The careers in educational technology are highly diverse and require varying academic credentials. Before you begin planning to further your education in pursuit of educational technology careers, you should carefully consider exactly which type of career is best suited to you. Some might require a stronger background in education, for example, while others might require hands-on tech skills or polished writing skills.
Instructional Coordinator
Instructional coordinators work behind the scenes in school systems to support the work of educators and administrators. They work closely with teachers and administrative professionals to develop, implement and evaluate academic improvement initiatives and professional growth opportunities. In other words, an instructional coordinator may work on learning materials for the school’s students, as well as professional development workshops for the educators.
Increasingly these days, instructional coordinators are focusing on the use of technology within the classroom. They may review new EdTech platforms, devices and tools to determine if they would fill a need within their school or enhance the learning experience and performance of the students. Instructional coordinators can also help the school launch, coordinate and evaluate virtual classes and digitally accessible learning materials.
An instructional coordinator is generally expected to have a strong background in education, such as a master’s degree in education. Some might have a master’s degree in a specific subject area with a concentration in education. In some cases, instructional coordinators are required to hold a teaching license, and many of them work as teachers before becoming instructional coordinators.
EdTech Journalist
Instructional coordinators and other EdTech professionals must stay on top of the latest trends in this ever-evolving subfield. One way they accomplish this is by following the work of EdTech journalists and content writers. If you have strong writing skills, you might want to consider pursuing a career in EdTech journalism.
As an EdTech journalist, you might work for a publication or website dedicated solely to educational technology. Or, you might cover the EdTech section of a broader publication or website. You would be responsible for interviewing experts, checking the facts to ensure accuracy and writing feature stories and breaking news stories.
It’s ideal to have a bachelor’s degree in journalism. You can also benefit from holding a relevant master’s degree, such as a master’s in human factors psychology.
Corporate Trainer
Not all EdTech professionals work in school systems. Continuing education and professional development are crucial for many corporate professionals. It’s the job of the corporate trainer to help employees and executives refresh their skills and acquire new ones.
Corporate trainers can work in practically any industry. They are responsible for evaluating the employees’ training needs, reviewing training materials (including digital materials), developing and implementing training programs and executing corporate workshops, seminars and similar learning initiatives. Corporate trainers often rely on educational technology to help their learners acquire and retain new information, and corporate trainers may also train their learners on the use of emerging technologies.
Distance Education Specialist
A distance education specialist, also known as a distance education coordinator, may work directly for a school system or for a consulting firm that specializes in education clients. They can lend their expertise to K-12 schools or institutes of higher education.
Distance education specialists are responsible for collaborating with educators and academic administrators. They develop, implement and evaluate the school’s virtual learning programs and classes. To facilitate student success, a distance education specialist may do any of the following:
- Review, select and implement a remote learning platform for the school.
- Manage course requests, including creating new course shells for instructors, who can then upload their course materials.
- Train educators and administrators on the proper use of the eLearning platform.
- Develop or recommend eLearning policies and best practices.
- Evaluate remote learning programs, troubleshoot problems and assist users.
Clinical Education Specialist
A clinical education specialist is typically someone with a background as a working healthcare professional, such as a nurse. Healthcare providers with an aptitude for technology and a passion for education may decide to transition to clinical education. They may work for a specific healthcare organization, for a nursing or medical school or for a company that provides clinical education materials.
The specific duties of a clinical education specialist will vary based on their employer. In general, however, they may assess the professional development and continuing education needs of the staff, review and select or create training materials and administer training programs. A clinical education specialist’s goal is to improve patient outcomes by enhancing the knowledge and skills of the medical providers.
