactive -- Based on Lesley University's nationwide reputation, students have the opportunity to work with educators and others from across the nation who have similar interests. This nationwide interaction will enrich the learning experience by providing the opportunity to learn from faculty as well as from colleagues. Being able to compare and contrast ideas and technology implementation from different regions of the country will enhance student skills and perspectives.
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18. How do I participate in the Technology in Education courses that are offered online?
    To participate in the Technology in Education program online students must have access to a computer system, either Macintosh or PC, and Internet connection meeting current criteria. An online program assumes students generally work from a computer at home or in an office. Collaborative work, which is required in most courses, is carried out online with other students. The faculty believes a student-centered structure with the professor acting as a facilitator to be the most appropriate approach for this environment. Classes have approximately 15 students in them, resulting in personal attention and a comfortable size to develop an online learning community. Students may also register for individual classes, if they have the required prerequisites. The Technology in Education master's degree program is designed to be completed in two years, but many students enrolled in the online format take courses at a slower pace to accommodate to their own needs and schedule.
    
    Take a self-paced survey to see if you are a good candidate for the Technology in Education program online.
    
    
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19. How do I apply to earn a Technology in Education Master's Degree in the online format or take individual courses online?
    To request application materials for the Technology in Education Master's Degree program online, send an e-mail with your postal address to Maureen Yoder. Please note: To enroll in individual courses, rather than in a Master's Degree program, contact Maureen Yoder for more information.
    
    
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20. Where can I find out more information about the online Technology in Education program?
    Go to www.lesley.edu/online_learning/tie/index.html for information about the Online Technology in Education program and course offerings.
    
    
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