Online Graduate Certificate in Computational Thinking for Educators
A collaborative certificate between the University of Maine, the University of Maine Farmington, and the University of Southern Maine.
The Graduate Certificate in Computational Thinking for Educators is a 100% online program that prepares educators to integrate computational thinking education strategies into learning environments and understand its cultural and contextual implications.
The program incorporates the International Society of Technology in Education (ISTE) Computational Thinking Competencies standards to engage learners in authentic and active learning.
Program Learning Outcomes
Students will learn how to:
- Improve and expand their practice by understanding the core concepts of computational thinking
- Explore strategies to integrate computational thinking using multiple and effective instructional strategies
- Design, develop, and implement activities to support creative and innovative problem-solving
- Understand the impact of equity and access to computational thinking and computing resources and practices in a global society
Online and Engaged
All programs offered through the collaborative Instructional Technology programs are 100% online. As a faculty team, we have designed the courses to expect a high level of interaction and participation in an ongoing format. Many of our courses utilize synchronous video-conferencing sessions to encourage collaboration, discussion, and peer networking. We value the diverse backgrounds of the students in the program and encourage dynamic discussion and peer feedback from these various perspectives to enrich the learning experience. We expect consistent engagement with current research, course readings, and online materials, and clear communication with the faculty member.
Curriculum
Our curriculum covers the key components of computational thinking by exploring different programming languages and problem-solving processes.
Core Course
The following course is required (3 credits):
- EDT 571: Methods of Integrating Inclusive Computational Thinking (3 credits)
Required Electives
Choose one of the following electives (3 credits)
Electives
Choose two electives (6 credits):
- EDT 572: Programming in Multiple Paradigms (3 credits)
- EDT 573: Introduction to Web Development and Mobile Application Development for Educators (3 credits)
- EDT 574: Computational Thinking in Early Childhood and Elementary (3 credits)
- EDT 575: Integrating Computational Thinking for Middle and High School (3 credits)
- EDT 598: Special Topics (3 credits)*
Students may also request to enroll in up to six graduate-level credits from the Spatial Information Science and Engineering program (SIE courses at the 500-level or above such as SIE 504, SIE 507, SIE 515 or SIE 525). Your advisor can help you choose which electives will best help you meet your goals.
*With permission from the Program Advisor or Program Coordinator
Admissions
We have rolling admissions so you can apply and be accepted into the program in any semester. We recommend speaking with an advisor about program requirements and the admissions process before applying to the program.
Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university
Admissions Materials
The admission evaluation process begins once we’ve received all your application materials. Before you apply, please review the application instructions. When you’re ready to apply, please submit the following:
- An online application
- Current resume or CV
- Official academic transcripts
Note: Students currently enrolled in an M.Ed. program must submit a separate application for a certificate program before 6 credits are completed. An advisor can answer any questions you may have about additional admission requirements for certificate programs.
Contact Us
Have questions about earning your Graduate Certificate in Computational Thinking for Educators online with UMaine? Contact Todd Cooley, UMaineOnline Advisor, at 207.581.3072 or at todd.cooley@maine.edu.
Careers
The Graduate Certificate in Computational Thinking can enhance your career as a:
- Classroom teacher
- Technology Specialist
- Technology Integrator
- Technology Director
- And more
Faculty
Our collaborative model expands access to the best faculty from 3 campuses – the University of Maine, the University of Maine Farmington, and the University of Southern Maine. You’ll learn from faculty who are experienced in using technology to transform learning and are passionate about online education.
Resources for Current Students
- Graduate Catalog
- Bursar’s Office (for Billing Questions)
- Bookstore (to search for textbooks)
