Instructional Technology Programs

(found programs from 289 schools)

Below is a directory (broken down by state) of all of the Instructional Technology programs we could find, from over 1,700 accredited colleges and universities across the US.

Introduction to Instructional Technology Education Careers

Technology is transforming the way we live and the way American children learn. From email and the Internet to video and audio applications, technology is a part of our everyday lives. To compete in the digital age, U.S. students must be able to use technology to communicate, analyze information, problem-solve and think critically. And, educators must be adept at using technology to improve academic performance. Instructional technology specialists are at the forefront of the push to integrate technology into classrooms. Below is an interview about Instructional Technology education careers with Caleb Clark, Program Director for Marlboro College Graduate School’s educational technology program.

Instructional Technology Education Job Description

Instructional technology specialists work in schools, school districts, and intermediate units to integrate technology into the curriculum and the day-to-day operations of the school. Computers are the first items that come to mind, but ITS professionals work with a wide variety of educational technology such as interactive white boards, multimedia projectors, and design software.

ITS professionals combine exceptional computer skills with strong interpersonal skills to teach students, teachers, and administrators how to use technology effectively. They may conduct technology workshops for staff or assist students in the computer lab. They might work on special technology projects within a school like website design or distance learning programs. ITS professionals also perform many administrative functions such as purchasing educational hardware and software. They do long term planning to assess technology needs, and they keep school personnel, parents and the community informed about their school’s technology program.

Instructional Technology Education Requirements

At a minimum, instructional technology positions require a bachelor’s degree, specialized computer courses, and several years of relevant experience. Most instructional technology specialists hold a master’s degree. Many colleges and universities offer a certificate in instructional technology as part of a master’s program in education. Others allow students with an undergraduate degree to earn an ITS certificate without completing a master’s degree. Either way you should expect to do an internship as part of your training. Some states require instructional technology specialists to hold a teaching certificate; others do not. Check with your state department of education for exact requirements. But keep in mind that classroom teaching experience will make you a more desirable candidate for ITS positions.

Instructional Technology Education Career Outlook

Instructional technology is an emerging field with significant growth potential according to St. Joseph’s University, which offers an ITS certificate. Salaries vary widely depending upon location and experience, but payscale.com reports the average ITS professional earns over $50,000. Long-term earning potentials are even higher for talented ITS professionals who get promoted through the administrative ranks. ITS professionals also will find opportunities in the private sector. Educational software consultants are one example.

Instructional Technology Education Trends

School districts across the country have embraced the power of technology to improve education according to a 2007 study by the U.S. Department of Education. The study reports that local, state and federal governments have invested significant funds over the last decade in initiatives that support the integration of technology in the schools. As a result of these initiatives, the ratio of students to instructional computers has fallen.

Online Instructional Technology Education Programs

With a growing demand for school technology specialists and the integration of technology in the classroom, it's no surprise that online programs in instructional technology have developed to accommodate current and aspiring educators in this field. Online degrees are offered at the bachelor's, master's and doctorate levels, and there are also instructional technology certificates to supplement existing teacher certifications.

Depending on your degree type and the individual school, the structure of the program may vary to some extent, but generally, curriculums are broken into separately evaluated units, culminating in a capstone project and/or internship. Online programs in instructional technology may include courses in using technology in the classroom, instructional management, social and legal issues in technology education, designing interactive e-learning and evaluating educational technology.

The time needed to complete an online degree program depends on how much time the student devotes to the assignments, but typically bachelor's degrees take three to four years to complete. Master's and post-baccalaureate degrees may take 18 months to two years to finish, and a technology certificate can be earned in about the same time.<.p>

Online degree programs are best for students who can work independently with minimal guidance. Those who need the structure and discipline of traditional classes may wish to take on-campus courses instead.

Three potential choices for online programs in instructional technology include Drexel University, Jones International University and Lamar University.

Drexel University offers the instructional technologist specialist certificate, an online program specifically for current teachers who wish to add to their existing credentials. This certificate prepares educators for state certification in instructional technology. Credits may also transfer to Drexel's Master of Science in learning technologies.

The Master of Education degree in K-12 instructional technology offered by Jones International University is designed for people who already have a bachelor's degree in education and are seeking to advance their careers through higher education. This flexible program is aligned with the standards set by the International Society for Technology Education.

Lamar University offers a Master of Education in educational technology leadership. The degree consists of 36 credit hours, in addition to an internship, and can prepare students to become leaders in integrating technology into the classroom. Courses include school law, informational systems management and teaching with technology.

Useful Resources

Featured Online Programs:

Arizona State University (Featured)
Campus Location(s): Mesa, AZ Matching Online Program(s): (for aspiring teachers and current teachers) Graduate Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders

Ashford University (Featured)
Campus Location(s): Clinton, IA Matching Online Program(s): (for aspiring teachers and current teachers) MA/Ed - Distance Learning MA/Ed - Ed Tech Leadership

Drexel University (Featured)
Campus Location(s): Philadelphia, PA Matching Online Program(s): (for current teachers only) Instructional Technology Specialist Certificate

Jones International University (Featured)
Campus Location(s): Centennial, CO Matching Online Program(s): (for current teachers only) M.Ed. in K-12 Instructional Technology: Teacher Licensure

Kaplan University (Featured)

Campus Location(s):: Cedar Falls, IA / Cedar Rapids, IA / Chicago, IL / Council Bluffs, IA / Davenport, IA / Fort Lauderdale, FL / Greenacres, FL / Hagerstown, MD / Lincoln, NE / Mason City, IA / Miami Lakes, FL / New York, NY / Omaha, NE / S Portland, ME / St. Petersburg, FL / Urbandale, IA
Matching Online Program(s):
(for current teachers only): MS in Higher Education - Online College Teaching MSE in Instructional Technology - Adult Learning/Higher Ed MSE in Instructional Technology - Adult Learning/Organizations

Lamar University (Featured)
Campus Location(s): Beaumont, TX Accreditation: NCATE accredited Matching Online Program(s): (for current teachers only) M.Ed. in Educational Technology Leadership

Northcentral University (Featured)
Campus Location(s): Prescott Valley, AZ Matching Online Program(s): (for current teachers only) Master of Education (MEd) Education Technology and E-Learning

Nova Southeastern University (Featured)
Campus Location(s): Fort Lauderdale-Davie, FL / North Miami Beach, FL Matching Online Program(s): (for aspiring teachers and current teachers) Doctor of Philosophy in Computing Technology in Education Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning (M.A.T.L.) - K-12 Technology Integration Master of Science in Information Technology in Education

Post University (Featured)
Campus Location(s): Waterbury, CT Matching Online Program(s): (for current teachers only) Master of Education (M.Ed.) - Instructional Design & Technology

University of Cincinnati (Featured)
Campus Location(s): Cincinnati, OH Accreditation: NCATE accredited Matching Online Program(s): (for current teachers only) MEd - Curriculum & Instruction

University of Massachusetts-Boston (Featured)
Campus Location(s): Boston, MA Matching Online Program(s): (for aspiring teachers and current teachers) Certificate in Instructional Technology Design

University of Massachusetts-Lowell (Featured)
Campus Location(s): Lowell, MA Accreditation: NCATE accredited Matching Online Program(s): (for current teachers only) Instructional Technology for Educators

University of Phoenix (Featured)
Campus Location(s): Multiple Locations Matching Online Program(s): (for current teachers only) Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership / Educational Technology

Walden University (Featured)

Campus Location(s):: Minneapolis, MN
Matching Online Program(s):
(for aspiring teachers and current teachers): B.S. in Instructional Design & Technology - General Ed.S. in Educational Technology Master of Science (M.S.) in Higher Education - Online & Distance Learning Master of Science (M.S.) in Instructional Design and Technology - General Master of Science (M.S.) in Instructional Design and Technology - Online Learning Master of Science (M.S.) in Instructional Design and Technology - Training and Performance Improvement Ph.D. in Education - Educational Technology

Western Governors University (Featured)
Campus Location(s): 100% Online Accreditation: NCATE accredited, TEAC accredited Matching Online Program(s): (for current teachers only) M.Ed. - Instructional Design M.Ed. - Learning and Technology

WGU Indiana (Featured)
Campus Location(s): Indianapolis, IN Accreditation: NCATE accredited Matching Online Program(s): (for current teachers only) M.Ed. - Instructional Design M.Ed. - Learning and Technology

WGU Washington (Featured)
Campus Location(s): Seattle, WA Matching Online Program(s): (for current teachers only) M.Ed. - Instructional Design M.Ed. - Learning and Technology

Show me all the other Instructional Technology Programs in:

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Instructional Technology Programs

Introduction to Instructional Technology Education Careers

Instructional Technology Education Job Description

Instructional Technology Education Requirements

Instructional Technology Education Career Outlook

Instructional Technology Education Trends

Online Instructional Technology Education Programs

Useful Resources

Featured Online Programs:

Arizona State University (Featured)

Ashford University (Featured)

Drexel University (Featured)

Jones International University (Featured)

Kaplan University (Featured)

Lamar University (Featured)

Northcentral University (Featured)

Nova Southeastern University (Featured)

Post University (Featured)

University of Cincinnati (Featured)

University of Massachusetts-Boston (Featured)

University of Massachusetts-Lowell (Featured)

University of Phoenix (Featured)

Walden University (Featured)

Western Governors University (Featured)

WGU Indiana (Featured)

WGU Washington (Featured)

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