The need for a masters degree in educational technology reflects the growing gap between teachers’ understanding of technology and their students’ proficiency with computers. In a world where computers are increasingly more central to students’ lives, teachers need to be able to keep up with technology so that they can tap into its natural ability to motivate young people.

Computers and other modern technology offer many educational opportunities if teachers are prepared to take advantage of them. Therefore a masters in educational technology familiarizes teachers with all of the current advances in the field. As a student in such a program, you will learn how to incorporate computers into your curriculum in order to facilitate learning and motivate students, assist less technologically savvy students, and promote technology as a learning tool. A typical master of educational technology degree will address specific technologies that you can incorporate into lesson plans, such as blogs, podcasts, wikis, and specific applications such as Microsoft Photo Story.

In addition, a masters in educational technology will often teach the skills that teachers need in order to design online courses. This includes instruction in navigating the typical online learning platform, designing interactive courses, communicating with students via class forums and email, and using the Web to enhance a curriculum.

Career Options with a Masters Degree in Educational Technology

A masters degree in educational technology is useful for teachers of any age group, whether in primary and secondary schools or in college. First of all, many students in today’s world are extremely technologically savvy, and computers can be a great motivator for learning. Because this degree teaches you how to incorporate technology into the classroom and curriculum, teaching in a traditional educational environment is a logical career choice for graduates.

A masters in educational technology can also prepare you for a career as an online instructor. Online education has become quite popular in recent years: Students love the convenience of online classes, as they enable them to go to school without having to rearrange a schedule, commute, or spend time in class every week. In addition, homeschool programs for primary and secondary students are also gaining in popularity, as they enable parents more freedom in choosing what their children learn, without being solely responsible for their education. Therefore there are many options for someone with this degree to become an online instructor.

Is a Masters in Educational Technology Right for You?

Whether or not you are already comfortable with modern technology, a master of educational technology can be extremely beneficial to your career. Obviously a teacher who is not entirely comfortable with computers can benefit greatly from this degree, as it gives them more options for motivating their students, as well as the ability to move into a different type of teaching. However, even the technologically savvy teachers can benefit from a masters in educational technology, as the degree analyzes the most current technology and how it can best be utilized in the classroom.