Sept. 15, 2022

This paid piece is sponsored by Dakota State University. 

Technology is at the forefront of everything at Dakota State University, and it’s strategically infused in the heritage mission of the DSU College of Education, where students receive a technology endorsement with their degrees.

“Anyone who graduates from DSU with an education degree earns the technology endorsement,” said Dr. Kevin Smith, associate professor and coordinator for the Master of Science in Education Technology.

The endorsement is six technology classes built into all the education programs. These courses include an introduction to computers, computer programming, a methods course on technology and a multimedia web development course. Smith doesn’t want students to be intimidated by this.

“We’re not trying to turn everyone into a computer programmer,” he explained, “but we want them to feel really confident using technology when they’re out in the classroom.”

Computer programming and computer science are being integrated across all grade levels in schools. There are kindergarteners who are doing computer programming, he added.

These technical skills help the education students develop as problem-solvers and critical thinkers. With an additional course, students can turn the technology endorsement into a technology minor.

The state of South Dakota recognizes the technology endorsement. For students who may want to teach in another state, an extra course will give them a technology minor that can be recognized in every state.

“In addition to those technology-focused courses, we really have made a concerted effort to integrate technology into all of our courses,” Smith said. “In some ways, those can be the most powerful experiences.”

In the classroom, Smith and other professors provide hands-on experience, show students ways to integrate technology into the classroom and help them develop the right mindset about technology.

“We want our students to develop a growth mindset with technology,” he said. “We want them to recognize that technology changes and part of being a good teacher is being a lifelong learner.”

The technology endorsement also teaches students to consider the value of technology and discern whether something is enhancing learning or is just shiny and new.

Many students share their appreciation for the technology tools they learn about in the DSU classroom with their cooperating teachers while student teaching.

“I have cooperating teachers that will come back and say, ‘I love when these DSU students come because I get to learn some new things too,’” Smith said.

He often stays in touch with alumni of the College of Education through Twitter, where he encourages students to develop their professional learning network. Through their PLNs, students and alumni can share what they’re doing in the classroom and learn from other teachers.

Alumna Kathy Jensen can attest to the benefits of the technology-infused education at DSU. She earned her Bachelor of Mathematics Education in May 2020 and her Master of Science in Educational Technology in the summer of 2022.

“I had always heard the best teachers come from DSU,” Jensen shared.

While earning her undergraduate degree, the technology endorsement helped her learn about the different technologies used in the classroom.

Jensen uses technology to organize her notes and lessons, and uses technology games like GimKit, Kahoot and Blooket with her students. She finds it essential to use technology as a teacher and have her students use it too.

“Technology is a large part of our world, and using it and having a basic understanding of how it works is an important skill for students,” she said.

The Master of Science in Educational Technology program allows students to build on the technology endorsement. It’s completed online and is 30 credit hours. This flexible degree can prepare instructors to become better teachers and move into leadership positions such as technology directors.

The program enabled Jensen to develop a deeper understanding of instructional technology.

“At its base, education is about people and interacting with people,” she explained. “Technology provides more ways to have those interactions and help people learn. It makes it possible to reach more people. I can find a video to teach me just about anything I would want to know.”

The program also helped Jensen be prepared to find better technology resources quickly.

“The best part of the MSET program is the connections formed with other educators, professors and students,” she said.