The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of educational technology (EdTech) in the classroom, creating significant changes in how teachers work. The transition back to in-classroom learning has resulted in technology that is now more closely integrated into all aspects of teaching. According to McKinsey & Company, various elements of technology impact student outcomes in education: the type of device, the student’s geography, who is using the technology, the intensity of use and a school’s performance levels.
Educational technology leaders provide the vision for technology usage and implementation. Deciding which hardware and software tools will provide the best experience and return on investment is a key responsibility. Aligning technology with curriculum, student learning goals and assessment requires strong leadership and knowledge.
The online Master of Education in Educational Technology Leadership program from Lamar University trains teachers in learning styles and designing instructional systems and materials to facilitate learning through technology.
What Is Educational Technology Today?
Technology in the classroom has come a long way since the days of overhead projectors and videos as teaching aids. The digital world today is changing fast, and students not only benefit from using technology in the classroom. They are also becoming equipped for success in an increasingly digital society.
Technology provides access to resources well beyond the classroom and school library. It also makes it easier for teachers to provide personalized instruction as students can work at their own pace. Interactive tools increase student engagement while analytics make it easier for teachers to monitor student engagement and proficiency.
The Need for EdTech Leaders
Most teachers are now incorporating technology into their classrooms with varying degrees of success. Technology education leaders can provide the guidance teachers need to use technology to its fullest potential. EdTech leaders must be open-minded and flexible to find uses for technology to enhance teaching and learning, understand different technologies and participate in professional development.
EdTech leaders assist teachers in providing ways to engage students and provide feedback and assessment. Staying current with the latest technological developments allows educational leaders to continuously improve implementation. A Medium article on the subject explains, “The best educational technology leaders are those who recognize that there’s no one true solution; they constantly experiment and implement new ideas while maintaining flexibility about what works for their school or district at different points in time.”
Four Jobs for Educational Technology Leaders
As technology becomes more integrated into all aspects of education, the need for professionals focused entirely on EdTech has grown. Schools and school districts recognize the need for these distinct roles. Obtaining an M.Ed. in Educational Technology equips educators for a variety of jobs, including these four:
- Educational Technologist: According to ZipRecruiter, an educational technologist or e-learning expert provides support and aids with developing, implementing and analyzing new technologies that improve education outcomes. In addition to selecting the appropriate hardware and software, the educational technologist also analyzes the effectiveness of a programs in order to adapt and improve as needed. As of April 2024, the average annual salary for this position is $63,139.
- Instructional Coordinator: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) describes an instructional coordinator as one who develops and implements school curriculums and teaching standards: “They develop instructional material, implement it, and assess its effectiveness.” Instructional coordinators may train and coach teachers. They typically need a master’s degree and related work experience, such as in teaching or school administration. This growing field has a median annual income of $66,490 as of 2022.
- Instructional Technology Specialist: This specialized role primarily helps teachers and professors implement technology in classroom activities, lesson planning and administration. This includes evaluating the effectiveness of instructional programs, implementing software and training teachers and staff in current technology. This can be a short-term or permanent consultancy position, with an average annual salary of $54,633 or $26 per hour.
- Director of Technology: This job title describes two distinct positions. An educational technology director at a school or district determines the technology needs, manages the purchasing of hardware and software and handles vendor management. In a business or corporate setting, the technology director has similar responsibilities but instead of focusing on education, the focus is on enhancing business productivity. The average annual salary for this position in April 2024 is $116,795.
Start Your EdTech Leadership Journey Today
Lamar University offers a top-ranked online graduate education program for those pursuing an M.Ed. in Educational Technology Leadership. This program provides training in designing instructional systems that facilitate learning through technology. Learn strategies and best practices to enhance teaching, promote learning and impact student achievement.
Learn more about Lamar University’s online Master of Education in Educational Technology Leadership program.
