As their job title implies, instructional technology specialists need to be experts in the most modern technology and software applications. Besides an undergraduate degree and continuing education, these professionals also need extensive experience in computer software and may also be required to hold a relevant master's degree.
Overview of Instructional Technology Specialist Jobs
| Required Education | Bachelor's degree in computer-related field |
| Other Requirements | Continuing education to stay current on emerging technologies and software |
| Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)* | 6% (instructional coordinators) |
| Median Salary (2019)* | $66,290 (instructional coordinators) |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Instructional technology specialists develop computer training materials and may assist in teaching others how to use computer applications and related technologies. They may also troubleshoot technical problems and train junior staff members. An entry-level position in this field requires a bachelor's degree in instructional design, telecommunications, computer science or a related field. In addition, since this career focuses on computer-based technologies, an employee in this field will require continuing education to stay current in emerging technologies and software. A person interested in this career field should have experience in a wide variety of computer programs, such as Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop and Blackboard, and programming languages, such as SQL. Someone who enjoys working with computers and has excellent communication and presentation skills may find this to be a rewarding career choice.
Instructional Technology Specialist Job Description
Instructional technology specialists typically work with a team of technical professionals in developing computer training materials. They may assist in teaching computer applications, such as word processing, design and Internet software, and teaching others how to use technologies like blogs and podcasts. In addition to teaching and building instructional handouts, ITSs may troubleshoot technical problems and train junior staff. Other duties may include communicating with vendors, monitoring computer labs and being a liaison between school officials and local governmental offices. Some specialized job titles related to instructional technology include instructional technologist and technology integration specialist. However, the instructional technologist job description and the technology integration specialist job description are similar to the instructional technology specialist job description.
How to Become an Instructional Technology Specialist
This field focuses on computer-based technologies; therefore, it requires continuing education to stay current in emerging technology and software. To enter the field, aspiring instructional technology specialists typically need formal education.
Education Requirements
According to a list of open jobs from CareerBuilder.com, instructional technology specialist positions may require a bachelor's degree with work experience or a master's degree. Relevant bachelor's degree programs are available in instructional design, telecommunications and computer science. Degree paths like this will begin the education process of using computers and other technological devices in the area of education.
A master's degree in education or instruction technology may satisfy some employers' education requirements. This can be achieved at many schools either on campus or online. Obtaining a master's degree can enable aspiring instructional technology specialists the ability to teach students or professionals.
Certification Requirements
Once you complete the required level of education, you will need to become certified as an instructional technology specialist within your state of residence. You should research your state in order to find information for licensing in educational technology or instructional technology. Obtaining the certification will generally require submission of your academic transcripts as well as one or more letters of recommendation. You may also need to pass an exam to qualify for this certification. Once you are certified in your state of practice, you can begin working as an instructional technology specialist.
Technical Skills
While some entry-level ITS positions don't allow for independent teaching opportunities, these professionals should have advanced and extensive experience in a variety of computer programs. Common programs and languages that ITSs should know include Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, Blackboard and SQL. Additionally, these professionals should be familiar with the operation of LCD projectors, Windows and Macintosh operating systems and network servers. Instructional technology specialists must also have excellent communication and presentation skills, basic motor abilities, manual dexterity and the ability to work well with others.
Instructional technology specialists can prepare for their careers by pursuing an undergraduate degree in computer technologies and becoming experienced and comfortable with the most widely used computer programs. This career also requires training, communication, and leadership skills.
Helpful Skills for Instructional Technology Specialists
People working at instructional technology specialist jobs should possess helpful skills that will allow them to succeed at their job. Some of these skills include:
- Knowledge of Technology: Instructional technology specialists should understand how various forms of technology, including word processing software and other types of software commonly used in educational settings, function. This is necessary in order to teach these technologies to students or teachers.
- Effective Communication: In order to effectively teach students, teachers, or other professionals how to use various forms of technology, instructional technology specialists must be able to clearly explain these concepts to others. These skills are also necessary to liaise with technology providers or with government officials.
- Creativity: When troubleshooting technological problems or training others on how to use a form of instructional technology, creativity is often necessary in order to solve problems and work around obstacles that may come up.
- Organization: Instructional technology specialists must be organized in order to manage the complexities of a wide variety of different instructional technologies across many different users in an educational system like a school.
Instructional Technology Specialist Job Outlook and Salary
A bachelor's degree typically grants entry-level access to working in instructional technology. With a master's degree, a prospect can seek employment as a director of information technology, media specialist, instructional designer, education technologist, technology specialist or instructional coordinator. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for instructional coordinators was $66,290 as of May of 2019. Job openings for instructional coordinators are expected to rise by 6% from 2019-2029, due to the demand for quality technical training in the school systems.
The salary for instructional technology specialist jobs can vary by state or city of residence. Here are the salaries for instructional technology specialists in several cities:
| City, State | Median Instructional Technology Specialist Salary |
|---|---|
| New York, NY | $65,632 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $69,178 |
| Chicago, IL | $64,891 |
| Washington, D.C. | $68,091 |
Source: Salary.com
Frequently Asked Questions About Instructional Technology Specialist Jobs
- Where should I look to find instructional technology specialist jobs? The instructional technology specialist job involves managing, diagnosing, and teaching computer applications that are used in an educational setting. Because of this, you can check local schools or universities to see if they are hiring instructional technology specialists.
- What is the difference between an instructional technology specialist and an IT manager? Instructional technology specialists and IT managers both work with computer applications, but instructional technology specialists do so in an educational (school) setting, whereas IT specialists work with information processing or storage software.
- Why do salaries for instructional technology specialist jobs vary by geographical location? The salary varies by city or state to account for the different costs of living in different areas. For instance, some cities have higher housing costs, which would require that instructional technology specialists make more money in order to afford housing.
- What other jobs are similar to instructional technology specialist? Some jobs related to instructional technology specialist may involve computer teacher, software developer, or information technology specialist (IT specialist).
