EdD Specialization in Learning Technologies
The Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership program with a specialization in Learning Technologies prepares students to lead learning technologies arms of schools, corporations, and other public and private organizations. This educational technology program is ideal for individuals with a high level of comfort and proficiency using technology and social media.
Why Specialize in Learning Technologies?
Students are taught to effectively leverage new and emerging learning technologies to facilitate learning and development in the workplace and school. Embracing the scholar-practitioner model of professional training, this program and specialization emphasizes experiential learning to support the development of agency in our students. Required national and international trips are woven into the program, providing students with access to leading researchers in the field, and a global perspective on technology and learning around the world. This program culminates in a doctoral dissertation.
Learn more about the EdD in Organizational Leadership program →
Curriculum Overview
The EdD in Organizational Leadership program with a specialization in Learning Technologies includes 48 units plus 9 units within your selected specialization. You will experience a curriculum focused on preparing professionals in educational and learning technology with well-rounded and unparalleled leadership theory and practice courses, cutting-edge technology, learning theory and design, and many more subjects.
There is an additional emphasis on hands-on instruction through domestic and international travel experiences. Research design and analysis methods and applications are accomplished through both coursework and a final dissertation.
Learning Technology Courses
| Course Number | Course Title & Description | Units |
|---|---|---|
| EDLT 702 | Futuring: Jobs and Technology of the Future Technology is a ubiquitous part of our everyday lives that mediates the way we work, learn, and function as a society. Already recognized as rapidly changing, technological advances are nevertheless certain to accelerate at rates even faster than in the past, and in ways that will reshape virtually every sector of society, especially including the jobs of the future. This course surveys key technological drivers from a global perspective. The course seeks to help students form understandings of how and why advances are reshaping society and the future of work. In broad terms, it helps students address two questions: How do we prepare the current and future workforce to navigate an unpredictable future that will require continuous learning, adaptation to new technologies, and jobs that do not yet exist replacing those that have been fixtures in society? And what are the moral and ethical dimensions of navigating that future? |
3 |
| EDLT 728 | Games, Simulations, and Virtual Worlds The course examines the affordances and dynamics of games and related simulations, 3D, artificial intelligence, and virtual worlds as places where learning occurs. It explores games from different perspectives such as serious games built to teach, "game mechanics" adapted to educational settings to improve engagement, and the potential of popular games as sources of curricular content. These experiential and playful structures allow students to embed activities in more fully realized contexts for learning and provide opportunities for learner-players to think about choices, take action, and see the impact of their decisions. |
3 |
| EDD 785 | Advances in Theory and Practice Students examine a broad range of advancements in theory and practice in their respective areas of interest. Examples of possible areas may include social innovation and entrepreneurship; school safety; institutional advancement; innovations and future of learning technologies, such as AI, 3D learning and virtual worlds, aerial, cloud, and mobile technologies; financial management of public institutions; open-source electronic platforms; interactive gadgets or media mashups; managing in technological environments; pre-K–12 administration; private and charter school administration; societal factors affecting education and equity; nonprofit management and leadership; mixed-methodology research methods; and other similar topics. Note: Students may not complete the same area of study for credit more than once. |
3 |
Learning Outcomes
Pepperdine School of Education and Psychology is committed to a learner-centered approach in the programs we offer. Graduates of the EdD in Organizational Leadership program with a specialization in Learning Technologies will be expected to achieve the following objectives:
- Design and conduct research, collect and analyze data and report research findings
- Assess needs, develop, deliver and assess learning experiences and apply tools of appropriate technology
- Integrate and synthesize personal, organizational and societal values to advance leadership and change initiatives throughout organizations
- Integrate, synthesize and apply theories and practices that support research and development of National and Global policy
- Investigate, integrate and synthesize the use of technology for learning
Career Opportunities
An EdD in Organizational Leadership with a specialization in Learning Technologies from Pepperdine provides a strong opportunity for employment growth and earning potential. As a graduate, you will be prepared to increase your earning potential and help make a lasting difference in a variety of business and organizational roles.
Technology Leadership Positions
Direction of Innovation
A director of innovation is responsible for furthering the growth of an organization. This can include duties such as advocating for newer learning technologies, fundraising, and maintaining an understanding of key technology trends.
Instructional Coordinator
Instructional coordinators, sometimes referred to as curriculum specialists, are responsible for evaluating the curriculum at a school, and evaluating the success of teaching techniques, specific teachers, monitoring classes, and ensuring that the school is adhering to the curriculum set forth by the school board and state.
Educational/Learning Technologist
Educational technologists are responsible for researching, implementing, and training new technologies within the classroom and administration of the school.
Director of Learning/Training and Development Manager
A director of learning is responsible for the hiring, training, and professional development of an organization's team. This position bridges the gap between the company and employee to help both aspects work together to create a strong harmonious team. This role also places an emphasis on identifying and developing individual potential in employees to strengthen the overall team as a whole. This role may have its own learning and development department at larger companies or be a part of the HR team at smaller organizations.
Educational Software Developer
Educational software developers are responsible for researching and creating new technology software within the classroom and administration of the school with the intention of furthering learning and academic success for students of all ages.
What Our Alumni Are Saying
"Highly consider Pepperdine because you are not going to get this wealth of information, global trips, or the experience of knowing people and creating a family unless you are at Pepperdine."
— Asia Ghazi '21
"The international trip was an incredible experience. I would encourage any prospective student to think about the fact that they would have an entire global opportunity open to them."
—Jeannette Pugh '21
Take the Next Step
Prepare for the leadership career you want with your EdD in Organizational Leadership.
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