DID YOU KNOW? Developments in virtual reality technologies help to expand learning opportunities for disabled persons. Higher education is committed to all kinds of technological innovation[ii].
Earn a Graduate Certificate in Educational Technology Online
Current teachers and professionals seeking a shorter term option to a full graduate degree may appreciate earning an endorsement or graduate certificate in educational technology online. While program lengths and number of credits vary, certificates can take a year to complete full time (which could equal about 18 credits). State Education Boards usually have specific requirements for teaching licenses in terms of what one can teach. In the case of endorsements, these indicate which subject areas one is allowed to teach in a specific state. So, it is recommended that you verify whether an out of state endorsement would be transferable.
Find an Online Masters Educational Technology Program
Do you want to potentially oversee school curriculums and teaching standards or develop instructional materials and products that assist in education?[iii]If so, look into options for online masters in educational technology programs. Each online educational technology degree has unique features. Some degrees focus on cognition in education and how to design instructional online material. Other degrees may focus on how to use educational technology with specific grade levels or how to prepare for a potential career as a technology specialist. Usually earning a master’s in educational technology requires 2 years of full-time study, a thesis or capstone project, and a Bachelor’s degree. However, these are variables and it is preferable to use guidelines from each graduate school.
Find Online Doctorate Programs in Educational Technology
The sophistication of online learning has enabled online doctorate programs in educational technology to flourish. Often this level of study requires advanced and independent research methodology, analytics and topics such as educational policy. Some programs may build on the Master’s degree. Other programs may accept students with a Bachelor’s degree as long as they have specific requisite courses. Program lengths can vary (sometimes 3 to 6 years) between schools. The length of the program often depends on the educational background.
Accreditation
Accreditation is the quality assurance through an outside peer review. Look for an accredited educational technology degree online graduate program and graduate school. There are two types of accreditation – institutional and Professional[iv]. Institutions might maintain accreditation from a regional accreditor. Institutions may also main accreditation from several professional accreditors such as the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.
Educational Technology Degree: Pathway to New and Emerging Options?
One thing is certain – education and technology are partners. And, as telecommunications applications improve, it is giving rise to ‘new and emerging’ specialist occupations such as[v]:
- School diagnosticians
- Distance learning coordinators
- Technology infusion specialists
- Directors of technology
- Technology coordinator
Most employers, especially in public schools, require professionals working in instructional coordination occupations to have a master’s degree.[vi]. So, while a degree is not a guarantee, it may be to take the next academic step and to potentially open yourself to ‘new and emerging’ career paths.
Take the Next Step
Are you interested in potentially boosting your current career? Or, are you initiating a new vocational pathway? No matter your desired path, the time may be favorable to look into educational technology degree online graduate programs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment growth in some of these fields is projected to increase by about 7% from 2014 to 2024[vii]. Start browsing our sponsored listings to find choices. These potential selections could include the following degree types:
- Online Doctor of Education –Learning Analytics in Higher Education
- Online M.A. in Learning Design and Technology
- Online Master of Science in Instructional Design & Technology
Where you can, visit the school site and/or request information from each school. Ask them about their unique curriculum and how they format their online program. Also, be sure to inquire about the deadline date for application submission.
[i] bls.gov/opub/mlr/2004/12/ressum1.pdf |[ii] nea.org/assets/img/PubThoughtAndAction/TAA_95Spr_04.pdf |[iii] bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/instructional-coordinators.htm |[iv] caepnet.org/accreditation/about-accreditation/what-is-accreditation |[v] bls.gov/opub/mlr/2004/12/ressum1.pdf |[vi] bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/instructional-coordinators.htm |[vii] bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/instructional-coordinators.htm
