The University of Connecticut is dedicated to preparing educators who are capable of wisely-integrating technology, pedagogy, content knowledge, and learning theory across a diverse range of classroom, training, and other teaching and learning environments.
Housed within the university's broader Cognition, Instruction, and Learning Technology program—ranked among the Top 15 Educational Psychology Graduate Programs in the United States by Successful Student—the Two Summers Online Graduate Program serves as our pathway to a Master of Arts Degree (MA) or Sixth Year Certificate (SD) in Educational Technology.
Each spring, the Two Summers Program recruits a new cohort to begin in July.
Applications received after the May 15 deadline and/or after the 2021-2022 cohort is filled will be wait-listed, but there are often last minute openings as applicants’ plans change.
The University of Connecticut's Two Summers MA/SD Educational Technology Program is designed for the working educator. We target learning outcomes based on national standards and incorporate a variety of emerging technological/pedagogical tools:
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- Online / Distance / Web-Based Learning
- Problem- & Project-Based Teaching & Learning
- Situated Teaching & Learning
- eportfolios / Artifact-Based Assessment
- Playful Teaching & Learning (e.g., Game-Based Learning, Simulations, "Serious" Games)
- Assistive Technologies
- Digital Literacies for Teaching & Learning
UConn offers state-of-the-art facilities complete with a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) wireless environment, Smartboard-enabled classrooms, Blackboard-based course management software, and several custom mobile, online, and other tools for learning. Costs are consistent with policy set by the Graduate School, and online application is encouraged (assistance with the online application system can be found here). Two Summers Program course offerings are part of a standard Plan of Study for all cohort students.
NOTE: Although Two Summers typically features one full week of on-campus classes and cohort-building during Summer Year 1 and capstone Summer Year 2, we will be moving to a hybrid format for Summer 2021 to accommodate current physical distancing guidelines.
- The outgoing Two Summers cohort (2020 - 2021) will meet virtually from 9:00a - 4:00p on Monday (July 5) through Thursday (July 8), then face-to-face on the UConn Storrs campus from 9:00a - 4:00p on Friday, 9 July 2021.
- The incoming Two Summers cohort (2021 - 2022) will meet face-to-face on the UConn Storrs campus from 9:00a - 4:00p on Monday, 12 July 2021 and Saturday, 17 July 2021; they will also meet virtually from 9:00a - 4:00p on Tuesday (July 13) through Friday (July 16).
While on campus, Two Summers students will be expected to adhere to all university, state, and CDC guidance, including wearing masks and maintaining a safe physical distance.
Board Game Design Conference (2021) - A Degree in Game Design
On Friday, 21 May 2021 at 6:00p EDT, University of Connecticut Digital Media & Design faculty Dr. Stephen Slota, Kenneth Thompson, and Dr. James Coltrain led a presentation and Q&A session to answer "all the questions you've had about game design but were afraid to ask!" The trio described their respective backgrounds as game designers, educators, and researchers, then explored considerations for whether and how to pursue a degree in game design; the psychological, technical, and historical principles underlying game functionality and engagement; strategies for indie development; and exemplar projects from past and present University of Connecticut game design students (Digital Media & Design | Educational Technology).
Eastern Forum for Esports Coaching & Teaching - Virtual Panel (2021)
On Friday, 21 May 2021 at 8:00p EDT, the University of Connecticut and its partners hosted a virtual Eastern Forum for Esports Coaching & Teaching (EFFECT) panel for trainers, coaches, teachers, parents, players, and others interested in the intersection of esports and education. EFFECT connects individuals involved in the growing community of online gaming to discuss, organize, and implement meaningful esports team development, management, teaching, and outreach strategies.
Guest panelists included: Electronic Gaming Federation's CEO Tyler Schrodt, Esports Manager for Connected Camps Bethany Pyles, and Esports Researcher/Learning Scientist Andrew Cochran.
Dr. Stephen T. Slota, Assistant Professor-in-Residence of Educational Technology and Digital Media & Design at the University of Connecticut, shares eight quick tips for K-12 and higher educators in the process of transforming face-to-face instruction into online instruction.
