22 | UTSA | AGENTS OF CHANGE
Progressive Changes by Libby Castillo
In 2020, the pandemic drastically changed the way we communicate and interact. With social distancing rules and guidelines set in place, in-person gatherings, celebrations, and functions were moved online, including our education system.
Focusing on culturally-relevant and technology-mediated approaches to learning and teaching, the course of study places and emphasis on instructional design, games and learning, virtual worlds, educational robotics, new literacies, youth cultures, and digital storytelling.
Almost all courses within UTSA made the temporary and necessary switch to online learning. At the same time, the Department of Interdisciplinary Learning and Teaching (ILT) began laying the groundwork to transition two of its master’s degrees to a fully online format beginning in the fall of 2021.
The program is designed for students seeking to expand their knowledge of learning technologies, instructional design, and multimedia development for learning, as well as those seeking leadership roles in these areas.
“Some of programs had already been preparing to go online to reach a broader audience,” Ann Marie Ryan, Ph.D., department chair of ILT said. “These programs also were a great fit for online learning given their curricular and instructional focus.” The Master of Arts degree in Learning, Design, and Technology (formerly Instructional Technology) offers students the opportunity for an advanced study and professional development program in the field of learning and teaching with technology. The degree focuses on the understanding, design, and application of learning environments and activities supported by current and emergent technologies, in both formal and informal settings. “There is no better degree program to be online than one designed to help you to teach and learn using technology,” Ryan said. “During the pandemic, teachers across grade levels through to university learned the challenges technological environments and the breadth of available tools. This program equips educators to understand the theories, content, and skills necessary to teach and learn with technology.”
The Master of Arts degree in Special Education, another program being offered fully online, is designed for students seeking an opportunity for initial, additional, or advanced preparation for educating individuals with disabilities in an inclusive classroom. This program is designed for not only special educators who wish to gain advanced knowledge in their field, but also general educators who wish to learn to implement effective practices for students with disabilities receiving an inclusive education in their classroom. “It is essential for teachers to focus on the strengths and assets of their students and match those with the curriculum frameworks and instructional strategies that can help them meet their goals,” Ryan said. “This degree will help teachers support their students in reaching their aims and in turn assist teachers meeting their professional goals as well.” The College of Education and Human Development and its departments remain committed to the student experience and engaging in current educational best practices. The transformation of these courses from in-person to fully online will allow graduate students the flexibility and feasibility to fit their higher education goals into their busy schedules.
