What is Instructional Technology?

<h3 id="section---OverviewOfInstructionalTechnology">Overview of Instructional Technology</h3> <p>Instructional technology professionals seek to understand the way people learn in order to design tools and instructional systems tailored to specific learning styles so that teachers can improve how efficiently they instruct their students. Responsibilities of instructional technology professionals include the following: </p> <ul><li> Using technology to develop teaching methods </li><li> Managing projects </li><li> Designing teaching methods around learning theories </li><li> Assessing human characteristics </li><li> Evaluating instructional programs </li></ul><h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutThisField">Important Facts About This Field</h3> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td> Degrees </td><td> Instructional Technology Specialist Graduate Certificate, Master's in Instructional Design and Technology</td></tr> <tr><td>Online Availability </td><td> Both fully online and hybrid programs available</td></tr> <tr><td> Common Courses </td><td> Digital imaging, visual literacy, instructional computing design</td></tr> <tr><td> Possible Careers </td><td> Instructional coordinator, teacher, web designer</td></tr> <tr><td> Median Salary (2021)</td><td> $63,740 (<i>for instructional coordinators</i>)*</td></tr> <tr><td>Job Outlook (2021-2031)</td><td> 7% (<i>for instructional coordinators</i>)*</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---TypesOfInstructionalTechnology">Types of Instructional Technology</h3> <p>Instructional technology encompasses not just computers but also television, movies, chalkboards and dry erase boards. Instructional technology professionals design educational tools like those listed below: </p> <ul><li> Audio and videotapes </li><li> Simulations </li><li> Web-based programs </li><li> Video games </li><li> Print materials </li></ul><h3 id="section---InstructionalTechnologyInBusiness">Instructional Technology in Business</h3> <p>Working in businesses, instructional technology professionals help train and develop employees to become more efficient by using technology. Positions for instructional technology professionals can include those listed below: </p> <ul><li> Education consultant </li><li> Developer </li><li> Training manager </li></ul><h3 id="section---InstructionalTechnologyInEducation">Instructional Technology in Education</h3> <p>Instructional technology professionals can also work in educational institutions to assist teachers with their instructional programs. Support that instructional technology professionals provide can include the following: </p> <ul><li> Instruction in the use of computers in their classrooms </li><li> Design of technology for distance learners </li><li> Education of non-English speaking parents about school lessons and homework</li></ul>