Leading & Learning in a Digital Age
Program Overview
Elevate your career in education and join an innovative and award-winning fully online program (UNESCO, 2021). Take bold steps towards understanding the latest technologies, including advanced artificial intelligence applications. Enhance your professional network, critically engage with leading literature and research in the learning sciences and develop skills that will set you apart in a digital world. This program is designed for K-12 teachers and school leaders, administrative staff in educational institutions and post-secondary instructors, from various fields worldwide who are eager to make a significant impact in their work contexts. Embrace the opportunity to navigate the complexities of modern digital education and working environments.
Key Features:
- Online: Complete the program from anywhere with mostly asynchronous coursework, complemented by a few synchronous sessions each term.
- Expert instructors: Learn from internationally recognized educators and guest speakers in the field of educational technology.
- Zero textbook costs: Access all necessary materials without additional textbook expenses.
- Focused curriculum: Explore key trends and emerging topics in educational technologies, with a special focus on generative artificial intelligence applications.
Program Details
Courses in this program are offered online. Courses are held in both an asynchronous environment (D2L) and a synchronous (real-time) environment (Zoom) which allows instructors to virtually meet and talk with students and experience a live exchange of ideas, hear class presentations and do group work with access to a whiteboard. For additional information regarding online delivery, refer to the eLearn website.
This program is tailored to equip educators with the knowledge and skills to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving field. By focusing on the latest trends and innovations, particularly in generative AI, you will gain practical insights that can be immediately applied in your professional setting. The flexibility of online learning, combined with zero textbook costs, ensures an accessible and cost-effective way to advance your education and career. Join a community of forward-thinking educators and transform the future of teaching and learning.
Experiential learning is learning by doing that bridges knowledge and experience through critical reflection. This program offers the following kinds of experiential learning opportunities:
- Test Generative-AI Simulations
- Engage in Design Sprints/ Data Labyrinth/ Hackathons
- Co-create Open Educational Resources
- Collaborate with school and industry partners
Target Audience
- Teachers/instructors with an interest in designing and leading digital learning environments in primary, secondary or post-secondary environments or other work contexts
- Educators and consultants who work with supporting technology use
- School and district leaders
- Professionals in educational development, communications and other fields
A registration package will be sent to new students after they have been admitted. Registration for the summer term will be available in late winter. Fall and Winter registration opens in the spring. Your Graduate Program Administrator will send more information about registration to you.
Fee details are available on the Faculty of Graduate Studies website.
The University of Calgary offers multiple ways to meet the cost of your education. Please refer to the Awards, Scholarships and Bursaries page to learn more about options available to students. For additional information, please contact Student Financial Support.
Please refer to Admission Requirements for Master's Programs.
Program Schedule & Course Descriptions
- Program begins each Summer term (refer to the Academic Schedule for specific dates)
- Outlines are normally available 1-2 weeks prior to the start of term in D2L
- 3 units per course
Term 1 - Summer
Trends in Digital Learning
In this introductory course, students will examine trends in digital learning and high impact practices in digital learning environments. The course is designed to equip master’s level students with an understanding of current and emerging trends in digital learning, helping them to adapt and innovate their educational practices effectively.
Term 2 - Fall
Digital Literacy
This course aims to further develop the skills and knowledge students acquired in the "Trends in Digital Learning" course by focusing on the practical aspects of digital literacy required in modern educational and professional settings. This course is designed to deepen students' understanding of digital technology's role and practical application in education and beyond. The course will cover critical digital skills such as information literacy, digital content creation, data privacy, and cybersecurity. Students will participate in interactive assignments and projects that require them to practice safe, responsible, and effective digital communication and information sourcing.
Term 3 - Winter
Digital Ethics
This course aims to build on the foundational knowledge from "Digital Literacy" by exploring the ethical considerations and challenges posed by digital technologies. It focuses on developing students' ability to critically assess and navigate ethical dilemmas in digital environments, promoting responsible and equitable technology use.
Term 4 - Spring
Action in a Digital Age
This final course in the certificate is designed to consolidate the skills and knowledge acquired in previous courses: Trends in Digital Learning, Digital Literacy, and Digital Ethics, empowering students to implement actionable solutions in digital contexts. The focus is on practical application and real-world impact, transitioning from theory to strategic action in digital environments.
Learning is never complete. Each day, each class, I learn something new from faculty, classmates or the research I do. In my younger years, I did not think that I was capable of reaching this level, but this program made it clear that it was attainable and that the learning is indeed valuable to the work I do.
Marcia Steeves, MEd
Leading & Learning in a Digital Age
Marcia graduated with her MEd in 2023 and is an Academic Integrity and Copyright Officer. Read more about Marcia's journey
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Nicole Neutzling
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Joel Templeman
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Heather van Streun
"I first was introduced to Werklund by a colleague who had rave reviews of the faculty. I chose Werklund because of the variety of programming, the flexibility within the programs, and the affordability."