Everywhere you look today, classrooms are increasingly filled with technology, and while tablets and computers can help craft excellent instruction, instructors need to understand the benefits and long term effects of these pieces of technology. Michael Orey, instructor in the online Master of Education in Learning Design and Technology degree program focuses his teaching and research on how to use technology to further instruction.

One of Orey’s research areas is computer-mediated communication, so he’s had his students keep reflective blogs for many years. The use of social media tools for collaboration was one of the first ways Orey used digital tools in his research practice.

“I look for students who are creative and fun, true ‘outside the box’ thinkers,” explained Orey. “I want my students to discover what projects and career paths suit the best, and my job is to help guide them and make sure they enjoy whatever they’re doing.”

Orey maintains that he feels more connected with students in his online classes than he did when teaching in person. Watch the video to find out more about his relationships and interactions with students.

Some of the projects his students have been involved in include a project in the Institute of Plant Breeding, Genetics and Genomics, where students created a game to teach players about the history of plant breeding, and a project with Disney’s Club Penguin, where students embedded education into games for kids. Another project involved creating elearning content for Army Critical Grief Therapy Training.

The deadline for spring applications in the online M.Ed. in Learning Design and Technology, Instructional Design and Development degree program is November 15.