Frequently Asked Questions About the TIE Program
What can graduates do when they leave the program?
Some of our students enter the program to better integrate technology in their classrooms. However, many also want to become computer teachers working with children in their schools and/or technology coordinators working with teachers at a building or district level.
Can I get initial state teacher certification through this program?
No. You should consider another program, perhaps the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT).
Do I need to be a K-12 classroom teacher to be in this program?
Most of our students are K-12 classroom teachers. However, we have had art teachers, special education teachers, P.E. teachers, computer coordinators, music teachers, and certified teachers returning to the field. Many of our participants have come from private and parochial schools.
Is there a state certification or an endorsement for technology?
The State of Illinois has recently established a Technology Specialist K-12 certificate and NLU’s Technology Specialist program was approved in April 2003. In addition to completing a state-approved program, students who wish to obtain the Technology Specialist certificate will need to provide documentation that they hold an Illinois teaching certificate and that they have passed (1) the Illinois Test of Basic Skills and (2) the Assessment of Professional Teaching Skills (Special, K-12) Test. Toward the end of their degree program, candidates will also need to pass the ISBE Technology Specialist Content Area Test in order to be recommended for the certification.
How long will the program take?
That will depend on whether you enroll in a cluster or as a traditional on-campus student. Clusters complete the program in about two years because cluster students usually take two courses each quarter. Many clusters also take classes during the summer. Traditional on-campus students may choose to take one course at a time and may still complete the program during the six year program limit.
Will previously taken courses or workshops count toward my degree in this program?
The university may accept up to 6 semester hours of recent credit from another institution. However, this is not automatic. Your adviser and the Graduate Registrar’s office must approve any courses to be used for a degree program.
Do I have to attend in the summer?
Summer sessions are usually offered in the afternoon, ending by 7:00 p.m. Many, but not all, clusters meet at least two days a week during the summer session. Traditional on-campus students may choose to take, or not take, summer classes.
Do I have to be in a Cluster?
The Technology in Education program is offered in both cluster and traditional formats.
Is there an advantage to being in a cluster?
The tuition rate at the time of enrollment remains fixed throughout the program for cluster students only. Further, cluster students are assured of finishing within a fixed period of time, as outlined in their cluster course sequence. However, cluster students must follow a predetermined sequence of courses.
If in a Cluster, can I change some of the courses?
Cluster students must follow a predetermined sequence of courses and a seat is saved for the cluster student in each of the scheduled courses. If a student interrupts his/her planned sequence for any reason, he/she should notify the Registrar’s Office, indicating that he/she is dropping out of the cluster. For future courses, the current university rate will apply, not the original fixed tuition rate.
Can I take all my courses at one campus (e.g., Wheeling)?
Required courses are offered at various Chicago area campuses on an approximately 2-year cycle. Unless you are registered in a cluster, we do not guarantee that all courses may be taken at a single campus site.
Can I take classes that use just one kind of computer—for example can I take all my classes in the Macintosh computer lab?
It is important that graduates of the TIE program be able to support teachers who use either platform. The primary software used in our program is available for both major platforms. Macintosh computers have the capability to read disks formatted for either the Windows or Macintosh operating systems, so you may want purchase Windows-formatted disks to allow for flexibility.
How large are the classes? Will I have to share a computer with someone else?
Classes do not exceed the number of computers available in the labs. It is the philosophy of our program that each participant will work at a single computer.
What kind of commitment is required to be successful in this program?
Each semester hour of credit carries with it two to three hours of work outside class each week.
Do I need a computer at home?
Some students do use computers at their local school; however, students find that it is most convenient to have access both to a computer and the Internet at home.
Can I purchase a computer at an educational discount?
Yes. Please visit the Office of Information Technology (OIT) website for details. A choice of computer platforms is available. (Find more information at http://oit.nl.edu/faq.cfm.)
Do I need to have an online connection (connected to the Internet) to be in the program?
Yes. Many courses in this program require that you can access the Internet and have e-mail.
Do I have to know a lot about using computers before I enroll in my first course?
Students entering the program will complete a self-assessment of the National Educational Technology Standards for Teachers (NETS-T). (See http://cnets.iste.org/teachers/t_stands.html.) Applicants will review results of the self-assessment with a TIE faculty member to discuss the assessment and a plan, if needed, for meeting the NETS-T through selected professional development activities and/or TIE500. If you consider yourself a novice, be sure to enroll in TIE 500 as your first class. If you are planning to join a cluster, you should enroll in TIE 500 the quarter before the cluster begins.
What kinds of knowledge and skills will I gain through this program?
Course descriptions are provided in the NCE graduate catalog. These descriptions detail what you will know and be able to do upon completion of each course.
What time of day are classes offered?
During the normal school year, classes are offered after 4:00 p.m. Classes offered during the summer quarter are normally held in the afternoons and early evenings. Saturday classes run from 9 am until noon and 12:30 to 3:30.
What is meant by core courses?
There are two sets of core courses. The first set of courses includes content that NLU provides for every Master’s student in the College of Education. These include research, foundations, and educational psychology courses. In addition, the TIE program has a set of required or “core” courses that are listed in the catalog.
How do I decide what electives to take and when to take them?
Two semester hours of electives are required in the M.Ed. program and three semester hours in the C.A.S. program. Students may choose from courses or workshops for their electives. It may be helpful to take 1 semester-hour workshops during quarters in which students take a single, 3 semester-hour course, if financial aid requires enrollment for a specific number of hours.
Workshops are listed in the NLU Quarterly sent to all registered students. To register for workshops as electives, use the form available in the quarterly and also available here: http://www.nl.edu/centers/ncecpd/Registration-Information.cfm.
Can I take non-technology courses as electives?
Typically, students complete all electives in the TIE program. However, you may consult with your adviser about your specific needs and interests. You need to get your advisor's approval for any non-TIE courses taken as electives.
Can I get my networking certification through this program?
No. The TIE program addresses uses of technology in teaching and learning. Technical-level certification courses are typically available through community colleges.
How do I get my Technology Specialist Certification once I have completed the coursework?
Complete information is available here.
How do I get my Technology Specialist Certification if I completed the TIE program before the certification existed?
You will need to take a special course, TIE 575 Leading Staff Development in Educational Technology (2 semester hours), and complete the steps outlined on the certification page. The course is designed to help new and seasoned technology educators to identify resources, plan and design experiences, and create materials for leading effective professional development activities related to technology integration into K-12 teaching and learning.
NOTE: Your enrollment counselor can provide information regarding admission policies. To contact an enrollment representative, see this page: http://www.nl.edu/enroll/emrep.cfm, call 1-888-NLU-TODAY, or email nluinfo@nl.edu.
What is the philosophy and knowledge base of the program?
- See TIE Program Philosophy page.
What do I need to do to withdraw from a course or from the university?
To withdraw, you need to send an email to registrar@nl.edu telling them you wish to withdraw a course or from the university. See http://www.nl.edu/orientation/servicesinfo.cfm (near the bottom of the page) for more information.
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