Educational Studies and Digital Technology – Advanced Entry

General information

This fully online program recognizes the growing importance of formal and informal lifelong learning as seen in the expanding professional development needs of post-secondary instructors, as well as similar needs in the corporate, governmental, community-based, and professional workplace environments. As the educational needs of these large institutions and organizations continue to grow outside the traditional university and college-based educational system, and as human resources departments turn their attention to the economic benefits of just-in-time, online learning opportunities, there is an increased need for individuals with the knowledge, competencies, and skills associated with teaching and learning in adult education environments in the digital age. The Faculty of Education’s Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies and Digital Technology (BA in ESDT) intends to prepare a new kind of expert essential to the knowledge-based economy; an expert who possesses both a broad social understanding of either adult or childhood education and the specialized knowledge and competency base in either adult or childhood education with a focus in the use of digital technologies for learning.

All students will be required to complete the program’s core courses for 48 credit hours. Students will also complete 12 credit hours in either the Early Childhood Studies specialization or the Lifelong Learning with Technology specialization.

Note: The Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies and Digital Technology program does not qualify a graduate for membership in the Ontario College of Teachers or to teach in Ontario’s elementary and secondary school systems.

Early Childhood Studies specialization

The Early Childhood Studies specialization prepares an expert with the flexibility to apply innovations in digital technology and inquiry-based learning in working with young children in various educational settings. The specialization emphasizes real-world inquiry/problem-based learning providing the best opportunities to develop job-ready skills in training and instruction using digital technology in early childhood education fields.

Lifelong Learning with Technology specialization

The Lifelong Learning with Technology specialization prepares an expert who possesses both a broad social understanding of lifelong learning and the specialized knowledge and competency base in education in formal and informal spaces with a focus in the use of digital technologies for learning. The key focus of this program is to explore digital lifelong learning and the design of engaging learning spaces.

Admission requirements

Admission is competitive. Regardless of educational background, all applicants to undergraduate programs must have specific prerequisite subject knowledge for their intended program of study. The specific average or standing required for admission will vary from year to year. Students are selected by taking into consideration a wide range of criteria including school marks, distribution of subjects taken, and performance in subjects relevant to the academic program. Preference will be given to applicants with the best qualifications.

The BA in ESDT program is available through advanced entry. The BA in ESDT is currently admitting graduates with an Ontario college diploma or equivalent, with an overall B average or better. These students can receive up to 60 transfer credits toward the degree.

Program details and degree requirements

To be eligible for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Educational Studies and Digital Technology, students must successfully complete a two-year advanced-entry 60 credit hour program, distributed as 10, three-credit courses per year. No electives are offered in this compressed advanced entry program. Part-time studies are also possible in this program. 

Although reasonable efforts will be made to adhere to the following program map, course requirements and term offerings may change.  For the most up-to-date list of course offerings, please visit the faculty website at education.ontariotechu.ca.

Core courses (48 credit hours)

• Year 1

• AEDT 1170U – Psychological Foundations and Digital Technologies
• AEDT 2120U – Culture and Digital Technologies
• AEDT 2150U – Digital Technologies and Advanced Teaching Methods
• AEDT 2160U – Online Learning: Theory and Research
• AEDT 3140U – Creating Digital Tools
• AEDT 4120U – Serious Gaming and Simulations
• EDUC 1312U – Fundamentals of Professional Writing
• EDUC 4703U – Problem and Inquiry Based Learning

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• Year 2

• AEDT 1160U – Digital Communication Technologies
• AEDT 2130U – Graphic Design, Digital Technologies and Learning
• AEDT 3110U – Information Literacy
• AEDT 4200U – Thesis I or
• AEDT 4300U – Engaged Educator Project I
• AEDT 4110U – Assessment for Learning
• AEDT 4130U – Social Justice Issues in Education
• AEDT 4140U – Instructional Design
• AEDT 4201U – Thesis II or
• AEDT 4301U – Engaged Educator Project II

Educational Studies and Digital Technology major with Early Childhood Studies specialization (12 credit hours)

• AEDT 2170U – Designing Inclusive Learning Environments
• AEDT 3160U – Developing Literacy
• AEDT 3170U – Developing Numeracy
• AEDT 4150U – Holistic Learning in Early Childhood

Educational Studies and Digital Technology major with Lifelong Learning with Technology specialization (12 credit hours)

• AEDT 1110U – Foundations of Adult Learning
• AEDT 1120U – Foundations of Digital Teaching and Learning Technologies
• AEDT 3120U – Workplace Learning
• AEDT 3130U – Financial Management of Online Learning