Guided by the Program Essential Question, “In light of what we know about how children learn and education policy and practice, how shall educators best utilize technology to enhance student achievement?,” CSP Global’s M.A.Ed. with emphasis in Educational Technology is a ten-course program designed for practicing educators, technology specialists/integrationists, and administrators. Students work through the program in a cohort model which promotes collaboration and community. Courses scaffold and help learners build a deeper understanding of how to intentionally and effectively incorporate technology into teaching and learning. The program creates a solid, practical foundation for our graduates, many of whom become technology leaders in their teams, schools, and districts.

The first half of the program focuses specifically on educational technology, guided by a philosophy of relevance and applicability for classroom teachers and building leaders. Beginning with foundational concepts key to technology integration into curriculum, courses go on to: compare models of classroom technology integration, create lessons and units utilizing a wide variety of educational technology tools, address legal, ethical, and policy issues surrounding integrating educational technology, explore the design and implementation of effective professional development, and more. Throughout every course, students have the opportunity to individualize and create products that will benefit their students, classrooms, and faculty and to collaborate with cohort members, discussing what is happening in their classrooms and celebrating new learning.

The second half of the program is bookended with research courses where students create a research question and ultimately, write a Capstone paper. The Capstone focuses on an aspect of educational technology that is of interest to the student and answers the Program Essential Question. Instructors skillfully and compassionately support and guide students through the research and writing process. Additionally, in the second half of the program, students explore current issues relating to ethics, diversity, and inclusion and have one final investigation of curriculum and instruction, showcasing lesson design and incorporation of educational technology.

What differentiates CSP Global’s Educational Technology program from other schools that offer a similar program?

CSP Global’s M.A.Ed. with emphasis in Educational Technology program offers two key differentiators: its relevance to students and the passionate, practitioner-instructors who lead each course. With a philosophy of relevance and applicability for classroom teachers, courses carefully balance pedagogy with andragogy and, in doing so, provide meaningful engagement opportunities for students. Assignments are designed to encourage students to individualize the work they create. Graduates regularly comment on how they were able to implement things they learned in class the next day in their classrooms.

Program instructors are dedicated practitioners who are able to help their students maximize the learning opportunities they have and broaden their professional ed tech and education-focused networks. Instructors walk with students through each course and responsively provide individualized resources, feedback, and design timely learning activities for weekly live chat sessions. Responses in “End of Program Surveys” regularly include how kind, caring and knowledgeable the instructors are; students truly value the relationships that are built with their instructors in each 7-week course.

What career opportunities are available to students who graduate from the program? Why should a prospective student choose the program?

Students in the Educational Technology program can choose if they would like to earn an Educational Technology Graduate Certificate by completing the first five courses, or complete a full M.A.Ed. with an emphasis in Educational Technology. Program graduates, with either a Certificate or M.A.Ed., move ahead in their careers in the classroom, buildings, districts, and beyond. Some continue to be fantastic classroom educators, recognized by their peers and school leadership for having a deeper understanding of how to intentionally and effectively incorporate technology into teaching and learning; they are also more confident in their abilities to guide their students through new endeavors integrating educational technology. Program graduates are also confident in their abilities to share with peers and provide coaching and professional development within their teams, faculty and schools. They become go-to people in their buildings as they have a solid understanding of the how and why technology should (or should not) be used to support teaching and learning.

Program graduates also shift into positions outside of the traditional classroom. The emphasis on current research and trends focusing on technology integration is an incredible asset when working on curriculum development and the exploration of quality professional development helps program graduates shift into professional development or educational technology coaching roles within schools, districts and universities. Program graduates also find themselves designing educational outreach opportunities for students, families, and communities and helping build parent and school community awareness of and commitment to effective and appropriate use of technology at home, in schools, and globally.

CSP Global’s M.A.Ed. with emphasis in Educational Technology is a rich, relevant program, and the options for a program graduate are diverse and vast. We hope you consider joining an upcoming cohort and embarking on an exciting exploration of educational technology. This program will positively transform your mindset and practice surrounding the integration of technology into your teaching and learning.

The post All About Concordia University St. Paul’s Educational Technology Master’s Program appeared first on CSP Global.

Why did you want to work in education? What inspired you?

Like many educators, I had a handful of teachers during my school-age years who inspired me to embark on a career in secondary education. Each of them encouraging words along the lines of ‘You’d be great at it.’ Student teaching experiences and early substitute gigs offered me some validation of this message. However, more impactful in my decision to stay in education were the sixth grade Newcomer English Language (EL) students I met during my first long-term substitute teaching job. Their unabashed eagerness for school reminded me of exactly what I truly want learning to be for all students: positive and fun. When I witness a glimmer of this in a student, or even in a colleague, I am inspired to continue.

Why did you choose CSP Global for your master’s degree in educational leadership?

When I was considering furthering my education, three factors were my priority: geographic location, class time offerings that coordinated with my schedule, and value (financial cost + knowledge and skill sets gained). CSP Global is located just off of I-94 and Snelling, very convenient for my Northeast Minneapolis residence. The evening, once-a-week cohort option was a perfect fit for my busy calendar. The breadth of topics covered in the Educational Leadership program and ample opportunities for deep conversation and leadership practice within each course was ideal. What’s more, with the lane change I made after obtaining my master’s degree, I will have already seen a positive return on my investment just a few years after graduation.

What skills did you gain or sharpen through your program at CSP Global and how do you use them today?

Among the plethora, two pragmatic skills I sharpened through my program were: 1) an increased confidence presenting to colleagues and 2) more effective communication strategies, especially with difficult-to-deliver information.

Each course required an individual and/or group presentation, and as much as I dreaded it at the beginning, I am grateful for each opportunity I had to practice. Where I previously had great anxiety in front of peers, to the point of forgetting major points I wanted to make, I can now confidently deliver content on professional development days in a more clear, concise, and engaging way.

One of the courses allowed us to learn our specific strengths and weaknesses in leadership and how to consider these in communicating effectively to people to improve teaching and learning for all. Each month, I facilitate content area meetings with groups of teachers who are working very hard to write their own curriculum. I am required to ask for even more from teachers with already full plates, so I use what I learned about delivering difficult information. I can carefully navigate pushback with discerning questions instead of what teachers often feel: judgement and disregard. I can guide teachers to reach and trust their own conclusions with intentional prompts and reminders of best practice research. I use my collaborative leadership style to increase buy-in and progress.

How has your master’s degree impacted you in terms of your current position or a position you’d like to attain in the future?

My master’s degree has had both a financial impact and an insight-gaining impact on my current position. I believe I was hired for my current role because I was in the middle of obtaining a higher degree in educational leadership. Administration saw me as someone who wanted to continue to learn and stretch professionally. Once I completed the program, I acquired a lane change and, of course, the raise that accompanies.

The way that the M.A.Ed. in Educational Leadership program requires coursework from the various, layered pieces of education, from curriculum and instruction to legal and ethical issues, I have a better handle on why this institution functions the way that it does. I am better at asking the intentional questions to motivate change and equity. I am better at considering the perspectives of stakeholders who are not classroom teachers which has allowed me to navigate professional conversations in a new, more effective way. I am trusted by my administration to take on more responsibility. I have even been encouraged by colleagues to become part of the administration team — something I am seriously considering.

What was a challenge you faced during your educational leadership master’s program, and who or what helped you overcome it?

About five months after starting the program, my partner and I found out we had another baby on the way, and we were still getting used to our son who was born the previous summer. I knew I could handle continuing classes while pregnant, but I was certain I was going to need to put the second year of the program on hold. While my partner was a huge support in my decision to keep going, it was the instructor of the second course of year two who truly made it feel possible. As I was nearing my due date, she and I met to discuss the remaining assignments. Her immense willingness to be flexible with deadlines put me at ease. She even encouraged me to bring my baby to class! I will never forget standing in the front of the classroom during our final presentation and seeing my amazing instructor swaying my 10-day old daughter to sleep in the back.

What was the biggest takeaway from your master’s program?

Beyond the aforementioned professional skills, my biggest takeaway was insight into my own ability to balance more than I ever thought I could. Taking on higher education while working as a full-time teacher and adding humans to my family was intense and at times a real struggle. The experience taught me so much about my own strength and endurance. A cohort of supportive colleagues and quality instructors were both key in making the challenge a positive one.

What would you tell (or what advice would you give) prospective students considering the Educational Leadership M.A.Ed. program at CSP Global?  

If you are considering furthering your education, but you are not quite sure which program to choose, this is a great one. It will provide great insight into how the institution of education functions and open a variety of professional possibilities (i.e., curriculum lead or continue to become an administrator). Throughout the program there are opportunities to network with colleagues and instructors that are leaders in education around the Twin Cities. The coursework will push you out of your comfort zone and help you develop leadership skills you can use in all facets of your life.

The post Alumni Spotlight: Jamie Sheahan, M.A.Ed. in Educational Leadership appeared first on CSP Global.

Why did you want to work in education? What inspired you?

Education has been my life. Ever since entering kindergarten, I have always been in a classroom: as a student, as a paraprofessional, and eventually, as a teacher. I feel comfortable and alive in a classroom! I knew very early on in my life that I wanted to be an educator.

I have had many people inspire me during my educational journey: my favorite fifth grade teacher, some special coworkers, and my family. They have all played a part in who I have become as a teacher. They have helped develop my passion, creativity, and confidence.

Why did you choose CSP Global for your master’s degree in educational leadership?               

When I decided to get my master’s degree, I searched many different options. I chose CSP Global for a few reasons. First, CSP’s courses were 100% online. That was really important for me. Secondly, CSP was affordable. There were many payment options that made taking the classes feasible. But most importantly, I had a lot of questions as I embarked on this journey, and the staff at CSP were so kind and timely in answering my questions. I truly felt like they cared and they did not even know me. I knew CSP was the place for me!

What skills did you gain or sharpen through your program at CSP Global and how do you use them today?

I most definitely sharpened my communication and technical writing skills throughout my master’s program! I always considered myself to be a proficient writer, but after two years of taking writing intensive classes and studying the writer’s manual, I now consider myself to be an exemplary technical writer! It has been fun to look back at my writing from the beginning courses to the writing done in my capstone. One can definitely see the improvement. Improving my writing automatically improved my communication skills. I feel more confident and equipped to present information to the staff, the school board, and the community.

These skills are very useful when I grant write, do presentations, and even when I am in the classroom with my students.

How has your master’s degree in educational leadership impacted you in terms of your current position or a position you’d like to attain in the future?

Earning my master’s degree in educational leadership has provided me with invaluable skills and information that I use almost every day in my current position. I feel more confident and qualified to be doing the job that I do. I also feel that should other leadership positions become available, I would be qualified to apply. My master’s degree has also advanced my position on our district’s salary scale.

What was a challenge you faced during your master’s program, and who or what helped you overcome it?

 Last January (half way through my last year in the master’s program), my father passed away. Although it was not a surprise to me, it was still a devastating time in my life. I was not sure how I was going to complete the class that I was in. I reached out to my professor, as well as two of my cohort members that had become good friends. With their support, and that of my family, I was able to complete the class successfully, missing only one class period. I actually found that the homework and comradery from being in a class was therapeutic. It helped to give me purpose during a time when I felt helpless. It also helped to direct my energy into something positive when I found it hard to just get out of bed.

 What was the biggest takeaway from your master’s in educational leadership program?

My biggest takeaway from the experience of gaining my master’s in educational leadership was that I truly am capable. I am a first-generation college graduate. Going to college was not even an option that I considered when I was in high school. It was not until I was working as a paraprofessional and met one particular teacher that saw my skills and encouraged me to pursue my dream that I even thought college was possible. To think that I now have my master’s is almost unbelievable to me! It is something for which I have worked extremely hard and in which I am very proud.

What would you tell (or what advice would you give) prospective students considering the master’s educational leadership program at CSP Global?

My advice for anyone considering the master’s educational leadership program at CSP Global would be: Believe in yourself. But also…

• Understand that research, completing projects, and writing papers takes a huge amount of time. Make sure you are up for the challenge and can dedicate enough time and energy to complete quality assignments.
• Realize that there is a fair amount of group work in the classes. Know that your group members are counting on you to pull your weight. Do not let them down. You may have different ideas, work ethics, or schedules; but you need to be able to commit to doing your part.
• Don’t wait. There are always excuses: money, time, etc. I doubted my abilities and kept putting my dream of earning a master’s degree on the back burner. I wish I would have done it sooner. If you are hesitating, believe in yourself and go for it!
• Know that the professors are there to help and guide you. They want you to succeed. Ask for help if needed.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

Educating oneself is a wonderful investment!

The post Alumni Spotlight: Rebecca Sjolander, M.A.Ed. in Educational Leadership appeared first on CSP Global.

CSP Global provides its students with an affordable tuition. I was fortunate enough to not have to apply for financial aid, but an affordable and upfront sticker price was necessary for me in order to budget for the two-year program. One thing I particularly liked about the tuition price was that it was fixed. Throughout the two-year program, I knew that I was guaranteed the same price for each semester. This understanding of the financial commitment was important, as my husband and I were planning on starting a family during the program. Had I been unsure if the tuition prices would inflate, I may not have chosen CSP for my degree.

Along with being confident in the cost of the program, there was another financial aspect that stood out to me with CSP Global, and that was the advisers. The financial aid advisers were more than supportive. They would send out friendly reminders to tell me that upcoming payments were due. When I first enrolled, they walked me step-by-step through navigating the university’s website in order to ensure that I knew how to check my status and make easy payments. I would even receive follow-up emails letting me know they had received my check in the mail. Along with this, I felt like I could ask the advisers any questions, whether big or small, and they would give me a clear answer. While I didn’t know what kind of advising I would need when I enrolled in the program, I was more than happy with what Concordia provided me.

There were several attractive aspects that encouraged my decision to enroll in CSP Global’s master’s program. Of these aspects, the most noteworthy was the transparency of the fixed tuition price that I could trust wouldn’t change for me throughout the program. Also, the reliability and support of the financial advisers was very surprising and extremely helpful. I am thankful that these reasons pushed me to choose CSP for my postgraduate degree.

The post How CSP Global Made Getting my Master’s Degree Affordable appeared first on CSP Global.

Online Classes Save Time

Completing the master’s program online was convenient and flexible. My classes started at 6 p.m. every Tuesday night. I didn’t have to waste time leaving 30 minutes before the start time and driving during rush hour. I would log on at 5:55 p.m., read the instructor’s directions for the night, make sure my assignments were pulled up, and be ready to start. This meant that my total class time was 1 hour and 5 minutes, instead of over 2 hours (when you figure the commute to and from). If you want to get technical and do the math, I saved over 100 hours of driving time in the two years it took me to get my master’s degree. And I can think of a lot of productive things to do with 100 extra hours.

Importance of Not Having to Miss Class

While I loved being able to take the master’s program from my couch, it was also nice being able to have the option of not having to be at home during my class time. There were a few times that I would have normally had to miss class due to school conferences or a family vacation, yet because of the online format, I never missed a single class. When my school had conferences twice a year, I would block off my one hour class time and sign on from school. When my family vacationed in the Caribbean, I signed on from the beach. This helped me because I didn’t have to do make-up assignments or feel like I missed out on important information. The flexibility of the online program was a key part for me deciding to get my master’s degree in the first place.

The Flexibility of Online Classes

Along with the flexibility of where I logged into class from, the online format was the most comfortable learning environment for me. I was able to attend class from my couch or my bed, in my pajamas, or sweaty from just finishing a workout. I liked that I could eat dinner during class or run to the bathroom faster than if I was physically at the university. I liked that my dog could sit next to me on the couch, and being at home made me feel like I wasn’t missing out on family time. I liked that I felt like I was in a safe environment to speak up and participate, because I had the confidence of my familiar surroundings. After becoming pregnant with twins halfway through the program, I was even more thankful to be taking the classes online rather than in a classroom. I was much more relaxed and less stressed with managing my time. I felt that the time I would have spent in the car was better spent getting readings, projects, and completing papers..

Why the Online Program was Best for Me

The decision to complete my master’s in educational technology from CSP Global using their online format was hardly a decision at all. I knew that when I started seeking out my master’s programs, being able to complete it online would be the best option for me. Not only was it convenient and flexible, but it saved time and money. On top of that, I got the bonus of learning in a more comfortable learning environment — my own home. Instead of feeling like I was taking on just another thing, as many teachers feel like they are always doing, I felt empowered to become a learner again. Thanks to CSP Global offering an online format, I now have a master’s degree that I feel proud of and that continues to make a difference in my instruction each and every day.

The post The Convenience of Completing the Ed Tech Program Online at CSP Global appeared first on CSP Global.

An Ed-Tech Master’s Degree in Minnesota is Designed to Enhance Student Involvement

A master’s in educational technology from CSP Global is designed to prepare educators to utilize technology effectively in order to enhance student involvement. The program explores various educational tools and the appropriate approaches to unveiling them in a classroom. The courses are designed to help teachers redefine the way they approach instruction in order to create lessons for students that were previously unimaginable.

How My Ed-Tech Masters Helped Improve My Classroom Environment

I saw the change in my classroom environment improve almost immediately. My students, particularly the ones that tended to sit back and watch, came to life. They would walk in each morning and say, “Hey Mrs. B, what are we learning today?” This daily question was almost a challenge for me to bring in some unique and new tech tool that would excite my students. This wasn’t hard to do, because of  how much content CSP Global’s ed-tech classes gave me to work with. I was confident that whatever strategy I put into action in my classroom would be what was best for students, since the course material was research-based and shown to engage and enrich learning. I particularly liked the collaboration amongst my graduate classmates, and how we would come back each week and share what we had tried in our classrooms. My colleagues and I would also brainstorm ideas to improve learning and instruction amongst our.

Benefits of an Ed. Tech Masters

So, should I have gotten my master’s degree in Minnesota? Yes. And not because I now have more credentials behind my name. The knowledge I acquired from my master’s program in ed-tech reignited my aspirations as a teacher and allowed me to make a more impactful and engaging classroom experience for each student that walks through my doors. It’s been SO worth it.

The post My Ed-Tech Master’s Degree in Minnesota: Was It Worth It? appeared first on CSP Global.