Online educational technology degrees are designed for students who want to assume responsibility for or play integral roles in the technological development and integration of classes, schools, and districts. Students in educational technology degree programs will focus on instructional design, pedagogy, and leadership.
Educational technology degrees are available as education-based degrees or science-based degrees that will overlapping coursework but slightly different areas of focus. Education-based educational technology degrees focus on the practice of education technology, and offer courses in instructional design, technology evaluation, educational theory technology, online teaching, human development, and online learners. Science-based programs will focus more on the research and theories behind educational technology and the development of new education technologies.
While classroom experience may be helpful for a greater understanding of educational technology, it is likely unnecessary for admission or success in the programs.
There are many employment opportunities available to educational technology graduates, depending on where their interests and career goals lie. Graduates could teach in primary, secondary, or post-secondary physical or virtual classrooms; coordinate curriculum or instructional technology for departments, schools, or school districts; or train faculty and staff in the use of educational technology. Graduates could also work for education foundations or in technology consulting, data or policy analysis, or technology management.
As more primary and secondary schools, school districts, and even entire states nationwide embrace educational technology, the need for well-trained professionals in the field is growing. Because technology is only going to become more prominent in K-12 classrooms, and online degrees and virtual schools are only going to become more common—it is important the growth of technology be led by those who can fully grasp the ways in which technology and education can interact.