More Information About Instructional Technology

What should I know when considering a degree in Instructional Technology ?

• Experts of instructional technology help education professionals navigate through the many options that can be used in teaching.
• Much like information technology, professionals in instruction technology help people use technology to communicate efficiently.
• Most professionals in this field are veterans from the field of education, who have a master's in instructional technology.

What is instructional technology?

Instructional technology is just what it sounds like technology used to aid instruction. Teachers use education everyday to bring new ideas and knowledge to their students. Technology of the past included an overhead projector, while technology of the present and future include Internet research and PowerPoint presentations. Technology can be a great asset to education, but it can also be a hindrance if someone doesn't know how to use it correctly. This is why some teachers choose to become specialized in the field of instructional technology. Having a strong foundation of knowledge about how technology can help learning is key to keeping up with the increasingly technological world in which we live.

What are the career opportunities for someone specializing in instructional technology?

Professionals who gain expertise in instructional technology help to enhance their own teaching, but also can step in to help many educators step up to current technological trends. Educators who specialize in instructional technology are especially needed in the 21st century, with such an ever changing world of technology being integrated into our lives. Many who become experts in instructional technology are already in the field of education, as teachers or other staff, and they immediately become an integral part of the system with expertise in technology. Skills in this field opens up doors to become a better teacher, and also opens up opportunity for teachers to become trainers of instructional technology. Some who gain expertise in instructional technology end up working in conjunction with the library, or the computer resource room, as an administrator of technology.

What are the qualifications needed for someone wanting to become experts in instructional technology?

Almost all individuals who pursue a degree in instructional technology already have some experience in the education world and many have a bachelor's degree along with a teaching certificate. To become a technology and instruction expert in the field of education, an individual needs to earn a master's in education that specifically concentrates on learning and technology. This degree will help with teaching, but will also open doors to working in a specialized consultation position. A master's degree in education takes anywhere between one to two years to complete.

How much money does someone with a instructional technology degree make?

Since most professionals who earn a masters in education and instructional technology are already in the field, the salary for most are based on a teaching salary. The average teaching salary for a professional with a bachelor's degree ranges between $26,000 and $50,000, depending on experience. Someone with a specialty in instructional technology usually earns an extra $10,000 a year above a teacher with a bachelor's degree.

What are the leading schools offering programs in Instructional Technology ?

• University of Phoenix - Education Founded in 1976, University of Phoenix Online is the largest private university in the United States offering Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate degrees in Education. The University of Phoenix also meets individual requirements set by state education departments which means a degree earned at the University of Phoenix is guaranteed to be honored in all states in the U.S. ( More Info )
• Liberty University Online With more than 40 online degrees offered, Liberty University is a convenient, flexible, and affordable way to earn an accredited degree from a solid, Christian perspective. ( More Info )
• Walden University Walden University, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, offers Ph.D., master's and bachelor's degrees in management and doctoral and master's degrees in psychology, education and health and human services to meet the specific needs of adult learners. Walden University has over 30 years of experience delivering programs from a distance while maintaining its student-centered focus on quality and integrity. ( More Info )
• Western Governors University Western Governors University emphasizes mastery of essential skills and knowledge in your field, basing progress toward your online degree on passing rigorous assessments (such as tests, projects, assignments, etc.) instead of accumulating credit hours. We call it competency-based learning. WGU offers Bachelors and Masters degree programs in Healthcare, Business, MBA, IT and Education. ( More Info )
• Jones International University Founded in 1993, Jones-International University is the first regionally accredited online university providing quality education for busy adults. JIU offers customized degree programs for a Bachelor Degree in Business or an MBA, Masters in Education, and Masters in Business Communication. ( More Info )
• Ashford University (Graduate) Founded in 1918, Ashford University (Graduate) specializes in Teacher Education and Organizational Leadership. Students choose from Master degrees in business, psychology, criminal justice, and teaching. The accelerated classes will offer you a swift path to program completion for a degree in MBA or Master of Arts in Teaching/Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning with Technology. ( More Info )
• Graceland University Founded in 1895, Graceland University is a religiously affiliated school which offers a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. The school offers Nursing and Education degrees in an entirely online format via its Global Campus. The Global campus offers convenience for busy working professionals who want to further their nursing or education careers. ( More Info )
• American InterContinental University Founded in 1970, American InterContinental University (AIU) offers curricula that provide students with career preparation in business, design and media arts, engineering, education, and information technology. AIU is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award Associate, Bachelor's and Master's degrees. ( More Info )
• Full Sail University Founded in 1979, Full Sail University is located in Orlando, though many of its programs are also offered online. Full Sail offers a wide range of programs including Education Media Design & Technology, Entertainment Business and Graphic Design. All of its programs focus on music, film, video games, design, entertainment and animation. Associate's, Bachelor's and Master's degrees are all offered. ( More Info )
• University of Maryland University College Since 1947, University of Maryland University College (UMUC) has pursued one primary mission: to make higher education more accessible, convenient, and rewarding for busy adults. UMUC offers more than 80 online degree and certificate programs, each designed to offer you a challenging educational experience with maximum flexibility. ( More Info )
• Northcentral University Northcentral University is an accredited online university that offers students graduate degrees in programs including business and technology management, education and psychology. ( More Info )
• California University of Pennsylvania Online California University of Pennsylvania Online provides career-oriented online training to those students interested in professional careers in education and legal studies. Bachelor and master degrees are available along with graduate certificates to help students start new careers without disrupting their busy schedules. ( More Info )
• Colorado Christian University Online Founded in 1914, Colorado Christian University is a private, Christian university located a few miles from Denver, Colorado. The school offers a large number of Associate, Bachelor's and Master's degrees online, as well, through the College of Adult and Graduate Studies' Global Online program. All programs allow students to integrate their faith into the knowledge and skills they acquire in the classroom. ( More Info )
• Abilene Christian University Since 1906, Abilene Christian University has provided a four-year private education to students desiring a Christian-based focus. Students have a variety of undergraduate majors to choose from, including healthcare, business, human services, criminal justice, and education. Online education allows busy working adults to take advantage of an ACU education. ( More Info )