Frequently Asked Questions

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY AND DISTANCE EDUCATION (ITDE)

What is ITDE?

Instructional Technology and Distance Education is an emerging field, and at Nova Southeastern University a program of study, that has grown out of two separate academic fields. First, instructional technology is defined by the Association for Educational Communications and Technology as:

The theory and practice of design, development, utilization, management, and evaluation of processes and resources for learning.

Distance Education is defined by Simonson (2006) as:

Institution-based, formal education where the learning group is separated, and where interactive telecommunications systems are used to connect learners, resources and instructors.

Thus, ITDE is the combination of these two fields into a academic discipline that applies instructional technology to the delivery of instruction and promotion of learning without concern for geography or time.

It is also to note what ITDE is not. It is not the study of computers, nor the study of technology – defined as the systematic use of tools for a purposeful outcome. Rather, instructional technology considers many tools for teaching and learning, including the computer.

How much computer expertise is necessary for a student in ITDE?

The computer is a critical tool for many fields, disciplines, and professions. The computer is a basic tool for those studying in ITDE. However, expertise in programming, networking, or other advanced computer science competencies is not necessary. What is needed is a modern computer, connected to a high speed network, with accessories such as video recorders, digital still cameras, microphones and speakers available for independent use and for connection to the computer. The ITDE student should have modest experience with these instructional tools – more advanced competencies will be presented in ITDE courses.

What professional positions are available after graduation?

ITDE graduates at the MS and EDD levels have traditionally been able to find professional positions in consulting, training, higher education, educational support agencies, and government agencies. The number of professional positions for ITDE graduates has grown exponentially in the last decade and promises to continue to grow in the future.

What professional associations do ITDE students join?

Two organizations are the first choices of many ITDE students. First is the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT). AECT has long been the professional home for those in instructional technology. Next is the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA). USDLA is the traditional association of those in distance education.

What are the names of a few journals ITDE students read?

Four journals are a must for the ITDE graduate student. Tech Trends is the practitioner journal of AECT, and Educational Technology Research and Development is the research journal for the field of instructional technology. Distance Learning is the practitioners journal for distance education, and the Quarterly Review of Distance Education is the research journal for this field.

What are some other leading graduate programs in ITDE?

A number of universities have traditional, residential doctoral programs in instructional technology. Several of note are located at:

Florida State University
Indiana University
University of Iowa
University of Georgia
Utah State University

What courses should I take early in the ITDE concentration?

The courses in the ITDE curriculum are located elsewhere in the FSEHS web site. Faculty in the ITDE program recommend that EDD 7007, Principles of Distance Education, and EDD 8008, Principles of Instructional Technology, be taken as early in the sequence of courses as possible, certainly in the first year of the doctoral curriculum.

When should I start my doctoral dissertation?

The Fischler School and ITDE take pride in the quality of the dissertations of ITDE graduates. Naturally, an early start on the dissertation is a good idea, but like almost everything else the dissertation should be started when the timing is right. ITDE faculty recommend starting the dissertation after completing EDD 7007 and EDD 8008.

Is it possible to talk with ITDE graduates?

If you would like to talk to an ITDE graduate, contact a member of the ITDE faculty and they will put you in touch with a graduate who can talk with you informally about the ITDE concentration and their experiences.

Who are ITDE graduates?

A recent survey of graduates of the ITDE concentration indicated the following:

• They are about 50 years old
• About 60% are female
• They spend abut 60% of their time at work in ITDE-related activities
• About 55% work in an Education Institution
• About 40% work in a training organization, government organization, or are consultants
• About 40 % consider themselves to be teachers/professors
• About 40% consider themselves to be managers or directors

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