The reason for expected growth is the emergence of new technologies and the changing needs of students. The pandemic has changed the education landscape and there is an increasing demand for knowledge and skills. Studying education technology or Edtech can prepare you for a variety of jobs in the education technology field.
Some potentially lucrative jobs include:
- EdTech Technologist or Consultant: An EdTech specialist would typically help schools or educational institutions to implement effective edtech strategies, tools and applications. This could involve providing guidance on which tools and platforms to use, how to integrate tech into the classroom and how to train teachers and staff to use the technology effectively . The average salary for an Educational Technology Specialist is around US$60,392 per year in the United States.
Through a seamless blending of skills and knowledge of educational methods and technological processes and tools, educational technologists develop, test, and implement a variety of tech-based learning tools in schools and classrooms. In addition, educational technologists train teachers in the use of tech tools and how to incorporate them best in their everyday lesson plans and established scholastic curricula.
- Instructional Designer: An Instructional designer creates educational content and resources that use technologies to enhance the learning experience online. This could include the development of courses, interactive multimedia materials or the design of educational games or simulations.
- Educational Technology/Technology Manager : This role oversees the implementation and maintenance of edtech tools and platforms within a school or educational institution. This can involve working with the IT teams, managing hardware and software systems, troubleshooting technical issues, and ensuring the edtech is being used effectively and purposefully.
- Educational App Developer : Educational app technical developers build mobile apps and software for learning and education. Skills in app development, programming languages and knowledge of teaching concepts and learning theories are covered.
- Product Manager for EdTech Companies/Start Ups: EdTech companies are constantly developing and releasing new tools and platforms for the education industry. A manager within this capacity would help develop and launch edtech products, developer partnerships and ensure that they meet the needs of educators and students in enhancing the learning experiences.
Each of these educational technology careers represents a great diversity of interests and passions, all of which are different paths to contributing to education as a collective discipline.
EdTech is maturing and is set to transform the future of how education is resourced, taught, and consumed for both the individual and society. As the use of EdTech grows, there will be new and more opportunities for professionals with a combination of EdTech expertise.
