Master in Educational Technology (EduTech)

Study mode:On campus Study type:Full-time Languages: German English
Deadline: Jul 15, 2024
StudyQA ranking:7691 Duration:2 years
Advances in technology are continuously revolutionising learning inside and outside the classroom. Educational designers and teachers need to understand and orchestrate the learning opportunities of the 21st century:
  • social media and networks
  • online tools and online knowledge resources
  • multimedia messages
  • simulations and microworlds
  • learning games
  • mobile learning with multitouch devices, e.g. smart phones

In a friendly and competent environment, you have the opportunity to learn in online and blended learning sessions as well as in classrooms equipped with the latest technologies.
EduTech is interdisciplinary. It crosses and redefines the boundaries between learning sciences and computer sciences. It bridges the theoretical and technical knowledge of computer systems with knowledge of socio-cognitive aspects of learning to create technologies that can provide new socio-cognitive learning experiences.
We emphasise interactive, learner-centred approaches to learning and instruction. You will work on projects together with your fellow students in interdisciplinary groups, contributing your knowledge and learning from others. The projects will be relevant to the current research taking place in our research group, where you can contribute to investigating computer-supported collaborative learning with the use of different technologies, from standard personal computers to interactive tabletops to online learning platforms, iPads and social networks. In this context, you will take part in shaping your projects and pursuing your own research questions.
The EduTech Master's programme offers bilingual studies (English & German) for those holding Bachelor's degrees in psychology, education, or computer science.
We are a multidisciplinary group of researchers with international and interdisciplinary experience in educational technology. We will support you in learning and engaging in this cutting-edge field.

Current research foci:
  • computer-supported collaborative learning
  • collaboration scripts for the orchestration of learning activities
  • multitouch surfaces (iPads & tablet PCs, interactive tabletops)
  • learning on Web 2.0 (Facebook, YouTube)
  • adaptive educational technology, e.g. automated feedback in TEL
  • audience response systems and social learning platforms for large lectures

Educational organisation

During the four semesters of the Master's Programme in EduTech, 120 Credit Points (CP) based on the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) are available. One CP corresponds to a 30-hour workload.
The programme is divided into three different sections: Obligatory, Compulsory and Free Choice.

Obligatory: students should perform four partial module exams. 40 Credit Points (CP) can be obtained in the respective courses.
  • First semester: Module EduTech I
    • Introduction to Educational Technology (4 CP)
    • Education Technology (4 CP)
  • Second semester: Module EduTech II
    • CSCL (3CP)
    • Facilitating CSCL (4 CP)
    • Learner Support in TEL (4 CP)
    • Product Colloquium EduTech II (1 CP)
  • Third semester: Methods of EduTech R&D and Cognitive Foundations of EduTech
    • Empirical Research Methods (5 CP)
    • Programming for EduTech (5 CP)
    • Product Colloquium Methods of EduTech R&D (2 CP)
    • Multimedia Learning (4 CP)
    • Cognitive Foundations of Learning in TEL (4 CP)
  • Fourth semester
    • Master's thesis (31 CP)

Compulsory: students should engage in either "programming" or "research methods", based on their prior education. This module is credited with 16 CP and is taught in the second semester.

Free Choice: students should complete one partial module exam or single course based on their prerequisites for admission; 110 ECTS credits can be obtained in the respective courses.
Modules are:
  • Learning and Instruction (9 CP)
  • Development and Education (13 CP)
  • Technology-Enhanced Communication and Knowledge Management (24 CP)
  • Artificial Intelligence for EduTech (16 CP)
  • User Interface Design (13 CP)
  • Tutor (after having acquired competencies as a tutor in a seminar, students are required to hold their own tutorials) (8 CP)
  • Language and Culture (27 CP)

Study abroad unit(s)

Participants can spend a semester and collect ECTS at one of the partner universities of Saarland University using the Erasmus programme.

Internships

During the EduTech Master's programme, you can complete an internship of up to 180 hours. This has to be approved in advance, either by the faculty director of studies or by the examination board. The internship must take place during the lecture period. It can be completed abroad.
A certificate issued by the internship host (without a grade) must be submitted as proof of completion of the internship. The certificate must be accompanied by a report on the internship. A maximum of six credit points (one credit point corresponds to 30 hours of internship) will be credited for the internship, which can be recognised as a free-choice course.

Forms of assessment

There are various forms of assessment:
  • module assignments
  • written / oral exams
  • term papers

Course objectives

During your studies, you will learn about prominent learning theories and state-of-the-art educational technologies - and how to design and implement them. You will be able to understand and evaluate common and new technologies in use for educational purposes, e.g. in schools or universities. Technological devices such as iPads or other tablets, personal computers, smart phones, or tabletops can be used as a support in teaching and instruction. With an EduTech MSc, you will be able to design meaningful learning settings and implement new ways of education.
Graduates of the EduTech programme can choose, for example, a career in educational research, become developers of digital media, work in an e-learning firm, or work as educational designers for specialised workplace computer courses, as creators of online educational materials or as advisers to educational institutions.
Even before they have completed their studies, our students are strongly in demand at various EduTech companies.

Language requirements

Applicants must provide proof of their German and English skills at minimum level B2 (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, CEFR) at the beginning of their studies and must be able to participate in courses either in English or in German. Students need to reach level C1 or equivalent in both languages after the first or second semester. For students who have not achieved this level at the beginning of the study programme, language courses are offered at the university and are accredited within the EduTech study programme.

Required DSH / TestDaF

Yes

Academic requirements

The Department of Educational Technology welcomes applications from German and international candidates with a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Psychology, Education, Computer Science or related fields with a proof of fluency in English and German (level B2 at application, C1 must be obtained after the first or second semester). Courses to enhance your language skills can be taken during the course. In exceptional cases, other Bachelor's degrees may be accepted.
To be accepted for the EduTech Master's programme, you must obtain 50 qualification points. A table on our homepage shows how many qualification points you gain for your Bachelor's grade and for other qualifications you may additionally hold.

Enrolment fees

Approx. 200 EUR per semester, including a semester ticket covering public transport in the Saarbrücken area

Costs of living

About 800 EUR per month to cover personal expenses (incl. accommodation)

Job opportunities

There are several possibilities to find part-time jobs in Saarbrücken (in catering, etc.). Students also have the opportunity to work as student assistants.

Funding opportunities within the university

Saarland University offers several funding opportunities for national and international students.
http://www.uni-saarland.de/campus/studium/beratung-und-orientierung/studienfinanzierung/stipendien.html

Arrival support

Introductory week: a game-based, technology-enhanced scavenger hunt

Services and support for international students

Saarland University offers a special support and guidance service for our international students and visiting scholars. As well as welcoming new foreign students to the university, we organise excursions and cultural events where students and scholars from abroad can meet German students and colleagues. We also provide support in dealing with official and administrative matters. To encourage interaction between German and international students, the international office also runs a successful peer mentoring programme called "you and me".

Accommodation

Accommodation is available through the Student Services Office or on the private market. Rent for a single room in a student residence is approx. 220 EUR: http://www.studentenwerk-saarland.de/en/Uber-uns
Help in looking for private accommodation can be found here: http://www.studentenwerk-saarland.de/en/Wohnen/Wohnen-woanders/Private-Wohnungssuche
Private accommodation can be found on the internet at:
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