Educational Technology Online Schools & Colleges

Educational Technology Online Colleges

Most instructional coordinators and instructional technologists hold a master's degree, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Many in these professions actually begin as teachers and then decide to enroll in a traditional or online educational technology program. A master's degree in educational technology might be broad-based, focusing on how to integrate technology across various subject areas in grades K-12, or it might be more focused on how to use technology within a specific student population or subject area. For example, you might work on a Master's of Science degree in Education with a concentration in Adolescent Literacy and Technology in Grades 6-12. While educational technology programs typically award advanced degrees, some traditional and online schools offer bachelor's degrees in instructional design and educational technology. With this degree, you could enter the field as an e-learning instructor, designing and teaching web-based classes. Regardless of whether a program results in a bachelor's or master's degree, the curriculum will likely touch on distance education, Internet-based and multimedia instruction, computer science and the creation of software tools and other applications related to the educational process, according to the College Board. You can also find doctoral level degrees available with many options offered online. Some of these advanced online degrees include the Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership/Educational Technology and the Doctor of Management /Information Systems and Technology.

The BLS predicts strong job growth of 23 percent, 2008-2018, for those working as instructional coordinators and more than 20 percent growth in opportunities for those working as instructional designers and technologists. Instructional coordinators earned mean annual wages of $61,270, according to 2010 BLS data, and were employed by a variety of institutions and organizations, including schools, education support services, museums and the government. Instructional designers and technologists earned mean annual wages of $58,830 and worked predominantly for educational services and the government. Other occupations that could be of interest to those in the field include those for education administrators, human resources specialists or teachers.

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