Education

Master of Education in Instructional Methods and Education Technology

The Master of Education in Instructional Methods and Education Technology is a postgraduate programme that prepares educators for advanced practice in instructional design, teaching methodology, and educational technology integration. The programme combines pedagogical theory with technology-enhanced learning practice.

Core areas include instructional design, teaching and learning theories, educational technology integration, e-learning design, multimedia for education, assessment with technology, educational research methods, and thesis research. Students engage with both instructional methodology and educational technology applications.

The programme is offered by University of Embu, Maseno University, and Moi University. All are public universities offering the programme over two academic years through full-time and part-time modes.

Students develop competencies in instructional design, technology integration, e-learning development, multimedia content creation, digital assessment, and educational research methods. The programme includes coursework, examinations, practical projects, and thesis research.

University of Embu offers the programme through its School of Education and Social Sciences. Maseno University offers M.Ed. in Educational Technology with a structured curriculum including instructional theory, technology policy, and practical components. Moi University offers the programme through its School of Education. Specific fee figures are not independently verified from official sources for all institutions. Entry requires a Bachelor of Education degree with at least Second Class Honours Upper Division or Lower Division with relevant experience.

Graduates pursue careers as instructional designers, educational technology specialists, e-learning developers, teacher educators, technology integration coaches, and education researchers in schools, universities, and educational organisations.

Skills Required

Instructional Design
Educational Technology Integration
E-Learning Design and Development
Teaching and Learning Theories
Multimedia Content Creation for Education
Digital Assessment Design
Learning Management Systems
Educational Research Methods
Technology-Enhanced Pedagogy
Academic Writing and Thesis Research

Key Subjects

Instructional Design
Educational Technology Integration
Teaching and Learning Theories
E-Learning Design and Development
Multimedia for Education
Digital Assessment Design
Learning Management Systems
Educational Research Methods
Technology-Enhanced Pedagogy
Thesis Research

Certifications

TSC Teacher Registration
ISTE Certification

Specializations

Instructional Design

Focuses on designing effective instruction using systematic models, examining instructional strategies, learning sequences, and pedagogical frameworks for different contexts.

Educational Technology Integration

Examines integrating technology into teaching and learning, covering technology selection, implementation, and evaluating technology impact on learning.

E-Learning Design

Covers designing and developing online and blended learning experiences, including learning management systems, online pedagogy, and digital content creation.

Multimedia for Education

Focuses on creating multimedia educational content, covering video production, interactive media, and digital storytelling for learning.

Digital Assessment

Examines designing and implementing technology-enhanced assessments, covering online assessment tools, e-portfolios, and data-driven assessment.

Mobile Learning

Covers mobile learning design and implementation, examining mobile pedagogy, app-based learning, and leveraging mobile devices for education.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 200,000
Private, up to: Ksh 191,050
Job market: High

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time, Part-time
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 20 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Instructional Design
Educational Technology Integration
Teaching and Learning Theories
E-Learning Design and Development
Multimedia for Education
Digital Assessment Design
Learning Management Systems
Educational Research Methods
Technology-Enhanced Pedagogy
Thesis Research

Modules

12 in the programme

Instructional Theory and Design
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines instructional design models, learning theories, and pedagogical frameworks for designing effective instruction in various educational contexts.
Educational Technology Integration
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers selecting, implementing, and evaluating educational technology tools in teaching and learning, examining technology integration frameworks.
Teaching and Learning Theories
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines cognitive, constructivist, behaviourist, and connectivist learning theories and their application to technology-enhanced instruction.
Educational Research Methods
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers research design, data collection, analysis, and conducting educational technology research, preparing students for their thesis.
E-Learning Design and Development
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers designing and developing online and blended learning experiences, including learning management systems, online pedagogy, and digital content.
Multimedia for Education
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines creating multimedia educational content, covering video production, interactive media, digital storytelling, and visual design for learning.
Digital Assessment Design
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers designing and implementing technology-enhanced assessments, using online assessment tools, e-portfolios, and data-driven assessment.
Learning Management Systems
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines learning management systems, covering LMS selection, course design, implementation, and managing online learning environments.
Technology Policy and Practice in Education
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers educational technology policy, standards, ethics, and managing technology resources in educational institutions.
Educational Technology Practical
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Practical project designing and developing an instructional technology solution for a real educational problem, demonstrating mastery of instructional design and technology integration.
Research Seminar
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Preparation of research proposal, including research design, literature review, methodology, and proposal presentation for thesis development.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research thesis on an instructional methods and educational technology topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Instructional Design
Focuses on designing effective instruction using systematic models, examining instructional strategies, learning sequences, and pedagogical frameworks for different contexts.
Educational Technology Integration
Examines integrating technology into teaching and learning, covering technology selection, implementation, and evaluating technology impact on learning.
E-Learning Design
Covers designing and developing online and blended learning experiences, including learning management systems, online pedagogy, and digital content creation.
Multimedia for Education
Focuses on creating multimedia educational content, covering video production, interactive media, and digital storytelling for learning.
Digital Assessment
Examines designing and implementing technology-enhanced assessments, covering online assessment tools, e-portfolios, and data-driven assessment.
Mobile Learning
Covers mobile learning design and implementation, examining mobile pedagogy, app-based learning, and leveraging mobile devices for education.

A day as a student

A typical day during the M.Ed. (Instructional Methods and Education Technology) programme combines lectures, practical technology sessions, project work, seminars, and independent study. Sessions cover instructional design, technology integration, e-learning, and multimedia creation. Instructional design sessions examine systematic design models, instructional strategies, and pedagogical frameworks for different learning contexts. Technology integration sessions cover selecting, implementing, and evaluating educational technology tools in teaching and learning. E-learning sessions examine designing online and blended learning experiences, including learning management systems and online pedagogy. Multimedia sessions cover creating educational videos, interactive media, and digital content for learning. Assessment sessions examine designing technology-enhanced assessments, using online tools, e-portfolios, and data-driven assessment. Research methods sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering research design, data collection, and analysis. Practical technology sessions provide hands-on experience with educational technology tools, learning management systems, and content creation software. Project work involves designing and developing instructional materials and e-learning modules. Seminars and discussion groups provide opportunities for debating current issues in educational technology and sharing technology integration experiences. Guest lectures from educational technology practitioners and industry experts provide practical insights. The programme culminates in a research thesis on an instructional methods and educational technology topic.

The trade offs

In its favour

Growing demand for educational technology skills as Kenya and global education systems increasingly adopt digital learning.
Programme combines instructional methodology with technology, providing versatile skills applicable across all education levels and subjects.
Diverse career paths including instructional design, e-learning development, technology coaching, and consulting in education and corporate training.
Practical project component provides hands-on experience developing real educational technology solutions.

Against it

Fee data for all three universities not independently verified from official sources, making cost comparison difficult.
Only public universities offer this programme, limiting institutional choice.
Rapidly changing technology landscape requires continuous self-learning beyond the programme curriculum.
Programme may overlap with M.Ed. in Educational Technology and Learning Design and Technology, causing confusion for prospective students.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 243 education courses

Public179k to 200k

179k at University of Embu200k at Maseno University

Private165k to 191k

165k at Kabarak University191k at Africa International University

Annual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.

The fine print

Embu 178.5K/yr (mawese.com). Maseno unverified. Kabarak 165K, AIU 191K/yr.

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. TSC supports teacher professional development. ISTE and other international bodies may provide professional development support. Educational technology is a growing field that may attract funding from technology companies and digital education initiatives.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
TSC Teacher Professional Development
ISTE Professional Development

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate education studies at recognised universities.
TSC Teacher Professional Development
ScholarshipKsh 150,000Kenyan
Teachers Service Commission supports professional development for registered teachers pursuing postgraduate educational technology qualifications.
ISTE Professional Development
GrantKsh 100,000
International Society for Technology in Education supports professional development and certification for educational technology professionals.

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: University of Embu requires a Bachelor of Education degree with Upper Second Class Honours, or a BA/BSc with Upper Second plus a PGDE, or Lower Second with two years of work experience. Maseno University and Moi University have similar requirements. Contact respective universities for specific admission requirements.

How you are assessed

4 components

Coursework and Continuous Assessment
Coursework25% of the mark
Continuous assessment through coursework assignments, technology projects, seminar presentations, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination35% of the mark
Written examinations covering instructional design, educational technology, learning theories, and e-learning design.
Practical Project Assessment
Practical40% of the mark
Practical assessment through technology projects, instructional material development, e-learning module creation, and demonstrating technology integration skills.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on an instructional methods and educational technology topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). University of Embu, Maseno University, and Moi University (all public) offer M.Ed. in Instructional Methods and Educational Technology or Educational Technology. All programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate educational technology training. Graduates are eligible for TSC registration.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. University of Embu, Maseno University, and Moi University (all public) offer M.Ed. in Instructional Methods and Educational Technology or Educational Technology. All programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate educational technology training. Graduates are eligible for TSC registration.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Instructional Designer
High demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Designs instructional materials and learning experiences for schools, universities, and organisations, overseeing instructional design, content development, and learning effectiveness.
Educational Technology Specialist
High demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 450,000
Supports technology integration in educational institutions, overseeing technology selection, teacher training, and evaluating technology impact on learning.
E-Learning Developer
High demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Develops online and blended learning courses, overseeing e-learning design, content creation, and managing online learning platforms.
Teacher Educator
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 450,000
Educates future teachers on instructional methods and technology integration at university or college level.
Technology Integration Coach
Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 400,000
Coaches teachers on technology integration, overseeing professional development, classroom support, and helping teachers use technology effectively.
Education Researcher
Low demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 400,000
Conducts research on educational technology and instructional methods, overseeing research projects, publishing findings, and contributing to knowledge.

Graduate outcomes

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Moodle
SoftwarePrimary
Open-source learning management system widely used in Kenyan and global universities for delivering online and blended learning courses.
Articulate Storyline
Software
E-learning authoring tool for creating interactive online courses, assessments, and multimedia learning content.
Google Workspace for Education
Software
Google's education platform including Classroom, Drive, Docs, and other tools for teaching, learning, and educational collaboration.
SPSS
Software
Statistical analysis software for educational technology research, data analysis, and analysing and interpreting research data for thesis.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Educational technology is just about using computers in class.
The programme covers systematic instructional design, learning theory, e-learning development, multimedia creation, and research, not just basic computer use.
Technology will replace teachers.
The programme focuses on technology as a tool to enhance teaching, requiring skilled educators who can integrate technology effectively into pedagogical practice.
Anyone good with computers can be an educational technology specialist.
Effective educational technology integration requires pedagogical knowledge, instructional design skills, learning theory, and research skills developed through postgraduate study.
This programme is only for IT teachers.
Educational technology skills are valuable for all educators, and the programme is relevant for teachers across all subjects and levels.
Educational technology is a passing trend.
Digital learning is transforming education globally, and the demand for qualified educational technology professionals is growing rapidly in Kenya and internationally.
The programme only covers software tools.
The programme covers instructional design theory, learning theories, technology policy, research methods, and pedagogical frameworks, not just software tools.