Why choose WSU's Instructional Technology program?

Comprehensive

Our program offers specializations in:

  • K-12 Technology Integration
  • Performance Improvement & Training
  • Interactive Technology

We offer Masters, Education Specialist and Doctoral degrees (Ed.D. and Ph.D.). We prepare our graduates for careers as practitioners, teachers in K-12 or higher education, consultants and researchers.

Nationally Recognized Faculty

WSU's IT program offers an exceptional faculty with national and international recognition:

  • Rita Richey and James Moseley each have more than 20 years of experience. They have published extensively in their specializations and are well-known leaders in the field.
  • Tim Spannaus has founded his own consulting firm and has worked with companies to improve their training initiatives and overall efficiency using web resources, multimedia training products and performance support systems.
  • Alvin Edelson has worked in TV and instructional video production for more than 20 years. He has developed scripts and video productions for major corporations in the Detroit area.
  • Lynn Miller-Wietecha has worked as a designer and evaluator for companies and school districts in the area.

Adjunct faculty is drawn from the field based on their expertise in the content areas.

Our faculty members are active members and officers in American Society for Training & Development, International Society for Performance Improvement, and Association for Educational Communication and Technology. Dr. Richey and Dr. Spannaus serve on the ibstpi board (International Board of Standards for Training, Performance, & Instruction) and work to establish standards for IT practice. Together this faculty makes an effective blend of theory and practice in both K-12 and business.

Technology

Our program has a strong emphasis on technology as a tool in the teaching/learning process. Courses in multimedia design and development, web-based instructional design and managing e-learning programs are mainstays in our program. In addition to the University's computer labs, the IT department maintains its own lab with current authoring tools and technologies.

Research I University

WSU is one of 90 “Carnegie Research I” or “Doctoral Universities - Extensive.” Wayne State is the only Carnegie I institution in Michigan offering a comprehensive Instructional Technology program. Studying at such a university affords our students the opportunity to include courses from many other disciplines in their programs and brings a unique richness to our offerings.

Real World

Our students complete projects within real-world contexts with actual clients. In our design classes, students complete design documents and instructional materials to solve a real gap in skill and/or knowledge. In our Needs Assessment class, students work in teams and with a corporate client to complete performance analyses.

Urban Setting

Our setting in the Cultural Center of Detroit offers a wealth of experiences. The Detroit Institute of Arts, Historical Museum, Science Center, Museum of African-American History and the historic main branch of the public library are within walking distance from campus. The theater, opera, clubs, major business headquarters and a vast choice of restaurants are all within easy access from campus. The University celebrates its urban and cultural setting every year in September with the annual Festival of the Arts.

Community Resources

Our location in the heart of Detroit provides our students with business contacts and internship opportunities with Fortune 10 companies. Detroit has a large industrial base with leading-edge training departments. Local chapters of ISPI and ASTD are active in the city. Business leaders speak in our classes and recruit our graduates.

Diverse Student Population

Our students come to us with varied backgrounds, experiences and interests. The IT student population includes K-12 teachers, corporate trainers and designers, as well as nurses, social workers, fire fighters, police officers, librarians, school administrators, engineers, college instructors, customs officials, and entrepreneurs. This diverse group are all seeking to extend their skills and professional options through Instructional Technology.

Flexible Schedule

Our program is designed for part-time students who work full-time. Our classes are offered in the evening and on Saturdays to help students balance work, family, school and other responsibilities.

Rich History

Our program has a long and renowned history. Over 50 years old, WSU's program is one of the oldest IT programs in the country. While it has continued to evolve with the times, theory and technology, it has always kept its focus on design and practice. Instructional design principles provide the foundation for our entire curriculum.

Excellence

Our program is committed to excellence. We conduct reviews with our graduates and employers to ensure that our program is effectively preparing our students for work in the IT field. We revise our courses to reflect new initiatives and needs. New technology and software applications are incorporated into our design and integrated curriculum. To give our students the best instruction, preparation, and experience, our goal is to maintain a solid foundation of design principles and evolve with the needs of the profession.

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