Wilkes U and Discovery Education Collaborate on Online Master's in Instructional Media -- THE Journal

Professional Development

Wilkes U and Discovery Education Collaborate on Online Master's in Instructional Media

By Dian Schaffhauser
06/20/08

##AUTHORSPLIT##<--->

This fall Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, PA and Discovery Education, which produces digital media-based learning, are launching a new online master's degree program in instructional media. The 30-credit instructional media program will prepare teachers to engage today's students in learning through digital media. Courses will focus on topics such as digital storytelling, using digital media in the classroom, using technology to support creativity and applying brain-based theories of how students process information to technology integration.

"Pupil expectations are important to consider for teachers of all grade levels," said Michael Speziale, dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies. "Students currently in schools are a part of the millennial generation who are digital natives and thrive on media-rich environments. The master's in instructional media combines best practices in 21st century teaching with the outstanding expertise and media services from Discovery Education."

According to Eduventures, an educational research and consulting firm, the market for digital educational materials is forecasted to have grown to $9.6 billion in 2007. "Unfortunately, resources to educate teachers on the effective implementation of digital instructional media have not kept pace," Bill Goodwyn, Discovery Education president, said. "The new degree program... fills this gap, providing affordable higher education for teachers across the country."

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 concert with Discovery Education experts to provide an online degree option to educators across the country.

For example, Kathy Schrock, a nationally known leader in technology integration in the classroom, will design "Internet Tools for Teaching," scheduled to begin in spring 2009.

This month, Wilkes will begin accepting applications for the Fall semester.

Discovery Education is a division of Discovery Communications, whose networks include Discovery Channel, Animal Planet and Science Channel.

Get daily news from THE Journal's RSS News Feed

About the author: Dian Schaffhauser is a writer who covers technology and business for a number of publications. Contact her at [email protected].

Proposals for articles and tips for news stories, as well as questions and comments about this publication, should be submitted to David Nagel, executive editor, at [email protected].

About the Author

Dian Schaffhauser is a former senior contributing editor for 1105 Media's education publications THE Journal, Campus Technology and Spaces4Learning.

E-Mail this page

Printable Format

Featured

Report: As Ransomware Payoffs Decline, Attackers Change Tactics

Actors are changing tactics as they collect less money from ransomware payoffs, according to a new report from Chainalysis, a blockchain analytics firm.
Google Reportedly Investing $1 Billion in AI Startup Anthropic

Google is investing more than $1 billion in generative AI startup Anthropic, expanding its stake in one of Silicon Valley's leading artificial intelligence firms, according to a source familiar with the matter.
OpenAI Introduces 'Operator' AI for Performing Web Tasks

OpenAI has announced "Operator," an AI agent designed to perform web-based tasks autonomously using its own browser. Currently available as a research preview for Pro users in the United States, the tool aims to automate everyday activities such as filling out forms, ordering groceries, and even creating memes.
Microsoft Copilot Gains Actions Feature, New Agents in Latest Update

Microsoft has introduced new and enhanced features for Microsoft 365 Copilot, including Copilot Actions, new AI "agents," and a Copilot Control System.