"I once heard that some of best moments in our lives usually occur when our bodies and minds are stretched to their limits of voluntary effort to accomplish something difficult and worthwhile.  As someone with a no formal education in classroom instruction I am able to say that Boise State's Edtech program gave me everything I needed to achieve my goal of graduation.  I feel so grateful that I had the chance to learn from very experienced professionals.  Because of this degree I have landed a job at Brigham Young University working in television and teaching as an adjunct professor.  Any time anyone ask me about my Master's program a smile comes to my face and I can't help but get excited to retell my experiences.  The study of educational technology opens the doors to educators and non-educators about the future of instruction and interactive web designs."

"It's funny. I was hesitant to pursue an online master's degree because I thought it would be too boring. I didn't understand that the structure is completely different.

I pictured myself watching hour-long lectures on video and then taking tests. I had no idea how much more interactive it would be. I think back on my undergrad years and remember the professor lecturing at the front of the class and me zoning out in the back. This works much better for me. I do the research and learn from the research I do. It keeps my mind much more engaged than sitting in the back of a lecture hall trying to pay attention--not to mention I am able to get the degree I want rather than being limited to [the programs offered in] the colleges in my area or moving to another state."

"Learning institutions have to change and adapt to the times or ... they will risk becoming obsolete. Learning is just a mouse click away today. I would never consider going back to a traditional classroom setting. Sitting in a classroom listening to a professor lecture is such a yawner. Just give me the information expected to be learned and let me have at it on the Internet. I've learned more from a couple of classes through Boise State online than I did in probably half of my undergraduate degree."

I am a graduate students in BSU’s EDTECH program, and I will be receiving an MS in Educational Technology degree in May 2009. I didn’t know what to expect when I enrolled in this program, but I have been pleasantly surprised and my expectations have been more than fulfilled with respect to this program’s staff, courses, and on-line web classes. The staff is deeply knowledgeable in all areas of content, and they went out of their way for me to be accessible and helpful via phone, video, IM, and email. They not only are professional but also very human. 

The classes I took varied from a low slope learning curve to a steep almost insurmountable learning curve. Nevertheless, every teacher strove to help me learn the content and pass the class. All of the content was useful, and I am using much of the content at this moment in my public high school teaching, including design for the web and for hand-outs, and educational digital game principles, to name just two that stand out in my memory. I learned things I expected and wanted to learn, and I was immersed in new interesting content I never knew much about. Not only has my career been enhanced by the collaboration and new learning, but my own day-to-day work has been strengthened and expanded. I appreciate very much the effort instructors and support staff have extended and offered to me during this two year adventure. Thank you.

A new door – a huge door – opened for me when I discovered there was a master’s degree called Educational Technology. Barely two years ago, I taught part-time at a technical college where I was fascinated by the diverse learning styles of my students. Today I am an Instructional Designer for the eLearning Department at the Savannah College of Art and Design where I develop online courses from on-ground courses. Yes, even art and design courses can be online! Being able to add creativity to the mix of educational research, technology, and fascinating subject matter is extremely satisfying and exciting. I was well prepared by my professors at BSU who were always encouraging, inspiring, and open to learning from their students. Collaborating with other online students from across the country and around the world made the Ed Tech courses even richer. I also feel fortunate to have been encouraged to “go for it” by two of Ed Tech’s biggest advocates – Jerry Foster and Paul Castelin. 

Learning has been a lifelong passion of mine. In June 1999, I completed my Bachelors Degree in Administration Management. After 8 years of working as a software support specialist, I had a strong desire to continue my education. Unfortunately there were no local Masters programs available. After searching the Internet I came across Boise State’s Online Education Technology degree program. After talking to Jerry Foster and Paul Castlin, I enrolled in January 2008.

It took me 20 months to complete the program, but now that I look back at all the classes, I would have to say that the staff and the learning environment that I was exposed during my time at Boise is a testimony to the effectiveness of online education when conducted properly. The instructors were professional and the courses elicited deep thought and were highly organized. I feel the knowledge that I have gained from the Boise State EDTECH program will greatly contribute to my future success in any future endeavors. If you want to enhance you teaching skills and implement technology into your classroom, than I would say this program is meant for you.

"The Boise State University EdTech Master’s Program was an example of what kind of a reward a person can earn if they are willing to work for their own educational dreams.  After my undergraduate degree in the education field, I wanted to continue to better myself by obtaining a graduate level degree.  BSU’s EdTech Program was perfect for this need since I was a full time High/Middle School Teacher at a high risk school and very short on extra time.  With BSU’s EdTech Program being completely on-line, I was able to fit my classes, studies, projects, and assignments on my schedule, after work and around most of my other obligations during the week.  The support staff, instructors, and professors were very professional, and seemed very genuine in focusing on assisting their students with any individual needs or questions during the program.  I was able to complete my Master of Science in Education, with an Emphasis in Education Technology, in only five (5) semesters, attending graduate school on my schedule while still working in the education field full time.   
 
During my studies in the EdTech Program, I was able to incorporate many of the ideas, principals, and information that I was learning into my current classroom (Computer Lab). This helped my students gain a better understanding and educational experience since I was able to provide new and current technology based education to students in multiple formats that made learning fun and exciting.  Not only were these students learning about technology, but they also learned about other core subjects through the technology.  By using integrated thematic projects, students who were ‘deficient’ in other subject areas were able to process the needed information using the technology that so many students enjoyed, compared to standard lecture and/or traditional classes, and they gained/processed the new information.  By creating projects on computers, using websites, and interactive media, some students gained a better understanding in Mathematics, Science, History, and Technology together.  Our school even had one student enter our annual Science Fair by submitting a Technology Based Project, while others used the Computer Lab during class time for research and data processing to complete their individual projects.  I found great joy in knowing that my students were actually learning and achieving their own educational goals by using the tools and ideas that I had provided them…the same tools and ideas that the EdTech Program at Boise State University helped prepare me to refine and to share with my students.  No matter what subject you may already be teaching at any level, this program will assist you to provide a new approach to learning that your students can use for the rest of their lives."

"I owe a lot to the Boise State Educational Technology program. Without their online program, I probably would not have been able to complete my Masters degree. Having a family and a full time job made it nearly impossible to complete any program that required me to be in a physical classroom. Aside from the convenience of online learning for me, the degree itself has led the way to a career path I never would have had the chance to pursue otherwise. Just being a part of the online program gives a student hands on experience in seeing how technology is integrated into the classroom. Since beginning (and completing) the program, I was able to move from working in financial aid and freelancing as a web designer into the field of software training and I now work with an up and coming software company as a educational training manager. Since graduation from the program, I have been given the opportunity to teach for BSU as a part time adjunct in the EdTech department. Overall, the courses and the professors combined leave me speaking highly of the EdTech program to anybody who asks about it or is seeking such a degree."

"After spending my first semester overseas as a student in the EdTech program, I was asked by Dr. Thorsen to work part-time for the Department when I returned to Boise. It has been a wonderful experience for me, to have this level of insight into the Department. I have been extremely impressed with the professionalism, the accomplishments and the abilities of the faculty. It sounds trite, but they all really care about our students. Being around the faculty every day for two years has shown me how talented they really are, how personable, and how unselfishly they all work together. The concern and attention that is given to constantly upgrading the quality of the program was something of a surprise; that attitude is not prevalent in my experience. Dr. Thorsen, who is now retired, recruited a hand-picked faculty of excellence. Dr. Dawley, now the Department Chair, has the vision, the experience and the ability to lead the Department into the top echelons nationally. I truly am excited to be part of the process and excited to see the results of initiatives just being put in place.."

"I've been hired to create an integrated tutorial system for a software company in California. My job is to design and create the entire user assistance system; so much of what I learned in your instructional design class will come into play. I feel very prepared for the position, which is a credit to BSU's EDTECH department."

"The project based classes gave me the experience to feel prepared to work in a variety of positions that deal with instructional design and integrating technology into instruction."

"The Educational Technology program at Boise State has been very instrumental in enhancing my career. The courses demonstrated true application and provided many opportunities to create projects to be used in the future. The faculty and staff are true professionals! They are very welcoming and interested in the success of their students."

"I spent 7 years trying to find the right Master's Program and the right circumstances to continue my education. I thought I was going to have to spend timeless hours in an actual classroom outside of the endless hours I am in one right now. Juggling job, family and coaching, a Master's Degree didn't seem possible, although I knew I needed to get it. The Master's Program at Boise was perfect for me as it allowed me to "stay out" of additional classrooms and could be molded specifically to what I was interested in, based on class offerings. The best part was that I could work at any hour on assignments or even be out of town and still be able to work and turn things in, without putting anything aside. Professors have been knowledgeable and very easy to work with, especially with unexpecteds."