In partnership with Learner's Edge, Inc., Augustana's online Master of Arts in Education degree program features three options for concentration:

• Technology: a focus on utilizing and implementing technology to enhance student learning
• Instructional Strategies: a focus on practical applications to support student achievement and engagement
• Special Populations: a focus on how to support and teach at-risk students, with an emphasis on Autism, Response to Intervention (RTI) and emotional/behavioral issues

Technology

1. EDUC  6047 Dive into Digital: Understanding the Digital Learner

Prepare to challenge your thinking, examine your current instruction and stretch your knowledge of what it means to teach and learn in our new online world. This course is a blend of theory, research and ideas for working with students who are part of the digital generation. Improve your craft and participate more fully in 21st century teaching and learning.

2. EDUC 6061 Technology: Byte-Size, Big Learning

The digital world can be overwhelming; this course is designed to help teachers explore the online realm in small, manageable bytes. Teachers gain an understanding of a wide variety of online tools to enhance the classroom and instruction. Overall guidance for the new digital learner and in-depth direction for the more advanced will be provided.

3. EDUC 6681 Web EDU

This course will move educators to think differently about technology's potential for strengthening students' critical thinking, writing, reflection, and interactive learning. Explore how web tools can generate exciting new learning formats, and learn how to apply these tools in the classroom to engage all students. Specific teaching applications included for blogs, wikis, RSS and more.

Instructional Strategies

1. EDUC 6081 Igniting Creativity, Collaboration, and Comprehension through Inquiry

Inquiry learning can be effectively integrated into all classrooms (K-12). Explore the critical ingredients of inquiry and inquiry circles, delving into foundational concepts of comprehension instruction, classroom collaboration, and classroom management as they relate to inquiry success. Join with your students to explore rich content inside and beyond the curriculum — to wonder, question, build knowledge, care, and take action in the world.

2. EDUC 6505 Brain Works: Better Teaching with the Brain in Mind

Filled with the latest information on how the brain learns, this course will energize and inspire! Learn how to teach in a more meaningful, powerful manner. Explore the role of emotion, retention, windows of opportunity, the primacy-recency effect, and much more. Regardless of your grade level, you will find a wealth of usable strategies.

3. EDUC 6921 Teach well, Learn Well: RTI

Struggling to address learning difficulties prior to special education services? Learn about the innovative model that is sweeping the country, RTI. Response to Intervention (RTI) assists is raising all student achievement and provides an alternative process for student identification, using proven methods and instructional tools/strategies to support the learner.

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3. EDUC 6061 Technology: Byte-Size, Big Learning

The digital world can be overwhelming; this course is designed to help teachers explore the online realm in small, manageable bytes. Teachers gain an understanding of a wide variety of online tools to enhance the classroom and instruction. Overall guidance for the new digital learner and in-depth direction for the more advanced will be provided.

Special Populations

1. EDUC 6776 Across the Spectrum: Teaching Students with Autism

Finally, a course specifically designed to help you work with students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Explore the following important components: characteristics and types of ASD, the role of assistive technology, intervention models, proven instructional approaches, parent involvement techniques, and available support services.

2. EDUC 6921 Teach well, Learn Well: RTI

Struggling to address learning difficulties prior to special education services? Learn about the innovative model that is sweeping the country, RTI. Response to Intervention (RTI) assists is raising all student achievement and provides an alternative process for student identification, using proven methods and instructional tools/strategies to support the learner.

3. EDUC 6958 The Courage to Care: Working with At-Risk Students

How can you engage the disengaged, connect with the disconnected, and reach the growing number of students in your classroom that are considered at-risk? Gain a better understanding of the contributing factors that put your students at risk and arm yourself with strategies to reach and teach this challenging population of students.