Bachelor of Science in Educational Technology
Educational technology is a field of study dedicated to critically looking at how to implement technological resources to facilitate learning. Degree programs in educational technology are becoming more and more prevalent in college and university degree programs. Because more classes are being taught online, educational technology provides the means of creating and implementing a successful online learning environment.
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Training/ Coursework
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Coursework in educational technology often is made up of courses designed to enhance the student's learning experience in an interactive way. Boise State University, for example, offers a graduate certificate in educational technology and the coursework involves, "courses in technology integration into the classroom, web design, flash, theory and skills of multimedia development, program evaluation, web-based video, virtual worlds for learning, instructional design, online teaching, online course design, project-based learning, educational games and simulations, grant writing and much more."
Length of Time for Degree Completion
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Students can complete a bachelor's degree in educational technology in roughly four years, though there are many more master's degrees offered in this field than bachelor's degrees. Degrees at the master's level can be completed in two years.
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Emerging Trends in Educational Technology
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The field of educational technology offers students a way of presenting content in a cutting-edge way that is more interactive than in the past. Because many professors are teaching courses online, the means of developing interactive content for the classroom has become essential. As more and more colleges and universities begin offering online degree programs, there will be a need for the online content to equal what a student can gain in the classroom.
Jobs in Educational Technology
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Besides working in a classroom setting, there is a wide array of possibilities for student's who earns a B.S. in educational technology. Developing social media platforms for colleges and universities is becoming increasingly essential in the 21st century. There is also a need for curriculum overhaul as more and more students expect an interactive, 21st-century learning environment that educational technologists are uniquely suited to developing. Educational technologists can also work in consulting and develop cutting-edge, interactive websites for institutions of higher learning.
Job Outlook
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Hiring in the field of education is expected to grow. For graduates who hope to enter the educational services sector, the job opportunities are projected to steadily increase over the next decade. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, "Greater numbers of children and adults enrolled in all types of schools will generate employment growth in this industry. A large number of retirements will add additional job openings and create good job prospects for many of those seeking work in educational services."
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References
Resources
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