{"id":24941,"date":"2025-06-02T12:05:59","date_gmt":"2025-06-02T12:05:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cehhs.utk.edu\/tpte-dev\/?page_id=24941"},"modified":"2026-06-22T11:28:20","modified_gmt":"2026-06-22T15:28:20","slug":"interdisciplinary-learning-and-teaching-ilt-in-early-childhood-design-and-technology-and-stem-unit","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/cehhs.utk.edu\/tpte\/about-tpte\/interdisciplinary-learning-and-teaching-ilt-in-early-childhood-design-and-technology-and-stem-unit\/","title":{"rendered":"Interdisciplinary Learning and Teaching (ILT) in Early Childhood, Design and Technology, and STEM Unit"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Interdisciplinary Learning and Teaching (ILT) in Early Childhood, Design and Technology, and STEM Unit<\/h1>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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We bring together faculty and programs committed to inclusive, creative, and interdisciplinary approaches to teaching and learning. Our work spans interdisciplinary early childhood education, STEM, learning design and technology, instructional technology, and educational data science. We prepare future educators and researchers to create meaningful learning experiences that connect ideas across fields and communities\u2014offering opportunities to grow, collaborate, and make a lasting impact.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Designing Learning That Transcends Boundaries and Builds Futures<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

 In the ILT Unit, we believe meaningful learning happens when bold ideas are applied in real-world contexts. Our programs support future educators, designers, and researchers in turning theory into practice\u2014whether in classrooms, communities, or digital environments. From interdisciplinary early childhood to educational data science, we prepare you to think critically, work collaboratively, and make a lasting impact.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Innovating Across the Lifespan<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

From early childhood to emerging technologies, our areas of study explore how people learn\u2014and how to design meaningful, inclusive experiences across settings. Whether you are focused on teaching, technology, or data, you will be prepared to lead in today\u2019s learning environments and shape the future of education.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Explore Areas of Study in the ILT Unit<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Computing, AI, and Data in Education<\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Computing, AI, and Data in Education prepares graduate students to work at the intersection of education, data science, and artificial intelligence. This area of study helps students gain knowledge and skills in the ethical practice, analysis, research, and teaching in educational data, AI-powered learning tools, data and computing and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Interdisciplinary<\/strong>
Early Childhood <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The Interdisciplinary Early Childhood area of study prepares students to support young children\u2019s learning and development through inclusive, play-based, and interdisciplinary approaches that build strong foundations for lifelong learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Learning, Design, Technology<\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

This area of study explores how technology and design shape learning in today\u2019s classrooms and communities. With an emphasis on innovation, the program prepares educators and professionals to lead in technology-rich educational settings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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STEM Education<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The STEM Education area of study equips students to engage learners in inquiry-based, meaningful exploration of math and science concepts and the use of educational technology across grade levels and learning environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Collaborate. Create. Lead.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We offer more than just courses\u2014we offer experiences that help you grow as an educator, designer, and thinker. You’ll learn alongside supportive faculty and peers while exploring meaningful, applied work across disciplines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Highlights include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n