Gain an Edge in the Increasingly Technology-Reliant Classroom
Point Park's Instructional Technology Specialist Certification is a fully online, 15-credit program designed to prepare graduates for K-12 learning environments that require knowledge and competence in instructional technology in accordance with the specified standards of the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Sharpen your skills in:
- Technology infrastructure
- Curricular planning
- Instructional design
- Management and administration within a school district
- Research and problem-solving for technological applications to improve student learning
Upon completion of the program, you will be prepared to design, facilitate, manage and evaluate digital instruction in online and hybrid learning settings, some of the fastest-growing segments of education.
There is a projected need for teachers to know how to design and deliver content in alternative digital formats. Specialists need to know how to lead, manage and administer instructional technology for K-12 schools due to the changing landscape of K-12 education, particularly in the post-COVID educational landscape. The Instructional Technology Specialist Certification will prepare you for the future.
Courses & Topics
The Instructional Technology Specialist Certification program blends theory, research and direct application through practical hands-on learning within a variety of K-12 basic educational settings.
This program can be completed within one academic year. Courses will be offered in fall, spring and summer semesters. Each candidate will take six credits in the fall semester, six credits in the spring semester and three credits in the summer semester.
Courses in this 15-credit program include:
- Learning Technologies for Educators
- Instructional Methods for Digital Teaching and Learning
- Online Teaching: Design and Delivery
- Instructional Technology Administration and Management
- Practicum in K-12 schools in learning, design, and technology
Outstanding, Experienced Faculty
Point Park's education faculty are recognized experts in their fields, bringing valuable real-world experience to online learning. Learn more about the educators leading this program below.
Dr. Revilla Beltrán is a professor of education and one of the early adopters of online teaching in the 1990s. She has experience in the development, design, evaluation and delivery of traditional, blended and online courses and extensive consulting experience at all education levels. Dr. Revilla Beltrán is recognized as a successful leader, trainer, licensed counselor and board-certified coach. Her passion for student success and customized learning are hallmarks of her teaching practice.
During her career, Dr. Revilla Beltrán has received numerous awards and recognitions. In 2019, she received the prestigious Faculty Distinguished Teaching Award. Her areas of expertise include online learning, culturally responsive teaching, adult education and training. Dr. Revilla Beltrán has received over $2.6 million dollars in grants for special projects and initiatives. Her research led to the development of the in learning, design and technology program. Read more about her experience and background on her faculty bio page.
Learn more about the new M.Ed. in learning, design and technology from Dr. Revilla Beltrán in this blog post.
Dr. Chambers is an associate professor of education. Before beginning her doctoral program at the University of Pittsburgh, she was an elementary teacher in the Washington, D.C. area. At Point Park, Dr. Chambers teaches courses at the undergraduate, master's and doctoral level. Dr. Chambers has developed new M.Ed. programs in reading specialist certification, as well as athletic coaching and administration. She has served as a chair of dissertations in the doctoral program, focusing on research on technology integration in K-12 settings.
Dr. Chambers currently serves as a board member of Matt’s Makerspace, Inc. In 2021, Dr. Chambers presented her work on using poetry in makerspace classrooms at the UKLA International Conference in Oxford, England. Read more about her experience and background on her faculty bio page.
Dr. Frey is a recognized leader in the design, development, evaluation and teaching of online programs. She is a prolific author of numerous publications in the field of online learning and digital accessibility. She has presented at national and international conferences. Her extensive experience as a teacher, designer, trainer, consultant and practitioner in online learning spans 30 years. As a consultant, Dr. Frey has served professional organizations, community colleges, universities and the military in the application of best practices for online teaching and learning. Dr. Frey was a consultant in the development of the learning, design and technology program.
Visit the links below to read some of Frey's publications related to online learning and technology.
- "Course Design for Digital Accessibility: Best Practices and Tools," Quality Matters, 2021.
- "Administrative Supports for Digital Accessibility: Policies and Processes," Quality Matters, 2020.
- "A Model for Developing Instructional Design Professionals for Higher Education Through Apprenticeship: Blending Theory and Practice," Journal of Applied Instructional Design, 2020.
Dr. Kearns specializes in academic transformations at the course and program levels, pedagogical innovation and the advancement of knowledge in the fields of higher education teaching, online and blended learning and large-scale course redesign. She is recognized for her expertise in program development and the administration of online education. Her experience spans all aspects of the planning, development, delivery and assessment of online programs and courses. She has published and presented on topics such as assessment in online learning, faculty development for online teaching and faculty professional learning. Dr. Kearns was a consultant in the development of the learning, design and technology program.
Graduation Requirements
Graduation requirements for the Instructional Technology Specialist Certification program include:
- Successfully completing 5 required courses in the program with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and no grade in any course lower than a C.
- Completing a capstone practicum experience.