The instructional technology specialist is a professional who works in collaboration with the students as well as the faculty members to plan, design, and develop instructional content that will be useful in enhancing the performance of the students. The instructional technology specialist responsibilities, thus play a crucial role in ensuring the fact the teachers are able to explain the concepts in a simpler way and also that the students are able to grasp the curriculum in a better way. This, in turn, assures that the students will progress in a much faster way.
Key Responsibilities of an Instructional Technology Specialist
The instructional technology specialist works with a team of teachers and students to train, develop, design, implement, and integrate technology in the curriculum that would eventually lead to developing a better curriculum and help in facilitating better understanding. He/she trains the staff members and conducts various training programs and workshops to guide them on how to make use of the latest technology effectively. He/she constantly researches the market to assist the students in improving their technological skills. Here are some points which will help you to provide a better insight and assist you in understanding the key responsibilities that are carried out by an instructional technology specialist:
In addition to the above responsibilities, the instructional technology specialist should be flexible and ready to adapt and implement the latest research and developmental procedures that will help in empowering the learning experience for the students. He/she may be involved in handling some accounting and administration duties as well. He/she may provide recommendations to improve the learning procedures as well as may make requisitions for recommending better educational software that will eventually help in the growth and development of the students.
He/she advises the faculty members and assists them in developing and designing teaching materials using various educational technologies. He/she assists in evaluation of any new instructional hardware and software. He/she evaluates, analyzes, and researches the emerging technologies, so that it can be implemented and integrated with the current existing technology. He/she keeps a track to ensure the effectiveness of the developed instructional program and records all the data and information related to it in the form of reports. Thus, he/she is engaged in carrying out a wide array of tasks.
Essential Skills
The person working in this position should be able to work independently as well as should be comfortable working in a team environment. He/she should have excellent customer service skills along with good problem solving ability. He/she should be updated with the latest and current developments and should be able to handle multiple projects at a time. Excellent written and verbal communication skills will be helpful, as he/she may need to proofread the content at some point. He/she should be proficient in computers and have exceptional planning, designing, and organization skills. He/she should be able to work under stressful work conditions and complete the assigned work in the given time.
Educational Background
The instructional technology specialist needs to have a combination of education related to writing the content amalgamated with additional computer knowledge. A bachelors or a master's degree in instructional designing, education, along with a demonstrated record showing that the individual has made effective use of technology would be helpful. A teaching experience would prove to be an advantage, especially when you are applying for this post in a school or college. He/she should be well equipped with Microsoft Office, Blackboard, SQL, Adobe Photoshop knowledge and should be acquainted with Windows, Macintosh operating systems, etc.
Work Schedule
The routine work schedule comprises forty to forty five hours per week for any instructional technology specialist working in a college or school. He/she may need to work overtime in case some work needs to be completed on a priority basis.
Salary Details
The salary package for an individual who has just completed his/her education is $38,000. The individuals who have relevant work experience and have the right combination of skills and education can get a salary up to $68,000. The remuneration may differ depending on the location, type, and size of the school, college, or any non profit organization or educational institute he/she is working for.
Career Prospects
As more and more schools and colleges are becoming technologically driven, the demand for hiring instructional technology specialists is rising and is expected to grow in the recent years by about nineteen to twenty percent. There is definitely a huge scope for development which will help you in taking your career to greater heights.
Thus, if you have a passion for teaching and are technology driven, then handling the instructional specialist responsibilities would definitely be much more easier and enjoyable.