Making the decision on which type of degree to obtain and where to go to college is often not easy to do. There are usually a good deal of options available, many of which are opportunities for you to find something that suits your needs and career goals. For example, an education technology degree may be something you are interested in because you enjoy working with other people and technology. Take a closer look at what this degree may offer.
What Is an Education Technology Degree?
An education technology degree often helps to prepare students to use technology in the classroom. There are several paths, but often this involves technology integration, assisted instruction, and distance learning skill training. It may also include students who wish to teach technology-based programs to their students.
What Do You Learn in an Education Technology Degree?
An education technology degree usually teaches a range of topics to prepare students to become technology leaders. This may include developing pedagogical skills, exploring various digital technologies, building effective classroom technology programs, and implementing blending learning in the classroom.
How to Choose an Education Technology Degree
As you consider your options in education technology, there are a few decisions many students need to make. Among the things you may wish to consider are the following.
#1: What type of education technology degree concentration are you considering?
While education technology is a course program many students take, there may also be options for students who wish to concentrate in one or several areas. For example, some students may wish to complete a concentration in digital teaching. Other students may wish to focus their education on designing learning environments or integrating technology into classrooms.
When considering a concentration, think about what type of work you would like to do and who you would like to work with on a consistent basis or if you are planning to attend education technology graduate programs. Also, consider the type of work that is interesting to you and that which you do not like.
#2: What does the program offer to you in terms of program outcomes?
Consider what type of outcome the education technology program may be able to offer based on what it prepares students for and if it may help you find a career path in the field. Many programs may allow students to prepare and conduct assessments, coursework, and engage learners in various aspects of technology integration and adaption. This may also include providing professional skills for the environment, such as communication and distance learning skills.
#3: Does the program offer emerging topics?
The technology field changes more often than many others. When choosing an education technology program, then be sure to select one that offers emerging topics and innovative new concepts. This may impact how your education translates into the career field down the road.
Education technology concepts may include topics as far reaching as artificial intelligence, machine learning, privacy and security matters, and cyber security. It also may include new ways of teaching and working with students, especially in a distance learning environment.
#4: What long term goals do you have for your education?
It’s true that you may be able to complete your education program and earn a bachelor’s degree at one school and then transfer to another to complete education technology graduate programs. However, many students like to stay at the same school to complete their education. As a result of that, it may be helpful to consider what type of education technology graduate programs a college or university offers.
Look into both master’s degree and doctoral degree options at the university you plan to attend. What type of program is available? Are there any interesting research studies taking place in that program? This type of information helps you prepare for what is to come in the years to come after you complete your bachelor’s degree.
#5: What are the benefits of one school over the other for you?
Ask yourself a few questions about the options you are considering. For example, does one school offer more funding or scholarship opportunities to you than others? Are you considering a school that is closer to home or one that is further away? If living on campus, what will campus life be like for you?
While these things may not be directly related to the degree you choose, they play a role in how comfortable you may be in college. That may play a role in how well you do when you enroll in that school or program. Learn as much as possible about the school so you may make good decisions for your needs.
#6: Where are the alumni within those programs?
Take the time to ask questions to the school and those leading the education technology program to determine where alumni are working and what type of careers they have. It may be beneficial to learn more about their career paths, such as what type of jobs they took directly out of college. You may also want to find out if the college you are considering offers any internship support.
The more you know about what happens to alumni, such as if they end up in leadership positions if they completed a master’s degree after their bachelor’s, or what type of demand there was for them, the better you could know which school and program may fit your needs.
Determine what you are looking for when completing an education technology bachelor’s degree or graduate degree. Be sure the school you select is one that offers a wide range of tools to help you thrive. That may include working in specific positions that interest you, such as interface and multimedia designer or instructional coordinator. You may want to work in positions such as chief learning officer or performance support specialist. Are these areas where the school’s alumni are working?
Finding Your Way Forward
The more you know about the options available to you in an education technology degree, the better. Spend some time comparing programs and colleges to find the mix of education and experience that fits your specific needs.