A Brief History of the Education Technology Major
As the world becomes a place increasingly reliant on the internet, computers and other forms of technology, these work their way into the educational system as well, becoming an integral part of the learning experience for many students. With a large portion of these new technologies requiring a person to possess a certain skill-set in order to operate them, the education technology degree has evolved as a way of offering these tools to those with an interest in how technology can impact and further education. Students can take courses that teach them how to use the latest in electronic media, from videos, to computer programming to blogging. Often these degree programs equip educational professionals with the skills they need to integrate these technologies into their lesson plans, teach others how to use them effectively, and discover new and creative ways to use technology to make the most of students’ educational experience. Those who graduate will walk away with a degree that can find them solid employment as this field continues to grow.
Delving Into the Education Technology Major
When you are pursuing a degree in education technology, you can anticipate that the coursework for the program will focus on teaching students about a wide variety of technologies but will also help them learn to independently develop lessons and curricula around these new technologies. Students will expand their knowledge of not only hardware and software but the means used to communicate through and with them as well. All students, no matter the level of degree they are pursuing, are going to be ready to tackle any challenge they face in the working world. The courses these students take do a great job in educating them on all areas of this subject, according to the University of Texas at Brownsville. In order to really assist those who are learning now and in years to come, professionals need a specialized skill-set to handle the technology you would work with on a regular basis. When you graduate you will comfortably be able to integrate the latest technology into a less plan. Technology can do so much for the world, but it is not limited by any specific industry. In the case of education, there are so many ways that technology can help students discover and construct innovative ways of aiding future generations.
Degree Levels:
Bachelor’s
With a bachelor’s in education technology, any student can support their community of learners with various forms of technology. You will be prepared to efficiently incorporate technology into any curriculum. Most bachelors’ programs hold a strong importance on research and theory, as well as critical thinking. The education you will acquire can serve you well in the working world, going further than understanding how to implement technology into a classroom or school’s curriculum, but in terms of building up your leadership skills. Inside an ever-changing technological world, it is important to stay informed and with this bachelor’s degree you will cover all the basics of a complex subject.
Master’s
As technology continues to hold a presence in the educational world, the present job outlook remains strong, but if you are looking to secure employment after school, a master’s degree can help you accomplish that goal. With so many career opportunities available to you, it is important to focus your education on one specific area. This is what occurs with many master’s degree programs – they present multiple subjects for students to choose from and then allow you to explore. You will learn progressive methods, tools, and practices preparing you for incorporating your newfound skills to assist learning within the classrooms of any school.
Supplementing Your Education Technology Major
There is no better what to enhance your education than learning more. With some majors you will have the flexibility within your current course load to find room for a minor or concentration that will take you off of the typical track and allow you to take control of what it is you have a passion for. Students that are hungry for knowledge or that have an interest in a subject outside of their specific field, but would love to learn more about said topic have the option of choosing a minor or concentration that will not heavily disrupt or delay their desired graduation time. With education technology, you are dealing with two very diverse subject matters that can lead any individual down a number of careers. Choosing a minor that meets somewhere in the middle can help you work to bridge the gap between what it is you are learning and the skills you continue to practice. Popular options for those enrolled as education technology majors can have more of an educational focus – preparing students to become education coordinators and course developers. For those who enjoy the technical challenge that this major can bring, they may venture down the long road of technology, exploring all that is capable. A minor can show an employer that you were ready and willing to take on the challenge of a heavier course load, and those skills you acquired from which ever concentration or minor you chose to pursue separate you from other well-qualified candidates.
Learn More About the Education Technology Major
- International Society for Technology in Education
- Association for Educational Communications and Technology
- Open Courseware from Utah State University: Instructional Technology & Learning Sciences
The Education Technology Major in the Job Market
With technology continuing to become more established within the world of education, more positions have been created for those who can operate these new waves of technological applications. There is a wide range of career opportunities open to graduates from a program such as education technology – these can range from teaching, curriculum design, and healthcare to research and educational administration, according to the George Washington University. This opens up every student’s career path to fields outside of just education. When you tackle the education technology major, you will graduate and be prepared to work in cutting edge fields like online education where they can design learning tools and teach students of their own through the latest technology. In the coming years students can expect to see a rise in opportunities in this field due both to technological advances and the desire to improve the quality and availability of education on all levels. However some of the present careers students can expect to be eligible for include – course developer, education coordinator, instructional program manager, and technology resource instructor. While all of these career choices fall under the same industry, the duties you will perform vary. Some careers can require you to go beyond just creating new and innovative ways for students to learn through the use of technology, in some cases, depending upon the rest of your education, you may be expected to assemble a strong curriculum based around the program(s) you create. There are also times when you may find yourself in a career that is looking for you to focus even more heavily on the technology aspect as oppose to education, looking for your to dive further into the capabilities of what we have available to us. Regardless the path you choose to take, all education technology majors can take some comfort in knowing that there are going to be multiple job opportunities for them.
Careers I Can Get with This Degree:
