What is EdTech?
Educational Technology, often referred to as "EdTech," is the study and practice of designing effective instruction using technology, media, and learning theory. EdTech is a growing profession with a rich history. "EdTechers" work in K-12 schools, higher education and businesses where they design and produce online classes, tutorials, help centers, and training programs.
In Their Own Words
Alumni and faculty speak about what EdTech is to them.
Foundations of EdTech
Every professional discipline has its fundamental concepts. In EdTech it's called Instructional Systems Design (ISD). ISD has many variations, most of which are offshoots of A.D.D.I.E. which stands for:
- Analyze educational technology challenges to determine the best solutions. Do performance assessments and task analysis. Decide what to build. It could be a paper-based tutorial, web page, website, online class, in-person training, software system, help desk, or mobile support tool.
- Design it. Test rough drafts with actual learners. Make changes.
- Develop it into a working unit. Test it. Get it running smoothly in the system it will be delivered in, such as a website.
- Implement it within the organization. Manage the change it brings. Test it. Institutionalize it. Inculturate it.
- Evaluate its effectiveness. Does it teach what it is supposed to? How do you know?
Theories and Practices
Behaviorism, Cognitivism and Constructivism form the backbone of the learning theories in educational technology. New potential theories are constantly emerging as well, such as Connectivism. See below for videos on these theories.
More Info
- A Short History of Instructional Design
- One definition of Instructional Design
- ADDIE used to make a personal portfolio
- US Government's Educational Technology site
- Interview with program director about what is EdTech on EducationDegrees.com
Our Offerings
Our classes are "blended." They utilize the best aspects of meeting in-person, and online. Classes are held on weekends, every two weeks in Brattleboro, Vermont. Online work is done between face-to-face meeting using our Moodle-powered learning management system.
- Master of Arts in Teaching with Technology (MAT). 30 credits.
- Certificate in Educational Technology. 15 credits.
- Educational Technology Specialist (ETS #42) Endorsement courses for Vermont licsensed teachers. 18 Credits.
- Continuing Education Program (CEP). Take a course!
Questions? please come visit us, email or contact Joe Heslin in admissions: jheslin@marlboro.edu | (888) 258-5665 x209, or the program director, Caleb Clark: cclark@marlboro.edu.
Job Outlook
- Current US "Educational Technology" jobs. From job search engine Indeed.com
- Current US "Instructional Design" jobs. From job search engine Indeed.com
- ASTD's 2010 State of the Industry Report reports that 125.88 billion was spent in 2009 on employee learning, and that corporation's use of elearning is increasing and now accounts for 27.7 percent of corporate training.
- Growth forecast for Technology Coordinators by US Gov.
- Evaluation of Evidence-Based Practices in Online Learning, a 2009 report by the US Dept. of Eduction support for blended learning's effectiveness.
- The US Department of Education's National Educational Technology Plan 2010
Publications
- Principles of Instructional Design. 2004, Gagne.
- e-Learning and the Science of Instruction: Proven Guidelines for Consumers and Designers of Multimedia Learning Instructional Design. 2007, Clark & Mayer
- Beyond the Podium: Delivering Training and Performance to a Digital World. 2001. A. Rossett
- A Handbook of Job Aids, Allison Rossett and Jeannette Gautier-Downes. 1991.
- Campus Technology, Magazine devoted to technology in higher education.
- Journal of Digital Learning in Teacher Education (ISTE)
- Journal of Research on Technology in Education (ISTE)
- T H E Journal. Transforming Education Through Technology.
- Learning & Leading with Technology, ISTE's membership magazine.
- T + D. Training and Development magazine from ASTD
Professional Organizations
National
- International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE)
- The American Society for Training and Development (ASTD)
- Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE)
- Association for Learning Technology (ALT)
Local
- Vermont: VITA-Learn. Runs the two biggest EdTech conferences a year.
- Vermont: SCHOOL-IT Listserve. The main EdTech Listserve for Vermont EdTechers
- Northeast: Northeast Regional Computer Program (NERCOMP)
Example of a Potential New Learning Theory: Connectivism
Here's a short video called “The Networked Student” about Connectivism.
Example Of A Learning Theory: Behaviorism
“Identifying the Japanese Zero” Part I. One of the more famous World War II training films that used Behaviorism and starred Ronald Regan. Try it, you'll be surprised how effective the instruction is.
Part II, “Identifying the Japanese Zero”
EdTech In The News
Other EdTech Programs
- Adelphi University, Long Island, NY: Educational Leadership and Technology
- Columbia University Teachers College: Communication, Computing, and Technology and Education.
- Boston University: Educational Media and Technology
- Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, MA: Instructional Technology, MEd
- Dowling College: Advanced Certificate in Educational Technology Specialist
- Fairleigh Dickinson University: Instructional Technology Specialist FDU Certificate
- Fitchburg State University: Technology Education
- George Washington University: Master of Arts and Graduate Certificates in Educational Technology Leadership (ETL)
- Harvard University: Technology, Innovation, and Education (TIE)
- Institute of Education, London: Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in Education MA
- New Jersey City University: Educational Technology Programs
- New York Institute Of Technology: School of Education Instructional Technology Programs
- New York University: Graduate programs in Educational Communication and Technology
- Pace University, Westchester, NY: Educational Technology Specialist
- Penn State University, online: Masters in Educational Technology
- San Diego State University, In-person and online: Department of Educational Technology
- Seton Hall University: Instructional Design and Technology
- Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY: Advanced Graduate Certificate Program in Educational Computing
- Touro College: Master of Science in Instructional Technology
- University of Vermont (UVM): Educational Technology Specialist Classes
- UMASS Boston, online: Graduate Certificate, Master of Education.
- Western Connecticut State University: See: Master of Science in Education - Option in Instructional Technology (PDF)
Questions? please come visit us, email or contact Joe Heslin in admissions: jheslin@marlboro.edu | (888) 258-5665 x209, or the program director, Caleb Clark: cclark@marlboro.edu.
