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solomamitrot
Joined: 27 Jun 2013 Posts: 11
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Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2014 12:54 am Post subject: University of San Francisco online degree program |
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I was advised that instead of pursuing a MA in TESOL that I should focus on an MA in Educational Technology or Instructional Design. This school offers a program that seems to offer the best of both worlds.
What are your thoughts on the educational pursuit (MA TESOL or MA Educational Technology) and what are your thoughts about this program? What are your thoughts about it being offered completely online vs. on campus (acceptable or not)?
Here is the link: http://www.usfca.edu/soe/online/tesol/
I love to teach ESL. Any suggestions? |
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MotherF
Joined: 07 Jun 2010 Posts: 1450 Location: 17�48'N 97�46'W
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Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2014 1:12 am Post subject: |
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That program looks interesting, I like that there is quite a bit about technology in it. But it seems a bit pricy to me 1080 per credit and you need to complete 33 credits.
Another program I've looked at is 347 per credit also 33 credits with an option to get a grad dip after 18 credits should you run out of money half way through.  |
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solomamitrot
Joined: 27 Jun 2013 Posts: 11
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Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2014 1:15 am Post subject: |
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| What is the name of that program? Can you post a link? |
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nomad soul

Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world
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Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2014 6:29 am Post subject: |
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| solomamitrot wrote: |
I was advised that instead of pursuing a MA in TESOL that I should focus on an MA in Educational Technology or Instructional Design.
....
I love to teach ESL. Any suggestions? |
Since it was my suggestion that you look into an MA in Ed Tech, don't pursue it if you feel strongly about teaching ESL and not about technology for teaching and learning. Therefore, go for the MA TESOL.
I'd specifically mentioned looking into an Ed Tech master's because you're a single mom of two with your eye on teaching in the salary/benefit-rich UAE. Given that there likely will be fewer TEFL job opportunities in the Emirates by the time you have your MA TESOL and the 3 years' requisite post-MA teaching experience, the MA in Ed Tech would open doors for you in the UAE and elsewhere in just about any job sector that entails training/teaching and learning. More importantly, it would provide the level of salary and benefits you're seeking to care for your family. Anyway, be realistic about your academic and career interests.
You might check out "What do you look for in a BA or MA degree program?" (http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=95138). |
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solomamitrot
Joined: 27 Jun 2013 Posts: 11
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Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2014 5:44 pm Post subject: |
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I'd never heard of those degree options so I wrote the post in such a way to share your idea and get suggestions at the same time. I think that it is a great idea and what you said makes perfect sense. I love teaching ESL but I am open to other things as well. Since we e-mailed I have shared that info with some of my colleagues. I certainly appreciate the suggestion.
What are your thoughts about the program that I posted? |
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nomad soul

Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world
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Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2014 8:23 pm Post subject: |
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| solomamitrot wrote: |
I'd never heard of those degree options so I wrote the post in such a way to share your idea and get suggestions at the same time. I think that it is a great idea and what you said makes perfect sense. I love teaching ESL but I am open to other things as well. Since we e-mailed I have shared that info with some of my colleagues. I certainly appreciate the suggestion.
What are your thoughts about the program that I posted? |
I can offer my personal perspective since I have an MA in Teaching/TEFL emphasis and am presently in a Master of Educational Technology program. Hopefully, MuscatGary and others with a similar degree will add their comments as well.
Although ed tech marries both education and technology, like TESOL, it's a specialized field in itself. That said, the program you posted isn't heavy enough on the technology side to qualify you for a non-TESOL position that would require an MA in Ed Tech (or Instructional Tech). For a general description of ed tech, job titles, and salaries, check out: www.geteducated.com/career-center/detail/instructional-technologist-and-instructional-coordinator. |
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solomamitrot
Joined: 27 Jun 2013 Posts: 11
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Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2014 9:05 pm Post subject: |
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Thank you! That link was very informative. The only issue that I find is that many of the programs (as said in the link) want the individual to already be a certified teacher. It looks as though there are some programs that may offer it to individuals that do not have state teaching certification. Kennesaw State has a program and it seems that people may be able to get in without first having the teaching certification.
I guess what it boils down to, is that, one would have to make the decision as to how long they want to stay in school. If the teaching certification has to take place before you are allowed to start an Educational Technology program....you would be looking at a 4 year commitment. The flip side is that it may be a short term loss (of time) for a long term gain. It is definitely the future of education.
I will be searching for a list of online schools that offer the program. If anyone would like to create an informal list....that works too.
Thanks for the great input! |
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nomad soul

Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world
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Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2014 9:16 pm Post subject: |
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| solomamitrot wrote: |
| The only issue that I find is that many of the programs (as said in the link) want the individual to already be a certified teacher. |
Check it again. The article states licensure is generally required for those who are interested in working in public school settings but not for higher ed, government, corporate, medical, NGOs, etc. Besides, I don't hold a teaching license. Anyway, you're teaching adults now, so I assume that's still your interest. |
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solomamitrot
Joined: 27 Jun 2013 Posts: 11
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Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2014 9:39 pm Post subject: |
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| Nice! I will make a post in the future to update you of my decision but I believe I know which way I am leaning. I had a similar situation to happen to me when I was deciding on my Masters degree. I was talking to a lady about it and she said "have you considered xyz" and I'd never even heard of it....and it turned out to be a good decision. I now have a masters in it. She was ahead of the game so to speak and I think this information is right on time as well considering the trend in the world of ESL. Thank you! |
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solomamitrot
Joined: 27 Jun 2013 Posts: 11
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Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2014 9:40 pm Post subject: |
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| By the way, would you mind sharing the name of the program that you are in? Thank you! |
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nomad soul

Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world
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Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2014 9:43 pm Post subject: |
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Some ed tech degree programs are geared only for k-12, while others are broader to fit a variety of training, teaching, and learning environments. You'll need to read the program descriptions and goals carefully.
I PM'd you about the program I'm in. |
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